
OF PROMINENTmp REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 

OF THE COUNTY 

TOGETHER WITH- POFfTRAITS AND BIOGBAPHIES-OF-ALL ■ THE 

CHICAGO: 

QHAPMAN BROS. 



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gHE greatest of English historians, Macaiji-ay, and one of the most brilliant writers of 
the present century, has said : '-The history of a country is best told in a record of tlic 
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the 1'ortuait ano Uiocuaphicai, 
AijiUMof tliis county has been prepared. Instead of going to nuist^' records, and 
taking therefrom dr}' statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our 
corps of writers have gone to tiie people, the men and women who have, bj' their 
enteri)risc and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those 
comprising this great and noble State, and from tiieir lips have the story of their life 
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- 
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the 
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by 
industry and economy have .accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited 
advantiiges for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an 
iulluence extending througiiout tiie length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who 
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and wliose names have 
become famous. It tells of those in everj' w.alk in life who have striven to succeed, and 
records how tiiat success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of man}', very 
many, who, not seeking tlie applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their waj-,'" content 
to Iiave it said of them a-s Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "the}' have done what 
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the 
anvil, the lawyer's oflice and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's 
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how tlwough their efforts the Union was restored and peace 
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not 
be lost upon those who follow after. 

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a s.acred treasure, from tlic fact 
that it contains so much that would never find its w^ay into public records, and which would otherwise be 
in.accessible. Great care h.as been t.aken in tiie compilation of the work and every opportunity possible 
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers Hatter them- 
selves that thej- give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition totlie biograph- 
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the 
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the 
information necessary to compile a sketch, while othei's were indifferent. Occasional!}' some member of 
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such -opposition the support of the interested 
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made 
at their residence or place of business. 

CHAPMAN BROS, 
CincAoo, July, 1891. 




GOVERNORS of MICHIGAN, 



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HE Father of our Country was 
W horn in Westmorland Co., Va., 
''^ Feb. 2 2, 1732. His parents 
were Augustine and Mary 
(Ball) Washington. The family 
to which he belonged has not 
been satisfactorily traced in 
England. His great-grand- 
father, John Washington, em- 
igrated to Virginia about 1657, 
and became a prosperous 
planter. He had two sons, 
Lawrence and John. The 
former married Mildred Warner 
and had three children, John, 
Augustine and Mildred. Augus- 
tine, the father of (ieorge, first 
married Jane Butler, who bore 
him four children, two of whom, 
Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his 
second marriage, George was the 
eldest, the others being Betty, 
Samuel, Joiin Augustine, Charles 
and Mildretl. 
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died 
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his 
eldest son, Lawrence, he be(]ueathed an estate on 
llie Putomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
and to George he left the parental residence. George 
received only such education as the neighborhood 
sciiools afforded, save for a short time after he left 
school, when he received private instruction in 
niathemai'cs. His spclliuii was rather defectiv* 



Remarkable stories are told of his great physica.; 
strength and development at an early age. He was 
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 

AV'hen George was i4years old he had a desire to go to 
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, 
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was 
abandon«d. Two years later he was appointed 
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In 
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier 
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. In 175 r, though only 19 years of 
age, he was api)ointed adjutant with the rank of 
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for 
active service against the French and Indians. Soon 
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother 
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They 
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence 
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter 
who did not long survive him. On her den-:ise the 
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. 

Uix)n the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was 
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- 
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to 
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this 
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- 
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- 
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- 
western Pennsylvania. Tiie distance to be traversed 
was between 500 and 600 miles. \\ inter was at Ivir.d, 
and the journey was to be made wii!iout mi!ii:irv 
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



irip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near 
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- 
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was 
then begun against the French and Indians, in which 
Washington took a most important part. In the 
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
dock's defeat, Washington wks almost the only officer 
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock 
tvere disabled early in the action, and Wasliington 
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
to his brother he says: "1 had four bullets through 
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
unhurt, though death was levelin" my companions 
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was 
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken 
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit 
him. 

After having been five years in the military service, 
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he 
look advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and tlie 
e.<i)ulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
CO resign his commission. Soon after he entered the 
Legislature, where, altliough not a leader, he took an 
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he 
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy 
widow of John Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the port 
if Boston, the ciy went up throughout the provinces 
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." 
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- 
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- 
deljjhia.Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
|)eaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- 
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of 
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the 
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
resixjnsible office was conferred upon Washington, 
who was still a memberof the Congress. He accepted 
it on June 19, but u])on the express condition that he 
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account 
of expenses and expect Congress to pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the 
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country 
were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
him under every possible disadvantage, and while his 
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every 
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in 
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his 



commission as commander-in-chief of the army to 
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
connection with public life. 

h\ February, 1 789, \\'ashington was unanimously 
elected President. In his presidential career he was 
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new 
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the pan 
of other governments ; trials from want of harmony 
between the different sections of our own country; 
trials from the impoverished condition of the country, 
owmg to the war and want of credit; trials from the 
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His 
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and 
wliile perhaps this alone kept our government from 
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to 
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and 
very annoying. 

At the expiration of his first term he was unani- 
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many 
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely 
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 
1797, at the ex[>iraton of his second term as Presi- 
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
his few remaining yeais free from the annoyances of 
public life. Later in the year, however, his reijose 
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. 
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armies. He chose his suli- 
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of tliese preparations 
his life was suddenly cut off. December i 2, he took 
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
ill his throat, produced inflammation, and terminate^ 
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- 
teenth his body was borne wi'h military honors to its 
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to 
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- 
miration. The more we see of the operations of 
our government, and the more deeply we feel the 
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, 
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- 
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
of the glol)e, and which we cannot but believe will 
be as lasting as the existence of man. 

The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect 
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was 
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry'. 
He commanded respect without any appearance o< 
haughtiness, and ever serious without b^ing dull. 



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OHN ADAMS, the second 
rresideiU and the first Vice- 
1'ri.bidcnt of the United States, 
w IS born in Braintree ( now 
Quincy ),Mass., and about ten 
^^ miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
1735 His great-grandfather, Henry 
Adams, emigrated from England 
about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The 
parents of John were John and 
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
father was a farmer of limited 
means, to which he added the bus- 
iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
tion at Harvard College. John 
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
■'school of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
study of law. For this pur[X)se he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He 
had thought seriously of the clerical profession 
but seems to have been turned from this by what he 
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
jils, cf diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' 
of the operations of which he had been a witness in 
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal 
profession, iwssessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
;ive jx)wers. He gradually gained practice, and in 
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, (r7fi5), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- 
tion turned him from law to jxjlitics. He took initial 
steps toward lioldin^, :i town meeting, and the resolu- 



tions he offered on the subject became very populai 
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for 
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- 
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous 
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and 
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- 
islature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegate.^ 
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, 
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself 
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- 
vocated the movement for independence against th? 
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he mcved 
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
should assume the duties of self-government. He 
was a prominent member of the committee of live 
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
Congress in a tiiree days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with th? 
glow of e.xcited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife 
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated 
Ijy the spirit of ])rophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "t'ne 
greatest (juestion was decided that ever was debated 
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil 
be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
July, 1776, will be a memorable eroch in the history 
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary 
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of 
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty 
God. It ought to be solemnized willi jxamp, shows. 



*4 



JOHN ADAMS. 



games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from this 
time forward for ever. You will think me transported 
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of 
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to 
maintain this declaration, and support and defend 
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
rays of Ught and glory. 1 can see that the end is 
wurth more than all the means; and that posterity 
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
ho[ie we shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
ddlegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in 
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money 
from tlie French Government. This was a severe trial 
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- 
posed him to great peril of capture by llie British cruis- 
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was again 
chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
might be found willing to listen to such proiX)sels. He 
sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
Holland, where he negotiated imix)rtant loans and 
formed important commercial treaties. 

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, 
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed 
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- 
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
was advised to goto England to drink the waters of 
Bath. While in England, still drooping anddesiiond- 
ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,he made the trip. 

February 24, 1785, Congress ap]X)inted Mr. Adams 
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face 
to face the King of England, who had so long re- 
garded him as a traitor. As England did not 
condescend to appoint a minister to the United 
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- 
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
Iiis own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, John 
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again 
at the second election of Washington as President, 
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- 
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was 
elected President,though not without much ojiposition. 
Serving in this office four years,he was succeeded by 
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great 



French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, 
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with 
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. 
Mr. Adams felt no symjiathy with the French people 
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their 
jx)wer of self-government, and he utterly abhored the 
class of atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. 
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- 
iginated the alienation between these distinguished 
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- 
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies 
were with England and Jefferson led the other in 
sympathy with France. 

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more 
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the 
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling 
had died away, -and he had Ijegun to receive that just 
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till 
after death. No one could look upon his venerable 
form, and think of what he had done and suffered, 
and how he had given up all the prime and strength 
of his life to the public good, without the deepest 
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar 
good fortune to witness the complete success of the 
institution which he had been so active in creating and 
supporting. In 1824, his cup of hai}piness was filled 
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the higliest 
station in the gift of the people. 

The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half 
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the 
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the 
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is 
well known, on that day two of these finished their 
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkalile as 
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. 
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning 
of the fourth lie found himself too weak to rise from 
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the 
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
dependence FOREVER." Wlien the day was ushered 
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew 
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- 
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." 
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and 
glorious day." The last words he uttered were, 
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- 
signed his spiiit into the hands of his God. 

The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, 
as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres- 
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his 
manners were frequently abnipt and uncourteous. 
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor 
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
the manners and address of Jefferson. 




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THIRD PRESIDENT. 



27 





HOMAS JEFFERSON was 

^^ born April 2, 1743, at Shad- 
^^well, Albermarle county, Va. 
His parents were I'c'.er and 
Jane ( Randolph) JclTorson, 
the lornier a native oi Wales, 
and the latter born in Lon- 
don. To them were born six 
daughters and two sons, of 
whom 'I'homas was the elder. 
When 14 years of age his 
father died. He received a 
most liberal education, hav- 
ing been kei)t diligently at school 
from the time he was five years of 
age. In 1760 he entered William 
end Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion 
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine 
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he 
was earnestly devoted lo his studies, and irreproacha- 
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under 
such influences.that he was not ruined. In the sec- 
ond year of his college course, moved by some un- 
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, 
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen 
hbuvs a day to haid study, allowing himself for ex- 
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- 
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and 
(keek authors he read with facility. A more finished 
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and 



there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a 
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued in the 
[iractice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- 
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a 
lawyer. Hut the times called for greater action. 
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged 
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen 
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow 
Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, Ih.MC 
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
beauty. This s[)ot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new 
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye* 
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon 
became the most distinguished resort in our land. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed uiwn a number of important committees, 
and was chairman of the one apixjinted for the draw- 
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- 
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, 
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. 
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was apiwinted 
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested 
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- 
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made 
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 
4, 1776, What must have been the feelings of that 



28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- 
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of 
America, was also to publish her to the world, free, 
ijoverign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort 
uf the mind of its author exist, that alone would be 
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. 

lu 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry, ^s Governor of Virginia. At one time 
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
Moniicello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five 
minutes elapsed after tlie hurried escape of Mr. Jef- 
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- 
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never 
very good, was much injured by tliis excitement, and 
in the summer of 1782 she died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States 
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State 
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned 
Jan. r, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- 
dent, and four years later was elected President over 
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, 
and George Clinton, Vice President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened tlie 
tranipiility and peace of the Union; this was the con- 
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election 
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled 
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
military expedition into the .Spanish territories on our 
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been 
generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly 
.'^orty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
lic, and all tliat time had been employed in offices of 
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- 
voted the best part of his life to the service of his 
countiy, he now felt desirous of that rest which his 
declining years required, and ujxjn the organization of 
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticelio. 

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and 
nurses,— and remained three and even six months. 
Life at Monticelio, for years, resembled that at a 
fashionable watering-place. 

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 



sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
great preparations were made in every part of th'.' 
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and 
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity 
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer.. 
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- 
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- 
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and 
had been continually increasing, compelled htm to 
decline the invitation. 

On the second of July, the disease under which 
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants, entertained nc 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly 
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next 
dny, which was Monday, he asked of those around 
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was 
the tjiird of July, he expressed the earnest wish tha'. 
he might be permitted to breathe the airof the fiftieth 
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- 
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble 
life ! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - 
the day which his own name and his own act had 
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred s])irit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the scene of liis earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the chamin'onsof 
freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- 
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and 
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a 
century they had labored togetiier for the good of 
the country; and now hand in hand they depart. 
In their lives they had been united in the same great 
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not 
divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became 
white and silvery; his coini>lexion was fair, his fore- 
head broad, and his whole coui^tenance intelligent and 
thoughtful. He jwssessed great fortitude of mind as 
well as personal courage ; and ;.:s command of tem- 
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends 
never recollected to have seen him in a passion. 
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- 
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
sation he was fluent, eloquent and entluisiastic ; and 
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is 
discernable the care with which he formed his style 
upon the best models of antiquity. 



FOURTH PRESIDENT. 



31 



spHQES nj^DISOI]. 





\J AMES MADISON, "Father 
4j of the Constitution," and fourth 
President of the United States, 
was born March 16, 1757, and 
died at his Iioine in \'lri;inia, 
■^ June 28, 1836. Tlic name of 
James Madison is inseparaM) con- 
nected with most of the important 
events in that heroic period of our 
country during which tiie founda- 
tions of this great republic were 
laid. He was the last of the founders 
of the Constitution of llie United 
States to be called to his eternal 
reward. 

The Madison family were among 
the early emigrants to the New World, 
landing u[X)n the shores of the Chesa- 
])eake but 15 years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of 
James Madison was an opulent 
planter, residing \\\io\\ a very fine es- 
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., 
Va. The mansion was situated in 
the midst of scenery highly pictur- 
esque and romantic, on the west side 
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of 
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and 
jwlitical attachment existed between these illustrious 
men, from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted 
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. 
Here he applied himself to study with the most im- 



prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three 
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health tluis became so 
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor 
of constitution. He graduated in 1771, with a feeble 
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning 
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf 
quent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. 
This educational course, the spirit of the times in 
which he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong 
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work ol 
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- 
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a nimd 
singularly free from passion and jirejudice, and with 
almost unequalled i)owers of reasoning, he weighed 
all the arguments for and against revealed religion, 
until his faith became so established as never to 
be shaken. 

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he 
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
frame the constitution of the State. The next year 
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly. 
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and 
consequently lost his election ; but those who had 
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the 
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
and he was appointed to the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison retnained 
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his 



32 



JAMES MADISON. 



Mitellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental 
Conjiress. Here he met the most illustrio'is men in 
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of 
ihe most conspicuous positions among them. 

For three years Mr. iVIadison continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential members. 
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- 
tional government, with no power to form treaties 
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There 
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
the declaration, that an efficient national government 
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of 
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis- 
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss 
this suliject. Five States only were reiiresented. The 
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up 
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for tlie United States, to take the place 
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island 
v?as represented. George Washington was chosen 
president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
tution of the United States was then and there formed. 
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- 
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind 
and the pen of James Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 8r to 79, was 
to be presented to the several States for acceptance. 
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected 
we should be left Ijut a conglomeration of independent 
States, with but little [wwer at home and little respect 
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- 
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United 
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, 
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition 
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
yientatives in the first Congress, and soon became the 
avowed leader of tlie Republican party. While in 
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a 
young widow of remarkable jxiwer of fascination, 
whom he married. She was in person and character 
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied 
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society 
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
Madison. 

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. , 



British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and 
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiiing 
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the 
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood 
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought 
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- 
ance he selects any number whom he may please to 
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the 
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- 
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
battles of England. This right of search and im- 
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce 
the British cabinet to relinquish. 

On the i8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave 
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war 
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter 
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country 
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on tiie 4th 
of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority, 
and entered upon his second term of office, 'iiiis is 
not the place to describe the various adventures of 
this war on the land and on the water. C)ur infan'. 
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
pling with the most formidable power which ever 
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
by the appearance of a British flett, early in February, 
1813, in Chesa|>eake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 
coast of the United States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me 
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- 
ish force of five thousand men landed on tiie banks 
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
peake Bay, and inarched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
burg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
metropolis. The whole populaticn fled from the city. 
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the Wfiite 
House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer to 
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers 
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, 
and he could not go back without danger of being 
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential 
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in 
Washington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on 
Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of 
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- 
tiful home at Montpelier, and there ,yassed the re- 
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the 
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- 
son died July 12, 1S49. 




^^^^^^o-x^ 7 /^<^^:^^>^^ C7-^_ 



FIFTH PRESIDENT. 



35 




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AMES MONROE, the fifili 
Presidentof The United States, 
was born in Westmoreland Co., 
Va., April f8, 1758. His early 
life was passed at the place of 
nativity. His ancestors had for 
niany years resided in the prov- 
11 e in which he was born. When, 
:_;^ I It 17 years of age, in tlie process 
i/A/fw of completing his education at 
William and Mary College, the Co- 
lonial Congress assembled at Phila- 
deli)hia to deliberate upon the un- 
just and manifold oppressions of 
Cireat Britian, declared the separa- 
tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
gated the Declaration of Inde])en- 
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly 
probable that he would have been one of the signers 
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left 
school and enlisted among the patriots. 

He joined the army when everything looked hojie- 
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased 
from day to day. The invading armies came [wuring 
in ; and the tones not only favored the cause of the 
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
tsnding with an enemy whom they had been taught 
to deem invincible. 'l"o such brave spirits as James 
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their 
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
ranks, and esixjused the cause of his injured country, 
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife 



for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- 
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and Whitt 
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it llec' 
before its foes through New Jersey. In four montlis 
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of 
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
ing upon tlie enemy he received a wound in the left 
shoulder. 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- 
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered 
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, 
receded from the line of jiromotion, by becoming an 
officer in tlie staff of Ixird Sterling. During the cam- 
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy 
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued 
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his 
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a 
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed 
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. U[)on 
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that peiiod Governor, and pursued, with considerable 
ardor, the study cf common law. He did not, however, 
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun 
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 

In 17S2, he was elected from King George county, 
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by tha». 
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive 
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence 
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having 
at this early period displayed some of that ability 
and a[)titutle for legislation, wiiich were afterwards 
employed with unremittirg energy for the public good, 



36 



JAMES MONROE. 



he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of 
ihe Congress of the United States. 
Deeplyas Mr. Moiiroefelt the imperfections of the old 
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, 
Thinking, with many others of the Republican [larty, 
'.hat it gave too much power to the Central Government, 
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- 
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm 
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition 
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member 
of the United States Senate; which office he held for 
four years. Every month the line of distinction be- 
tween the two great parties which divided the nation, 
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more 
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- 
arated them were, that the Republican party was in 
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
Central Government as little power, and the State 
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would 
warrant. The Federalists sympatiiized with England, 
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could possibly 
authorize. 

The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
building up this majestic nation, which is destined 
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- 
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the 
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- 
nounced as almost a demon. 

Washington was then President. England had es- 
poused the cause of the Bourbons against tlie princi- 
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- 
tween these contending powers. France had helped 
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms 
of Europe were now coml)ined to prevent the French 
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse 
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more 
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- 
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in 
magnanimity. 

Washington, who could appreciate such a character, 
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister 
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention 
in Fr£ince with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 



Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- 
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the 
office for three yeais. He was again sent to France to 
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining 
the vast territory then known as the Province of 
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- 
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc- 
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen 
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and 
district of Louisiana were added to the United States. 
This was probably tlie largest transfer of real estate 
which was ever made in all the history of the world. 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- 
tain from that country some recognition of our 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those 
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- 
land was unrelenting. He agam returned to Eng- 
land on the same mission, but could receive no 
redress. He returned to his home and was again 
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned 
to accept the position of Secretary of State under 
Madison. While in this office war with England was 
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and dating 
these trying times, the duties of the War Departmeni 
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- 
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient 
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of 
[jcace he resigned the Department of War, but con- 
tinued in tlie office of Secretary of State until the ex- 
piration of Mr, Madison's adminstration. At the elec 
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had 
been chosen President with but little opposition, and 
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years 
later he was elected for a second term. 

Among the important measures of liis Presidency 
were the cession of Florida to the LInited States; the 
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.' 

This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe 
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that 
time the United States had recognized the independ- 
ence of the South American states, and did not \\ish 
to have European powers longer attempting to sub- 
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine 
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt 
on the part of European powers to extend their sys- 
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous 
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not 
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing 
or controlling American governments or provinces in 
any other light than as a manifestation by European, 
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United 
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course 
of foreign governments, and has become the approved 
sentiment of the United States. 

At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired 
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, 
when he went to New York to live with his son-in- 
law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831 



S/X TH PRESIDENT. 



39 











(~»HN OUINCY ADAMS, the 
ixlli President of the United 
'Slates, was boni in the rural 
home of his honored father, 
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass., 
on the iith cf July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted 
worth, watched over his childhood 
during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but 
eight years of age, he stood with 
his mother on an eminence, listen- 
ing to the booming of the great bat- 
tle on Bunket s Hill, and gazing on 
upon the smoke and flames billow- 
ing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When l)ut eleven years old he 
took a tearful adieu of liis mother, 
to sail with his fatner for Europe, 
through a fleet ol hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paiis, where 
his fatlier was associated with Franklin and Lee as 
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted 
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received 
from them flattering marks of attention. 

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
cour.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
]ol.n Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
applied himself with great diligence, for six months, 
to .:;tudy; then accom pained his father to Holland, 
where he entered, first a school in .\msterdam, then 
the I'niversity at Leyden. Aliout a year from this 
time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen 
yea's of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. 

In this school of incessant lalxjr and of enobling 
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the 
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed 
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, 



in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father I.- 
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
with tlie most distinguished men on tlie Continent 
examining arciiitectural remains, galleries of paintings 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again 
became associated with the most illustrious men of 
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal 
themes which can engross the human mind. Afte" 
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, ana 
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, 
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young 
man of eighteen, v. lio had seen much of the world, 
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
residence with his father in London, under such cir- 
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive 
Init with judgment very rare in one of his age, he ])re- 
ferred to return to .America to com|)lele his education 
in an American college. He wished then to study 
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be 
able to obtain an independent support. 

Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty 
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- 
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
[lointed by Washington, resident minister at the 
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached 
London in Octol)er, where he was immediately admit- 
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney 
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with 
Gieat Brilian. After thus spending a fortnight i. 
London, he proceeded to the Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal a.^ 
minister jileniixjtentiary. On his way to Portugal 
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches 
directing him to the court of Beiiin, but recpiestirg 
him to remain in London until he should receive his 
instructions. A\'hile waiting he was married to a; 
American lady to whom he had been previously en- 
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter 
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in london; 
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom- 
lilishment which eminently fitted her to move in tii« 
elevated sphere for which she wi»« c'«s'voe'l- 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- 
filled all the purjxjses of his mission, he solicited his 
recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
Ihe Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his 
ability and his experience, placed him immediately 
among the most prominent and influential members 
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- 
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- 
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- 
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more 
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon 
these points, and no one more resolved to present 
a firm resistance. 

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jeflerson in the Pres- 
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- 
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked 
at Boston, in August, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- 
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and 
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the 
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to 
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he 
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and 
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a 
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. 
All through life the Bible constituted an important 
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five 
chapters every day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the 
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. 
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
sailed in June, 1819, forthe United States. On the 
1 8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary 
of State. 

Some time before '.he close of Mr. Monroe's second 
term of oflice, new candidates began to be presented 
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought 
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. 
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and 
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- 
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; 
William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- 
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the 
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr. 
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and 
he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 
;ombined in a venomous and persistent assault upon 
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 
*fee past history of our country than the abuse which 



was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
try, than that of John Quincy Adams ; and never, per- 
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
lously and outrageously assailed. 

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in 
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, 
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his 
own fire and applying himself to work in his Ubraiy 
often long before dawn. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew 
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- 
dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
Ix)rtentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to 
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- 
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re- 
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was 
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- 
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to 
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
" the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in 
the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
the first in his [ilace in the morning, and the last to 
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The 
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against 
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime 
in Its moral daring and Ireroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
with expulsion from the House, with assassination . 
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final 
triumph was complete. 

It has been said of President Adams, that when his 
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of 
fourscore years, yielding to the simi)le faith of a little 
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before 
he slept, the prajer which his mother taught him in 
his infant years. 

On the 2ist of February, 1848, he rose on the floor 
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the 
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by jiaraly- 
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. 
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- 
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and 
said " This is ihe end of earth ;"then after a moment's 
pause he added, ^\T am content" These were the 
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent." 



SE VENTH PRESIDENT. 



*S 







->£ac£/©#§-~e,ifl_t»» 



-vuie^/S^—s^^^ss' 








NDREW JACKSON, the 
seventh President of the 
' United States, was liorii in 
Waxhaw settlement, N. C, 
March 15, 1767, a few days 
after his father's death. His 
parents were poor emigrants 
from Ireland, and took up 
their abode in Waxhaw set- 
tlement, where they lived in 
deepest ixsverty. 
Andrew, or Andy, as he was 
universally called, grew up a very 
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form un- 
gainly; and there was but very 
little in his character, made visible, which was at- 
tractive. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am 
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
the dauntless boy. 

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate 
dIow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. 
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- 
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other ujxjn the 
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert 
with the same demand. He also refused, and re- 
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which ([uite 
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused 
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 
were finally stricken with the small-jxax. Their 
mother was successful it. obtaining their exchange. 



and took her sick boys home. After a long illnosc 
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon 
left him entirely friendless. 

Andrew supiwrted himself in various ways, s i;ha3 
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and 
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he 
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the 
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was ai)i>ointed 
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of 
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved 
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of 
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, 
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
witfi the Sharp Knife. 

In 1 79 1, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
supposed herself divorced from her former husband. 
Creat was the surprise of both parties, two years later, 
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been 
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage 
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- 
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. 
Jackson into disfavor. 

During these years he worked hard at his profes- 
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, 
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- 
ially disgraceful. 

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then 
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the 
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- 
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven 
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. 
The new State was entitled to but one member in 
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack-^ 
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 



44 



ANDRE IV JACKSON. 



sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose 
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his 
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a 
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson 
did not approve of the address, and was one of the 
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to 
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been 
" wise, firm and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
of his State, which position he held fjr six years. 

When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was 
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who 
would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
ferred ujwn him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson 
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred 
volunteers. His offer was accei^ted, and the troops 
were assembled at Nashville. 

As the British were hourly expected to make an at- 
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was 
in command, he was ordered to descend the river 
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The 
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev - 
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
She men were ordered back to their homes. But the 
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
golden opinions; and he became the most popular 
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his 
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. 
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, 
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
lingering ui«n a bed of suffering news came that the 
Indians, who had comljined under Tecumseh from 
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- 
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- 
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with 
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in 
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- 
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on 
one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the cen- 
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. 
With an army of two thovisand men. Gen. Jackson 
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or 
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend 



of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of 
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow 
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- 
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- 
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When 
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- 
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- 
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was 
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the 
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as 
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- 
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The 
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold 
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter, 
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. 

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the 
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will 
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian 
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he 
was ap|)ointed major-general. 

Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
men, on a rushing march. Gen. Jackson came to 
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed 
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, 
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious 
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length 
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little 
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, 
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won 
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his 
troops, which numbered about four thousand men, 
won a signal victory over the British army of about 
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the 
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- 
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, 
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, 
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected 
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he 
assumed the reins of the government, he met with 
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of 
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has 
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of 
her death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most memorable 
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, 
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter 
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his 
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- 
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. 




^ 7 ^/Z^^ ^-Z^J U<^€^z.^ 



EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 




1^ 







ARTIN VAN BUREN, the 
cii^hth President of the 
United States, was born at 
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 
1782. He died at the same 
[ilace, July 24, 1862. His 
body rests in the cemetery 
at Kinderhook. Above it is 
I plain granite shaft fifteen feet 
high, bearing a simple inscription 
about halt way up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered 
or unbounded by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren 
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged 
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in 
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those 
incidents which give zest to biography. His an- 
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, 
and were among tiie earliest emigrants from Holland 
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary piety. 

.-fe was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the 
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies 
in his native village, and commenced the study of 
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven 
years of study in a law-office were reipiired of him 
Vjefore he could be admitted to the bar. Insjnred with 
d. lofty ambition, and conscious of his ])Owers, he pur- 
sued his studies witii indefatigable industry. After 
s^iending si.\ years in an office in his native village. 



he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted hi> 
studies for the seventh year. 

In 1S03, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years ot 
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- 
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and 
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van 
Buren was from the beginning a ix)litician. He h.-.d, 
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the 
many discussions which had been carried on in his 
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with 
Jefl'erson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused I he 
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed- 
eral party held the supremacy both in his town 
and State. 

His success and increasing ruputation led him 
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, tlu 
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years 
constantly gaining strength by contending in tlu- 
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned 
the bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- 
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over 
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
In t8i2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to 
the State Senate, and cave his strenuous KU[)ix)rt to 
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- 
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved 
to Albany, the capital of the State. 

'iVhile he was acknowledged as one of the most 
piominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 



48 



MARTIN VAN BUHEN. 



the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that " universal suffrage" which admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of 
governing the State. In true consistency with his 
democratic principles, he contended that, while the 
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open 
to every man without distinction, no one should be 
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue 
and some property interests in the welfare of the 
State. 

In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
native State. His course in this convention secured 
the approval of men of all parties. No one could 
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the 
interests of all classes in the community. In the 
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a 
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. 
In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to 
ihe Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the 
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof 
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United 
States contributed so much towards ejecting John O. 
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in il 
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether 
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- 
garded throughout the United States as one of the 
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. 
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how 
to touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all 
the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to 
organize a political army which would, secretly and 
ste.-^Uhily accomplish the most gigantic results. By 
these lowers it is said that he outv/itted Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results wliich 
few thought then could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he 
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This 
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately 
appointed Minister to England, where he went the 
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned 



home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice 
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election 
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and 
fiowns for none, he took his place at the head of that 
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination 
as ambassador. 

His rejection- by the Senate roused all the zeal of 
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- 
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, 
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu 
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- 
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. 
Jackson as President of the United States. He was 
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the 
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the 
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van 
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. 
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred 
upon him the power to appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting events. 
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in ■ 
volve this country in war witli England, the agitation 
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- 
cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- 
tributed to the management of the Democratic party, 
and brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re election. 

With the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly uiion his estate until 
liis death. 

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
jjatriotism, and the distinguished positions which he 
had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, 
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics 
of the country. From this time until his death, on 
the 24th of July, r862, at the age of eighty years, he 
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of 
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old 
age, probably far more happiness than he had befort; 
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life- 




/cT. /^ y/<^yiA^ 



"H-^ 



NIJSTTH PRESIDENT. 



J< 




ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 

SOM, the ninth President of 
the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harri- 
son, was in comparatively op- 
ulent circumstances, and was 
one of the most distinguished 
men of his day. He was an 
intimate friend of George 
Washington, w as early elected 
a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was conspicuous 
among the patriots of Virginia in 
resisting the encroachments of the 
British crown. In the celebrated 
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
rison and John Hancock were 
both candidates for the office of 
speaker. 

fMr Harrison was subsequently 
chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
was twice re-elected. His son, 
i William Henry, of course enjoyed 

in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
ing received a thorough common-school education, he 
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated 
with honor soon after the death of his father. He 
ciien repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under 
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
«obert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Jl>on the outl)reak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
withstanding the 'emonsttances of his friends, he 
ai)andoPfd his medical studies and tnteretl the army, 
.laving obtained \ commission of Ensign from Presi- 



dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. 
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank 
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
death he resigned his commission. He was then a))- 
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This 
Territory was then entitled to but one member in 
Congress and Caiit. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
[xjsition. 

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory 
was divided by Congress into two portions. The 
eastern [X)rtion, comprising the region now embraced 
in the State of Ohio, was called '" The Territory 
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which 
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil . 
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap 
iwinted by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of 
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over ahnost as 
extensive a realm as any sovereign uixjn the globe. He 
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now 
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and 
fidelity with which he discharged these rcsiionsible 
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
times apjxiinted to tliis office — first by John .Adams, 
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
dent Madison. 

When he began his adminstration there were but 
three white settlementsin that almost boundless region, 
nofr crowded with cities and resotinding with all the 
tumult of wealth and traffic. Oneof thesesettlements 
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at 
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the tliiid a French 
settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrisoi. 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indian.^. Abou- 



5* 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers, 
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. Or.e of 
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching 
Panther;" the other, Olhwacheca, or " The Prophet." 
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man 
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he night 
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, 
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred 
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- 
grounds of his fathers. His brother, tlie Prophet, was 
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored 
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which 
they dwelt. 

But the Prophet was not merely anorator: he was, 
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested 
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a 
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter 
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went 
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent 
by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate 
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- 
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. 
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When 
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
tlieir appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was 
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a 
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- 
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with 
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- 
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- 
campment, he took every precaution against surprise. 
His troops were jwsted in a hollow square, and slept 
upon their arms. 

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for 
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his 
loaded musket liy his side, and his bayonet fixed. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in 
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It 
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
t!ie darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- 
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
tlie desperation wliich superstition and passion most 
liighly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply provided 
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
jus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a 
sjjeedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's 
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them 
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous 
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- 
fore them, and completely routing the foe. 



Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can- 
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but 
with their savage allies, rusliing like wolves I'rom the 
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier 
was plunged into a state of consternation which even 
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. 
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the 
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- 
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made 
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. 
Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison 
was appointed liy President Madison commander-in- 
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake 
Detroit, and to protect tlie frontiers. 

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation 
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but 
General Harrison was found equal to the position, 
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re- 
sponsibilities. 

He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing 
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while 
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
laslied over his saddle. Tliirty-five Britisli officers, 
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. 
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted 
before the fire, without bread or salt. 

In 1 81 6, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of 
the National House of Representatives, to represent 
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an 
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with 
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested 
the attention of all the members. 

In i8ig, Harrison was elected to tlie Senate of 
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of tlie presidential electors 
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The 
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. 

In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him 
forward as a candidate for the Presidency againsi 
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his 
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated 
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency. 
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave 
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
his triumph was signal. 

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster 
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most 
brilliant with which any President had ever been 
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- 
istration more flattering, or tlie hopes of the country 
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
ness, died on the 4th of April; just one month after 
his inauguration as President of the United States. 





'"hO^ 




TENTH PRF.SIDENT. 



55 





OHN TYLER, the tenth 
I'residentof the United States. 
He was born in Charles-city 
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
was the favored child of af- 
fluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of 
twelve, John entered William 
and Mary College and grad- 
uated with much honor when 
but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted him- 
self with great assiduity to the 
study of law, partly with his 
father and partly with Edmund 
Randolph, one of the most distin- 
guished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, ne 
commenced the practice of law. 
His success was rapid and aston- 
ishing. It is said that three 
months had not elapsed ere there 
was scarcely a case on the dock- 
et of the court in which he was 
not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he 
was almost unanimously e'ected to a seat in the State 
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he 
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the 
unanimous vote or his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 
ably with the Democratic I'arty, opposing a national 
bank, internal improvements by the General <^»ove'-n- 



ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg a strict con* 
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful 
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress 
were so arduous that before the close of his second 
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his 
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
in promoting public works of great utility. With a 
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
by a very large majority of votes, Governor of his 
native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
cessful one. His {Xjpularity secured his re-election. 

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
United States. A ix)rtion of the Democratic party 
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, 
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient 
l)0|)ularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
Roanoke. Mr. Tjler was the victor. 

In accordance with his professions, upon taking his 
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- 
tion. He opjXDsed the tariff; he sjxjke against and 
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- 
uously op]X)sed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- 
ing all projects of internal imi)rovements by the Gen- 
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. 
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. 
Jackson, by his opjiosition to the nullifiers, had 
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. 
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record 
in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of 
l;is profession. There was a :pl:t i'l the Deiv.ocraiii- 



JOHN TYLER. 



party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- 
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered comph- 
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of 
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- 
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was 
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- 
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
for the better education of his children ; and he again 
look his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

Hy the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
7839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of 
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- 
thy with the Whig party in the Noith : but the Vice 
President has but very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
Democratic Vice President were chosen. 

In T841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States. In one short month from 
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
thus .cund himself, to his own surprise and that of 
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential 
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our 
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our 
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler 
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the 
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
office. He was i^laced in a position of exceeding 
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been 
ojiposed to the main principles of the party which had 
brought him into power. He had ever been a con- 
sistent, honc;t man, with an unblemished record. 
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should 
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- 
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own.'' or, 
on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those 
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a 
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the 
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
his veto. He «uggested, however, that he -.vould 



approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he 
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and 
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. 
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back 
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. 
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- 
dent into their arms. The party which elected him 
denounced him jjitterly. All the members of his 
cabinet, e.xcepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
meeting and issued an address to the people of the 
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance 
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at 
an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabmet of distinguished Whigs and 
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, 
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus 
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The 
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs 
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, 
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his 
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, 
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. 
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
harassments of office, tothe regret of neitherpnrty, and 
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife, 
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; 
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married, 
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of 
many personal and intellectual accom[)hshments. 

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly 
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- 
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in 
his manners, richly furnished with niformation from 
books and experience in the world, and jx)ssessing 
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was 
the scene of unnsual attractions. With sufficient 
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he 
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
storms of civil war which his own principles and 
jxilicy had helped to introduce. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State., 
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- 
houn had inaugurated. President Tyler renounced his 
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- 
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; 
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, b^ 
force of arms, the Government over which he had 
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. 



RLE VENTH PRESIDENT. 



59 




JAMES Hi. FDl.aL 








AMES K. POLK, the eleventh 
^' fLl'resident of the United States, 

?was born in Mecklcnbnrg Co., 
N. C, Nov. 2, 1795. His par- 
H~^ y^>> "^"'^ v/ere Samuel and Jane 
Fil's^i/ (Kno.\) Polk, the former a son 

.,«-'„ , <n ^^j- Qj^j Thomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the 
first pioneers, in 1735. 

In the year 1006, with his wife 
and children, and soon after fol- 
lowed by most of the members of 
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- 
grated some two or three hundred 
miles farther west, to the- rich valley 
of the Duck River. Here in the 
midst of the wilderness, in a region 
which was subsequently called Mau- 
ry Co., they reared their log huts, 
and established their homes. In the 
hard toil of a new farm in the wil- 
derness, James K. Polk spent the 
early years of his childhood and 
youth. His father, adding the [)ur- 
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, 
' gradually increased in wealth until 

he became one of the leading men of the region. I lis 
mother was a superior woman, of strong commcm 
sense and earnest piety. 

Very early in life, James developed a taste for 
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 
a liberal education. His mother's training had made 
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- 
uality and industry, and had insi)ired him with lofty 
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his 
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a 



sedentary life, got a situation for him behind th» 
counter, hoi)ing to fit him for commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disai)ix)intment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
were irksome in the e.xtreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his 
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made 
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon 
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With 
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed 
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half 
years, in the autumn of 181 5, entered the sophomore 
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most e.\emplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing 
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious 
service. 

He graduated in 181 8, with the highest honois, be- 
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in 
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty- 
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this 
tin)e much imi)aired by the assiduity with which he 
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of 
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the 
office of Feli.x Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk 
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who 
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few 
miles from Nashville. They had probably beer 
slightly acquainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican 
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same jwliti- 
cal faith. He was a [wpular public speaker, and was 
constantly called ufwu to address the meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that 
he was jxjpularly called the Napoleon of the stump. 
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and 



6o 



/AMES K. POLK. 



courterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
nature in the joys and griefs of others which ever gave 
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
strong influence towards the election of his friend, 
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that 
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
tinuec- in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
only iHat he might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
of l»^nnessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
mei«ber, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever 
he s|X3ke it was always to the jwint, and without any 
ambitious rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, 
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- 
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of 
March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was 
elected bv a large majority, and on the 1 4th of Octo- 
ber, 1839, look the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, 
his term of office expired, and he was again the can- 
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. The verdict of 
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted 
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the 
administration of President Tyler was to affi.\ his sig- 
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Te.xas to 
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and 
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation 
to be an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message, President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- 
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the 
other States. In the nieantime, Gen. Taylor was sent 



with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was 
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
where he erected batteries which commanded the 
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated 01: 
the western banks. 

The anticipated collision soon took place, and wai 
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The 
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration 
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
called one of "observation," then of "occupation,' 
then of " invasion," was sent forward to Monterey. The 
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement 
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. 
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
that the war was brought on. 

'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was 
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
We now consented to peace u|X)n the condition that 
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- 
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. Tliis 
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the 
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen 
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were 
some Americans who thought it all right : there were 
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution 
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and 
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this 
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from 
office, having served one term. The next day was 
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the 
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- 
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to 
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. 
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, 
and his health was good. With an ample fortune, 
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties 
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years 
of trancpiility and happiness were before him. But the 
cholera — that fearful scourge— was then sweeping up 
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, 
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fiftv-f(,urth 
year of his age, greatly mourned by* his countrymen. 




#' 



G--C>/2^:::k^^yy''J^ 



TWELFTH PRESIDENT. 



63 









\CHARV TAYLOR, twultih 

1 resident of the United Slates, 

''was born on the 24tli of Nov., 

1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 

, ^^ _, 1 uher. Colonel Taylor, was 

""^ijv^^y^ a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
^"^21^/ iniguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary 
was an infant, his father with his 
wife and two children, emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he settled in 
the pathless wilderness, a few 
miles from Louisville. In this front- 
ier home, away from civilization and 
all its refinements, yjung Zachary 
,-ould enjoy but few social and educational advan- 
taaes When six years of age he attended a common 
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
other remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- 
acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and 
manifested a strong desire to enter the anny to fight | 
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. 
In 1 80S, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 
the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
army ; and lie joined the troops whicli were stationed 
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after 
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady 
from one of the first families of Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been 
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort 
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above 
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- 
ness by Gen. Harrison,on his march to Tippecanoe. 
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, 
kd by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken 



company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of 
whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 18 12, the Indians, stealthily, 
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their 
apiiroach was first indicated by the murder of two 
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor 
made every possible preparation to meet the antici- 
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of 
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, 
wavinga white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that 
in the morning their cliief would come to have a talk 
with him. It was evident that their object was merely 
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept 
them at a distance. 

The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, the 

garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before 

midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips 

in the forest around, followed by the discharge of 

musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 

and well, sprang to his iwst. Every man knew that 

defeat was not merely death, but in the case of ca{>- 

1 ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- 

I ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can 

conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- 

I ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- 

Until si.x o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 

continued. The savages tiien, baffled at every ix)int, 

and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 

Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the 

rank of major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war. Major Taylor was placed 
in such situations that he saw but little more of active 
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the 
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which 
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little 
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one 
best could. There were no books, no society, no iu- 



1^. 



64 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful 
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of 
colonel. In the Black Hawk war, which resulted in 
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor 
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in 
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and ni 
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown 
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. 
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to comjjel 
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
iiac' promised they should do. The services rendered 
he:c secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
tc :he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
mand of the United States troops in Florida. 

After two years of such wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. 'Faylor 
obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
nnd was stationed over the Department of the South- 
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters 
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, 
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
imposed upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, tlie latter river 
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico 
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name 
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in 
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
forces much larger than he commanded. 

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected 
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
\.\\t sobri(jue/ of "Old Rough and Ready.' 

Tiie tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
;pread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The 
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The 
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
ful po])ularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- 
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the 
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an 
office. So little interest had he taken in jMlitics that, 
for forty years, he had net cast a vote. It was not 
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
who had been long years in the public service found 
•hiir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name 



had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine 
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- 
pared such few communications as it was needful 
should be presented to the public. The popularity of 
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- 
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — 
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. 
Tliough he selected an excellent cabinet, the good 
old man found himself in a very uncongenial jxjsition, 
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. 
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably 
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party 
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was 
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery 
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found 
the political conflicts in Washington to Le far more 
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 
Indians. 

In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little 
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of 
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. 
His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am 
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with 
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
description of his character: — " Wiih a good store of 
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had 
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his 
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- 
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, 
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat 
a little on one side of his head ; or an officer to leave 
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- 
side liocket, — in any such case, this critic held the 
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 
'touch with a pair of tongs.' 

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a 
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. Inshor^ 
few men have ever had a more comfc^rtaiiie, laboi- 
saving contempt for learnirg of every kind." 




u^-oC: ^ ^-ci^(^^P'i.ixru) 



THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



6r 





^, I ♦' MILLftRH FILLMnRE. -^ | 




-e-f 






4-si. 




II.LARD FILLMORE, ihir- 
% teenth President of the United 
' States, was born at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
tlie 7th of January, 1800. His 
father was a farmer, and o\v- 
-.""''■ f'^i^ ing to misfortune, in humble cir- 
cumstances. Of his mother, tlie 
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, 
'^\ of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
said that she [xjssessed an intellect 
ofveryliigh order, united with much 
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
position, graceful manners and ex- 
quisite sensibilities. She died in 
1831 ; having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished prom- 
ise, (hough she was not permitted to witness the high 
dignity which he finally attained. 

In consecjuence of the secluded home and limited 
raeans of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- 
vantages for education in his early year.i. The com- 
mon schools, vvhith he occasionally attended were 
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce 
and expensive. Tiiere was nothing then in his char- 
acter to indicate the brilliant career u[X)n which he 
was about to enter. He was a plain f;irmer's boy ; 
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
and had laid the foundations of an upright character. 
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him 
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some 



enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing 
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with 
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate 
and the selections which he made were continually 
more elevating and instructive. He read history, 
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- 
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more 
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- 
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
educated man. 

The young clothier had now attained the age of 
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance 
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened tha'. 
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample 
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — -Judge Walter 
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap- 
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- 
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and 
attainments that he advised him to abandon his 
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The 
young man replied, that he had no means of his own, 
no friends to help him and that his previous educa- 
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had 
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
take him into his own office, and to loan him such 
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion abou'. 
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to 
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- 
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hall ; 
*nd then enters a law office, who is by no means as 



OS 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was 
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- 
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment Jrad been devoted to in- 
tense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was 
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, 
his practice of course was limited, and there was no 
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or hi fame. 
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to 
enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, 
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
County. Though he had never taken a very active 
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with 
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, 
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the 
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties, 
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
unusual degn e the respect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled 
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
national history. The great conflict respecting the 
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was 
then raging. 

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to 
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- 
utation and success. After a lapse of two years 
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- 
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- 
rience as a representative gave hmi strength and 
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every 
measure received his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, 
he was elected Comptroller of the State. 



Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven 
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in 
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- 
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to 
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the 
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old 
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles 
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be 
proclaimed in trumpet-tones all over the land. But 
it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, tlie 
namesof Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became 
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for 
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was 
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, 
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard 
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but 
about one year and four months after his inaugura 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- 
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- 
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which 
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 

Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend 
with, since the opposition had a majority in both 
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate 
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the .South felt 
the inadequacyof all measuresof transient conciliation. 
The population of the free States was so rapidly in- 
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- 
evitable that the power of the Government should 
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The 
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. 
Fillmore's adminstration, and the Japan Ex[ieditioii 
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- 
more, having served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten 
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that 
his sympathies were rather with those who were en- 
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President 
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any 
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. 
He was thus forgotten l)y both. He lived to a ripe 
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. 



FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



7' 




^=5 <^- ,^«L^>r^ ? 



„?^.#Ca _ 

■^ .• \^ir ^FHflNKLIN PIERCE.^ ^H^lli^ 





KANKLIN PIERCE, the 
fourteenth President of the 
'L'liited States, was born in 
llillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
23, 1804. His father was a 
RevoUitionary soldier, who, 
with liis own strong arm, 
hewed out a home in the 
wilderness. He was a man 
of inflexible integrity; of 
strong, though uncultivated 
mind, and an uncompromis- 
ing Democrat. The mother of 
Franklin Pierce was all that a son 
could desire, — an intelligent, pru- 
dent, affectionate. Christian wom- 
an. Frankliii was the sixth of eight children. 

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- 
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground 
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors 
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was 
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, 
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact 
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, 
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he 
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was 
one of the most ]X)pular young men in the college. 
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying 
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 



genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. 
There was something very peculiarly winning in his 
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- 
gree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his 
own magnanimous and loving nature. 

UiX)n graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of 
tiie State, and a man of great private worth. The 
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his 
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant 
jxalitical career into which Judge Woodbury was en- 
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- 
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all 
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. 
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the 
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here 
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was 
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Without taking an active 
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty 
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom 
he was associatad. 

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced 
his administration. He was the youngest member in 
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane 
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- 
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every 
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the 



7« 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with 
their parents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame 
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his 
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed 
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but 
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous 
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos 
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. Pie also, about the 
same time declined the nomination for governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. 
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of 
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his 
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. 
He took an important part in this war, proving him- 
self a brave and true soldier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native 
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- 
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- 
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, 
very frequently taking an active part in political ques- 
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery 
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
measures met cordially with his approval; and he 
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious 
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
guished as a " Northern man with Southern principles.'' 
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carry out their plans. 

On the i2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
tion met in Baltimore to- nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown 
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation 
brought forward his name. There were fourteen 
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly 
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he 
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all 
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was 
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with 
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- 
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their 
electoral votes against him • Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 



His administration proved one of the most stormy our 
country had ever experienced. The controversy be 
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its 
culminating point. It became evident that there was 
an "irrepressible conflict " between them, and that 
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half 
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- 
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution 
of the Union were borne to the North on every South- 
ern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when President 
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term 
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- 
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded 
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all 
the intellectual ability and social worth of President 
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- 
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, 
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- 
cated those measures of Government which they ap- 
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped 
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
tired to his liome in Concord. Of three children, two 
had died, and his only surviving child had been 
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his 
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of 
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The 
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left 
alone in the world, without wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- 
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. 
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he 
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to 
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been 
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice 
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- 
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of 
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal 
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- 
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- 
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- 
people were often gladened by his material bounty. 




'Zl^77..^J (^^Z/UO 



^Qz/p2.€^^9^/^ 



I'IFTEBNTH PRESIDENT 



75 



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■•■i'.."i'.;i'.."i';fei'^t£^'j'. 



<<ifc^C^^SS>i^iH'^i>c^C\H'.ft^.\'^.,^ 



I§) 



fe' :.-t-. 



AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- 
teenth President of the United 
States, was born in a small 
frontier town, at the foot of the 
eastern ridge of the Allegha- 
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on 
the 23d of April, 1791. The place 
where the humble cabin of his 
f.itlier stood was called Stony 
I'l.itter. It was a wild and ro- 
mantic si)ot in a gorge of the moun- 
tains, with towering summits risiTig 
grandly all around. His father 
was a native of the north of Ireland ; 
a poor man, who had emigrated in 
1783, with little property save his 
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, 
and, with his young bride, jjlunged into the wilder- 
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- 
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- 
cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual 
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his 
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where 
his son was placed at school, and commenced a 
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- 
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among 
the first scholars in the institution. His application 
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- 



.abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
facility. 

In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest 
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of 
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of 
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
an e.xuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately 
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
and was admitted to the bar in 181 2, when he was 
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose 
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand 
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but 
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the 
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of 
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally 
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and 
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. 
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally 
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired 
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac- 
([uired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jackson, \\\)o\\ his elevation to the Presidency, 
ap)X)inted Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The 
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 
gave satisfaction to all parties. Uixjn his return, in 
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States 
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, 
Clay, Wright and ("alhoun. He advocated tlie meas- 
ures pttuxjsed by President Jackson, of milr/ng repri- 



»fl 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



sals against France, to enforce the payment of our 
claims against that country; and defended the course 
of the President in his unprec lented and wholesale 
removal from office of those wl.j vere not the sup- 
porters of his administration. Upon this qii>"stion he 
was brought into direct collision with \\. "^iay. 

He also, with voice and vote, advocated e^ 'ng 

from the journal of the Senate the vote of cenbure 
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. 
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the 
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United 
States mails. 

As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- 
cated that they should be respectfully received; and 
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had 
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress," 
said he, "might as well undertake to interfere with 
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the 
States where it now exists." 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of 
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed 
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross 
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration 
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the 
account of the course our Government pursued in that 
movement. 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension 
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind 
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1050, 
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, 
u|)on his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. 
Buchanan with the mission to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- 
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The 
political conflict was one of the most severe in which 
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of 
slavery were on one side ; all the advocates of its re- 
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
reived 1 14 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
174, and was elected. The ]x>pular vote stood 
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On 
March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
vears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and 
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been 
allied in political principles and action for years, were 
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they 
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a 
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. 
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- 
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 



ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
their assumptions. As President of the United States, 
bound by his oath faitiifully to administer the laws 
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, 
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- 
lic. He therefore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration 
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer 
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery 
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- 
trol of the Government were thus taken from their 
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking 
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
the United States. 

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery 
party was such, that he had been willing to offer thein 
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- 
operation of the Government to defend and extend 
the institution. 

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders 
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- 
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of 
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- 
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its 
laws in any .State which had withdrawn, or which 
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This 
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with 
his hand upon his sword hilt, he exclaimed. "The 
Union must and shall be preserved!" 

South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly 
three months before the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston : Fort Sumpter 
was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals 
were seized ; our depots of military stores were jilun- 
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
appropriated by the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked 
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, 
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- 
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the 
scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with 
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, 
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows 
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellior. 
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, i863. 




^--^^ 



<^ 



<2.^-"^^32^^T^ 



StXT&BNTIi PHas/DflN'T. 



19 



% i ABRAHAM > ^i>1i^<^ < LINCOLN. > % 




^^S^ 



CRAHAM LINCOLN, the 
sixteenth President of the 
>United States, was born in 
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 
1809. About the yean 7 80, a 
man liy the name of Abraham 
Lincohi left Virginia willi his 
f imily and moved into the tlien 
wildsof Kentucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, still a young 
man, while working one day in a 
field, was stealthily approached by 
an Indian andshot dead. His widow 
was left in e.xtreme poverty with five 
little children, three boys and two 
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
boys, was four years of age at his 
father's death. This Thomas was 
the father of .\braham Lincoln, the 
President of the United States 
whor.e name must henceforth foi-ever be enrolled 
with the most prominent in the annals of our world. 
Of course no record has been kept of the life 
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among 
the ixx)rest of the (Mor. His home was a wretched 
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. 
Education he had none; he could never either read 
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for 
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his 
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- 
.ess, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a 
*7il)orer in the fields of others. 

When twenty-eight years of age he buili a log- 
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of jwor Kentucky emi- 
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of 
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn 
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. 
"All that I am, or hoiie to be," exclaims the grate- 
ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. 

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 



cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana Where 
two years later his mother died. 

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated 
community around hiu). He could not have had a 
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts 
into words. He also became an eager reader. 'I"he 
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read 
and re-read until tliey were almost committed to 
memory. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family 
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and 
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister 
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. 
Thomas Lincoln sold out his scpiatter's claim in 1830, 
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 

'Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
another log-cabin. Alirahani worked diligently at this 
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their 
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
he announced to his father his intention to leave 
home, and to go out into the world and seek his lor- 
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- 
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of 
education and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin 
which ardent spirits were causing, and lei ame 
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- 
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in 
Ciod's word, "Thou shall not take the name of the 
Ixjrd thy (lod in vain;" and a profane expression he 
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
morals were i)ure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer 
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. 
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down 
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans. Whati.-ver Abraham Lin- 
coln imdertook, he performed so faithfully as to give 
great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven- 



Bo 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon 
his return they placed a store and mill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he 
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He 
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 
yeaTs of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew 
Jackson the apiX)intment of Postmaster of New Salem, 
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon 
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a 
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected. Mr. 
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He 
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of 
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- 
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back 
one hundred miles lo Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it 
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. 
His success with the jury was so great that he was 
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. 
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, 
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became 
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's 
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- 
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most 
notable part of his history. The issue was on the 
slavery question, and he took the broad ground of 
.he Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- 
test, but won a far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
on the i6th of June, i860. The delegates and 
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- 
five thousand. An immense building called "The 
Wigwam," was reared lo accommodate the Conven- 
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes 
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame 
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most 
orominent. It was generally supposed he would be 
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received 
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then 
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the 
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him : 
and aslittle did he dream that he was to render services 
to his country, which would fi.x upon him the eyes of 
the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second 
cnly, if second, to that of Washington. 

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, 
constitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good 



and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this 
high position. In February, 1S61, Mr. Lincoln started 
for Washington, stopi)ing in all the large cities on his 
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought 
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
more had arranged, ujxjn his arrival to" get up a row," 
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with 
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled 
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to 
take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an 
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at 
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- 
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln 
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
although great an.xiety was felt by all loyal people. 

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other 
prominent opponents before the convention he gave 
inqMrtant positions. 

During no other administration have the duties 
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and 
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to 
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and 
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, lie 
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 
trials, bo*h personal and national. Contrary to his 
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the 
most courageous of men. He went directly into the 
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, 
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been 
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim 
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, 
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
was announced that they would Le present. Gen. 
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
ing, witli iiis characteristic kindliness of heart, that 
it would lie a disappointment if he should fail them, 
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play an actor by the name of John ^Vilkes Booth 
entered the box where the President and family were 
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the 
next morning at seven o'clock. 

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation 
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. 
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was 
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a 
model. His name as the savior of his country will 
live with that of Washington's, its father; his country- 
men being unable to decide which is the greater. 




c 




'>:^^-5^^t^<2;^^ 



SEVENTEENTH PKESWEAT. 



8j 





A ix o \< \y,h\ >in((i>f:3yDJiM3 







t>(^' 




NDRRW JOHNSON, seven- 
teenth President of the United 
Slates. The early life of 
Andrew Johnson contains but 
the record of ixjvcrty, destitu- 
tion and friendlessness. He 
/ was born December 29, 1808, 
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, 
belonging to the class of the 
" [Hjor whites " of the South, were 
in such circumstances, that they 
could not confer even tiie slight- 
est advantages of education ujxjn 
%<? their child. When Andrew was five 
I years of age, his father accidentally 
lost ills life while herorically endeavoring to save a 
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supiwrted by the 
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one day, 
and being unable either to read or write, was aj)- 
prenticcd to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman 
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shoj) occasion- 
ally, and reading to the boys at work tiiere. He often 
read from the speeches of distinguished I'.ritish states- 
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more 
than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
in these speeches; his ambition was roused, and he 
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly ai)plied himself to the alphabet, and 
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 
learned his letters. He then called ujxjn the gcntle- 
rean to borrow the book of sjieeches. The owner, 



pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book 
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed oi- 
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve houi-s 
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest 
and recreation to devote such time as he could to 
reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located af; 
Cireenville, where he married a young lady who pos 
sessed some education. Under her instructions he 
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 
in the village debating society, and a favorite with 
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- 
ganized a working man's party, which elected him 
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in political 
affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, 
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. 
He became a very active member of the legislature 
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van 
Huren's claims to the Presidency, in opixssition to thosv 
of Oen. Harrison. In this cam[)aign he acquired much 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, ^6 
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
elections, held that imiwrlant ix>st for tea years. In 
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
was re-elected in 1855. In all these res))onsible ix)si- 
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi'.- 



84 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
ing classes. In 1S57, Mr. Johnson was elected 
United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1S45, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- 
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
and become merged in a population congenial to 
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- 
promise measures, the two essential features of which 
were, Jhat the white people of the Territories should 
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they 
would enslave the colored people or not, and that 
the *'ree States of the North should return to the 
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin: 
ou the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that 
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," 
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget 
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam 
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- 
ior was the son of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i8u;, jie 
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
Presidency. In 186 r, when the purpose of the South- 
irn Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery 
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, r862, ap- 
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he 
established the most stringent military rule. His 
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 

1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
he said, " The American people must be taught, if 
?hey do not already feel, that treason is a crime and 
must be punished ; that the Government will not 
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not 
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people 
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of 
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole 
administration, the history of which is so well known, 
was in utter itjt;onsistency with, and the most violent 



opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he char- 
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In 
the beginning of 1 868, on account of "high crimes 
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the 
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- 
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- 
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was at 
length submitted to the court for its action. It was 
certain that as the court voted upon that article so 
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced 
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- 
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- 
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against 
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty 
side would have sustained the impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, was 
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent'y, 
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name 
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. 
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the 
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was 
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- 
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a 
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home 
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in 
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting 
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- 
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- 
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special 
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of 
March. On the 27th of July, T875, the ex-President 
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, 
with eveiy demonstration of respect. 




7^^.' 



::^ 



EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



8r 





LYSSES S. GRANT, the 
% eighteenth President of the 
■J '^United States, was born on 
V the 29th of April, 1822, of 
. 5 Christian parents, in a luinible 
'■''^ home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
his father moved to George- 
town, Brown Co., O. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
received a common-school edu- 
cation. At the age of seven- 
teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
the Military Academy at West 
Point. Here he was regarded as a 
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of 
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
fantry to one of the distant military jxists in the Mis- 
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary 
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here 
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
Resacade la Palma, his secoTid battle. At the battle 
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful 
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- 
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along 
a route ex|)osed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. 
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, 
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging w^n one 
gide of the anii»Al, ran the gauntlet in entire; safety. 



From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
was ap[X)inted quartermaster of his regiment. At the 
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- 
pultepec. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- 
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again 
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The 
discovery of gold in California causing an immense 
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. 
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in 
Oregon, for the prot,ection of the interests of the im- 
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. 
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the 
States; and having married, entered u[X)n the cultiva- 
tion of a small farm near St. IvOuis, Mo. He had but 
little skill as a fanner. Finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- 
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears 
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though 
1 have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
I liave yet repaid the debt. 1 am still ready to discharge 
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword 
and see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, 
the capital of the State, where their services were 
offered to Gov. Yates. Tiie Governor, impressed by 
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Caj)t. 
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
volunteer organization that was being formed in the 
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of 



88 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who 
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such 
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- 
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The 
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth 
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The 
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and 
stripes were unfurled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determination 
and immediately began active duty. This was the be- 
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond 
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and 
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- 
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry 
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight 
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the 
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was 
immediately made a Major-General, and the military 
district of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how 
to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the 
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the 
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an 
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty 
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- 
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most 
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, 
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from 
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he 
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid 
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and 
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas- 
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then 
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- 
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- 
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. 
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 
and enter upon \hp duties of his new office. 



Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of 
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National 
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal 
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- 
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- 
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole 
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these 
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. 
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains 
were burdened svith closely packed thousands. His 
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of 
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- 
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- 
render of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The 
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. 
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- 
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered 
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the 
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago. 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the 
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a 
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 
electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican party 
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, 
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term 
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- 
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 
electoral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant 
started upon his famous trip around the world. He 
visited almost every country of the civilized world, 
and was everywhere received with such ovations 
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private 
as well as public and official, as were never before 
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before the 
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re- 
nomination for President. He went to New York and 
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm 
nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, 
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to 
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with 
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like 
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as 
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The 
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of 
the illustrious General. 




s. 



^-^-.^^ 




NJNETEKNTII rKESWF.NT. 



9» 








^ 



3 




UTHERFORD B. HAYES, 
the nineteenth President of 
the United States, was born in 
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- 
most three months after the 
-^ death of his father, Rutherford 
Hayes. His ancestry on both 
the paternal and maternal sides, 
was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, 
as far back as 12S0, when Hayes and 
Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
tains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert 
Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
nobility, owned extensive estates, 
' and had a large following. Misfor- 
:flne ov'.-i<aking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Gjnn. His son 
Cleorge wat born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his lij'e. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
ried Sarah L;e, and lived from the time of his mar- 
riage until his death in Sinisbury, Conn. Ezckiel, 
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
turer of scythe-j at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
son of E/.ekiel ai.dgrandfatherof President Hayes, was 
l)orn in New Haven, in .\ugust, 1756. He was a fanner, 
l)lacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
Vermont at an uiiknown date, settling in Brattleboro, 
where he f stablished a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was 



born. He was married, in September, 181 3, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- 
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders 
of Norwich. Botli of her grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industrious 
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- 
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- 
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
in all the benevolent enter|)rises of the town, and con- 
ducted his business on Christian principles. After 
the close of the war of 1812, for reasons inexplicable 
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day 
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was 
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter 
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial 
fever, less than three months before the birth of the 
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
reavement, found the sujiport she so much needed in 
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from Ver- 
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
some time before as an act of charity. 

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 



RVTHHRPORD B. HAVESi- 



subject of this sketch was so feeble at birtli that he 
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at 
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- 
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died 
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the 
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to 
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't 
wonder if he would really come to something yet." 

"You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You 
wait and see. You can't tell biit 1 shall make him 
President of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy 
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
drowned, he became, if isossible, still dearer to liis 
mother. 

The boy was seven years old before he w<;nt to 
school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
He probably learned as much from his mother and 
tister as he would have done at school. His sjmrts 
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- 
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings 
of others, which are marked traits of his character. 

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
in his education; and as the boy's health had im- 
proved, and he was making good progress in his 
studies, he projwsed to send him to college. His pre- 
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he 
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the 
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- 
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, 
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esip, 
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in 
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter 
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- 
mained two years. 

In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was 
admitted to the liar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law 
with Ralph 1'. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
fession. 

In 1849 he mdved to Cincinnati, where his ainbi- 
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- 
quent 'ife. One of these was his marrage witli Miss 
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of 
Chilicothe; the othev was his introduction to the Cin- 
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its 
members such men as'^hief Justice Salmon P.Chase, 



Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many 
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The 
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our 
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced 
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did 
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman, 
hood. The Literary Cluo brought Mr. Haye3 into 
constant association with young men of high char- 
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the 
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulne^s and 
modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judg; o\ 
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- 
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office ot 
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Co'jncil 
elected him for the unexpired term. 

In iS6r, when the Rebellion broke out, he was af 
the zenith of his professional V.f.. His rank at the 
bar was among the the first. But the news of the 
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take mo 
arms for the defense of his country. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. In 
October, 1S61, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 7gth Ohio 
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
and go among strangers. .Subsequently, however, h*^ 
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while 
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude 
that won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after 
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles 
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was 
promoted Brigadier-Genernl. He was also brevetted 
Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services 
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In 
the course of his arduous services, four horses were 
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times 

In 1S64, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from 
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- 
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
and after his election was importuned to resign his 
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I 
shall never come to Washington until I can come by 
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1S66. 

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. 
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- 
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a 
hard long contc'st was chosen President, and was in 
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 
full term, not, h.!" wever, with satisfaction to his party. 
but his administration was an average ov-.t 



TiVKN TIE TJl riiESlDENr. 



*5 



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AMES A. GARt'IELD, twen- 
tieth President of the United 
i-i«irM»r ^ States, was born Nov. lo, 
N 4^5^^>0 /I 1831, in the woods of Orange, 
^ Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 

ents were Abram and Eliza 
(Ballon) Garfield, both of New 
.ngland ancestry and from fami- 
lies well known in the early his- 
'' I, tory of that section of our coun- 
try , but had moved to the Western 
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- 
ment. 

The house in which James A. was 
born was not unlike the houses of 
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It 
I.'.: about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- 
MULW the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
lard working farmer, and he soon had his fields 
.:learcd, an orchard i)lanled, and a log barn built. 
The household coin[)rised the father and mother and 
heir four children — Mehetabel, Tliomas, Mary and 
ames. In May, 1823^ tlie father, from a cold con- 
.. -acted in heli)ing to put out a forest fire, died. At 
his time James was about eighteen months old, and 
'"homas about ten years old. No one, ])erhaps, can 
.vU how nuuh James was indebted to his biotlier's 
toil and self sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
ceeding his father's death, but nndoubledly very 
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- 
itis live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Garfield 
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
tnem. He l.d)ored at farm work for others, did car- 
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that 
would bring in a few dollars to -aid his widowed 
mother in he' struggles lo keep the little fan ily to- 



gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his 
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- 
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they 
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor 
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the 
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness 
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, 
modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until \\t 
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of 
a vessel on Lake Eiie. He was anxious to go aboard 
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She 
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the 
understanding, however, that he should try to obtain 
some other kind of employment. He walked all the 
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city 
After making many applications for work, and trying 
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with 
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. Here- 
mained at this work but a short time when he wen' 
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
the meantime, and doing other work. This school 
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of 
which church he was then a member. He became 
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way 
He then became both teacher and jiupil. He soon 
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the 
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which 
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- 
ors of his class. He afterwards relumed to Hiram 
College as its President. As above staled, he eaily 
united with the Christian or Dici])les Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
ber, often preaching in its |)ulpit and places where 
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, Presidert of 
Yale College, says cf him in reference to his reli^io.i : 



9« 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



" President Garfield was more than a man of 
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to 
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs 
of liis being, and to a more than usual degree. In 
my judgment there is no more interesting feature of 
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent 
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian 
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to 
the less stately and cultured Christian communions 
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
that as they step u[)ward in social and political sig- 
nificance they step upward from one degree to 
another in some of the many types of fashionable 
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
church of his mother, the church in which he was 
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- 
tarian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. ii, 1858, who proved herself 
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and 
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
whom are still living, four boys and one girl. 

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, 
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three 
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he 
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great 
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, 
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had 
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- 
ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 
14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser- 
vice, and betore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, 
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the officer 
'^Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of 
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given 
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- 
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- 
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him 
Brigadier-General, ^xn. 10, 1862; and as "he had 
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years 
before, so now he was the youngest General in the 
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloli, 
in itsoperations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the 
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- 
crans, and was Assigned to the " Chief of Staff." 

The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with 



his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won 
the stars of the Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part Geij Garfield wa» 
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the 
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio 
had been represented in Congress for si.xty years 
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua 
R. Giddiiigs. It was not without a struggle that he 
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- 
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that 
body. There he remained by successive re- 
elections until he was elected President in 1880. 
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since 
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question whicii 
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a 
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whicl 
you will not find, if you wish mstruction, the argu- 
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance 
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by 
Mr. Garfield." 

Uix)n Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to 
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the 
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his 
party for President at the great Chicago Convention. 
He was elected in the following November, and on 
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first 
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- 
liminary work of his administration and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams 
College. While on his way and at the deix)t, in com- 
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind 
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. 
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the 
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further 
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was 
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never 
liefore in the history of the Nation had anything oc- 
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peop!e 
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and 
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty 
days, all during the hot months of July and August, 
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained 
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent 
bearing was teaching the country and the world the 
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the 
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- 
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the 
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The 
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the 
death of any other man who had ever lived \ipon it. 
Tlie murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- 
cuted, in one year after he committad the foui deed. 



TiVEJSTY. FIRST PRESIDENT. 









HESTER A. ARTHUR, 

•«3"'" ■ jJfrrO/ Tl^) ^n'^^^'^'y"'^'^^'' Pf'^^'''-'-"^ of the 

T* 4; i-^l^A vXj. i'J* United States, was torn in 

Franklin Courty, Vermont, on 

the fifth of Oc'ober, 1830, and is 

the oldest of a family of two 

sons and five daughters. His 

father was the Rev. Dr. William ( 

Arthur, a Baptist cJ'.-rgyman, who 

emigrated to tb.s countr)' fro:n 

the county Ant dm, Ireland, in 

his i8th year, and died in 1875, in 

Newton ville, neai Albany, after a 

long and successful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at 
Union College, S( henectady, where 
he excelled in all his studies. Af- 
I T ter his graduation he taught school 
||] in Vermont for two years, and at 
the expiration cf that time came to 
New York, with $500 in his jwcket, 
and entered the office of ex-Judge 
E. D. Culver as student. After 
I being admitted to the bar he formed 
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, 
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing 
in the West, and for three months they roamed about 
in the Western States in search of an eligible site, 
but in the end returned to New York, where they 
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success^ 
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur 
loon afterward marred the daughter of Lieutenant 



Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in 
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's 
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two 
children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, 
brought to recover jxjssession of eight slaves who had 
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior 
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon, 
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with 
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when 
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided 
that they could not be held by the owner under the 
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from 
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the 
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. 
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
to represent the People, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause 
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs 
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
tlie emancipation of the black race. 

Another great service was rendered by General 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. 
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride 
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- 
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the 
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- 
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed hmi Engineer- 
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- 
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- 
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered 
great service to the Government during the war. At 
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the 
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. 
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney 
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac- 
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- 
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able 
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if 
not indeed one of national extent. 

He always took a leading part in State and city 
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of 
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- 
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political 
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It 
was comiX)sed of the Jsading politicians of the Re- 
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and 
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their 
respective candidates that were before the conven- 
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- 
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur 
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the history of 
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his 
party made a valiant fight for his election. 

Finally the election came and the country's choice 
>vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. 
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen 
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then 
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of 
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na- 



tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- 
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
able patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was 
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. 
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his 
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest 
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to 
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 
in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored jxisition in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- 
field from further suffering, and the world, as never 
before in its history over the death of any other 
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of 
the Vice President to i-ssume the responsibilities of 
the high office, and he took the oath in New York. 
Sept. 20, i88r. The position was an embarrassing 
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all 
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, 
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- 
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been 
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, 
and many important measures were to be immediately 
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he 
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many on 
this point. Under these trying circumstances President 
Arthur took the reins of the Government ;\i his own 
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so 
wisely that but few criticised his administration. 
He served the nation well and faithfully, until tlie 
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was 
a popular candidate before his party for a second 
term. His name was ably presented before the con- 
vention at Chicago, and was received with great 
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity 
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have 
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party 
for another campaign. He retired to private life car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- 
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory 
to them and with credit to himself. 



J 




CyT^i^^^^y:^ CZ-C^uC^Ccyty^JC 



TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. 



»«•} 




.:vSr<i»^,K<rt^,;i 



^r^iS'J'-E^S-ij^-Ei 'C i& g !g<j>g!'^#»g K ^ S~ ij* X' ;g ' 






^;^ 







TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 
LAND, the twenty- second Pres- 
ident of the United States, was 
liorn in i<S37, in the obscure 
town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
half-story white house which is still 
standing, characteristically to mark 
the humble birth-place of one of 
America's great men in striking con- 
trast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in 
origin and born in the cradle of 
wealth. When the subject of this 
sketch was three years of age, his 
father, who was a Presbyterian min- 
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, 
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to 
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a 
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles from 
Pompey Hill, whore Governor Seymour was born. 

At the last mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the " good, old-fashioned 
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the 
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he 
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of 
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he 
.arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the 
capacity of the village school and expressed a most 



emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this 
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to 
become self-supporting by the quickest possible 
means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed 
to be a position in a country store, where his father 
and the large family on his hands had considerable 
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services 
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to 
receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com- 
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he 
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness 
that his employers desired to retain him for an in- 
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- 
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or 
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. 
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- 
ville, he went with the family in their removal to 
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a 
high school. Here he industriously pursued his 
studies until the family removed with him to a point 
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a 
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Ulica, 
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching 
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a 
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an 
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for twoi 
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in 
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his 



I04 



S. GKOVEN CLEVt.LAND. 



calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 
he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going 
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as 
there was some charm in that name for him; but 
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to 
»sk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted 
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not 
speak enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do, 
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study 
law," was the reply. " Good gracious ! " remarked 
ihe old gentleman ; " do you, indeed .'' What ever put 
that into your head? How much money have you 
got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got 
any." 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a 
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
year, wiiile lie could "look around." One day soon 
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, 
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told Ihem what he 
wanted. A number of young men were already en- 
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and 
he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and 
have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum 
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for 
his board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had 
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. 
On the first day of his service here, his senior em- 
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him 
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's 
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little 
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that 
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; 
out in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland 
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for 
chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
it," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
ejected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in 
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell 
to his duty to inflict capital pi'-.ishment upon two 
cjiniinals. In 18S1 he was elected Mayor of the 
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- 
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms 



in the administration of the municipal affairs of that 
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his 
performance of duty has generally been considered 
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- 
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential 
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui- 
tous street-cleaning contract : " This is a time for 
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall 
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of 
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme 
to betray the interests of the people and to worse 
than squander the people's money." The New York 
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- 
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- 
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire 
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882^ 
and his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if 
any, were made very public throughout the nation 
after he was nominated for President of the United 
States. For this high office he was nominated July 
ir, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at 
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. 
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, 
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he 
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- 
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- 
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in 
January, 18S5, in order to prepare for his duties as 
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which 
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of 
March, 18S5. For his Cabinet oflScers he selected 
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, 
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the 
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary 
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; 
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New 
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of 
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, 
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of 
Arkansas. 

The silver question precipitated a controversy be- 
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of 
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. 
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his 
inauguration. 





tA^^ 



^2>-^>^'^a-i>t2^tJ*--z^ 



1 



TWENTY-THIUD PKKSIDENT. 




••o*o-®V'<V®-"»*0" 




NJAMIN HARRISON, tlie 
\ , twcnl^'-tliiid President, is 
fci> the descendant of one of tlic 
historical families of this 
country. The head of the 
family was a Major General 
Harrison, one of Oliver 
Cromwell's trusted follow- 
ers and fighters. In tlic zenith of Crom- 
well's power it became the duty of this 
Harrison to particiiiate in the trial of 
Charles I, and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subse- 
quently paid for this with his life, being 
hung Oct. 13, ICGO. His descendants 
came to America, and the next of the 
family that appears in history is Benja- 
rr.iu Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, and 
after wliom he was named. I5enj;unin Harrison 
was a mcmlier of the Continental Congress during 
the years i774-5-C, and was one of the original 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
was three times elected Governor of ^'irginia. 
Geo. William Hcniy Harrison, the son of the 



distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc- 
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812, 
and with -a clean record as Governor of the North- 
western Territory, was elected President of the 
United States in 1840. His career was cut short 
by death within one month after liis inauguration. 
President Harrison was born at North Beud, 
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. .^0, 1833. His life up to 
tiie time of his graduation by the Miami University, 
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun- 
try lad of a family of small means. His father was 
able to give him a good education, and nothing 
more. He became engaged while at college to tho 
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female school 
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en^ 
ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin 
cinnati and then read law for two years. At the 
expiration of that time young Harrison received th3 
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left him 
a lot valued at #800. He regarded this legacy as & 
fortune, and decided to get married at once, taks 
this money and go to some Eastern town an I be- 
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with 
the money in his pocket, he started out witii bis 
young wife to fight for a place in the world. Me 



108 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



decided to go to Indianapolis, wliich was even at 
lli.'it time a town of promise. He met with sligbt 
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything 
the first year. He worlicd diligently, applying him- 
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive 
practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro- 
I'essiou. lie is the father of tvvo children. 

In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
gan liis experience as a stump speakej He can- 
vassed the .State thoroughly, and was elected by a 
handsome majority. In 18G2 he raised the 17th 
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His 
regiment was composed of the rawest of material, 
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first 
mastering military tactics and drilling his men, 
when he therefore earae to move toward the East 
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best 
'Jrilled and organized in the arm}'. At Resaca he 
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery 
•'t Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen- 
Lral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most 
vomplimentary terms. 

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field 
lie Supreme Court declared the office of the Su- 
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person 
was elected to the position. From the time of leav- 
iig Indiana v/ith his regiment until the fall of ISGi 
ne had taken no leave of absence, but having been 
nominated that year for the same office, he got a 
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time 
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected 
for another term. He then started to rejoin Shcr- 
iL:an,buton the way was stricken down with scarlet 
.ever, and after a most trying siege made his way 
to the front in time to participate in the closing 
xcidents of the war. 

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined re-election as 
;eporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876 
£e was a candidate for Governor. Although de- 
eated, the brilliant campaign ht made won for him 
a National reputation, and he was much sought, es- 
peciaLy in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, 
as usual, he took an active part in the campaign, 
and wf<,c elected to the United States Senate. Here 
he served six j^ears, and 7/as known as one ol the 
dblest men, best lawyer^ und stronges' debaters in 



that body. With the expiration of his Scnatoiua 
term he returned to the practice of his profession, 
becoming the head of one of tiie strongest firms ia 
the State. 

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the 
most memorable in the history of our country. The 
convention which assembled in Chicago in June and 
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer 
of the Republican party, was great in every partic- 
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as- 
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief 
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest 
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly 
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr. 
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move- 
ment became popular, and from all sections of the 
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed 
thither to pay their respects to the distinguished 
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly 
increased on account of the remarkable speeches 
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke dail}' all through 
the summer and aulunni to these visiting delega- 
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were 
his speeches that they at once placed him in the 
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen. 

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his 
power as a. debater, he was called upon at an un- 
connnqply eariy age to take part in the discussion 
of the great questions that then began tj agitate 
the country. He was an uncompromising ant! 
slavery man, and was matched against some of ILe 
n-,ost eminent Dem(,cratic speakers of his State. 
No man who felt the touch of his blade detired t(^ 
be pitted with him again. With all his cloq-ence 
as an orator he never si)okc for oratorical effect, 
but his words alwavs went like bullets to the mark 
He is purely American in his ideas and is a spier 
did type of the American statesman. Gifted witl. 
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue, 
he is one of the most distinguished imi)rom|)tu 
speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches 
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained 
arguments of greatest weight. Man}' of his terse 
statements have already become aphorisms. Origi- 
nal in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement, 
yet withal faultless in elf)quenco, he is recognized as 
the sound statesman and brill iau: orator o- tn^ day 







^#^ 



. _y 




/ ^^f 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



'OS 







STEPHEN T. M^SOM. 






p^'i«^*-s,..^.aiOTzrav. aj^^ 




I^^ 




TEPHEN T. MASON, the 
first ( lovcrnorof Michit'an, was 
a sou of Gen. John T. Mason, 
of Kentucky, but was born in 
Virginia, in i8i2. At the age 
of 19 he was appointed Secre- 
tarj' of Michigan Territory, and 
served in that capacity during the 
administration of Gov. George B. 
Porter. Upon the death of Gov. 
Porter, which occurred on the 6tli of 
July, 1834, Mr. Mason became .Act- 
ing Governor. In October, 1835, he 
was elected Governor under the St ate 
organization, and immediately en- 
tered u|)on the performance of the 
duties of the office, although the 
State was not yet admitted into the Union. After 
the State was admitted into the Union, Governor 
Mason was re-elected to the jwsition, and served with 
credit to himself and to the advantage of the State. 
He died Jan. 4, 1843. The princii)al event during 
Governor Mason's official career, was that arising from 
the disi:uted southern boundary of the State. 

Michigan claimed for her southern boundary aline 
running east across the peninsula from the extreme 
soulhern [wint of Lake Michigan, e.xtending through 
Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line. This she 
claimed as a vested right — a right accruing to her by 
compact. This compact was the ordinance of 1787, 
Jie parties to which were the original 13 States, and 
*.he territory northwest of the Ohio; and, by the suc- 
cession of parties under statutory amendments to the 
ordinance and laws of Congress— the United States on 
*.he one part, and eacli Territory northwest of the 
Ohio, as far as affected by their [)rov!sions, on the 



other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the ])rior 
grant, or assignation of boundary. 

Ohio, on the other hand, claimed that the ordinance 
had been superseded by the Constitution of the 
United States, and that Congress had a right to regu- 
late the boundary. It was also claimed that the 
Constitution of the State of Ohio having described a 
different line, and Congress having admitted the State 
under that Constitution, without mentioning the sub- 
ject of the line in dispute. Congress had thereby given 
its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitu- 
tion of Ohio. This claim was urged by Ohio at 
some periods of the controversy, but at others she ap- 
peared to regard the question unsettled, by the fact 
that she insisted upon Congress taking action in re- 
gard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in 
18 1 2, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to 
survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the people 
of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government. 
Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not 
run till i8i8. In 1820, the question in dispute 
\inderwent a rigid examination by the Conmiittee on 
Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously 
urged by her delegation, and as ably opiX)sed by Mr. 
Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The 
result was that the committee decided unanimously 
in favor of Michigan; but, in the hurry of business, 
no action was taken by Congress, and the question 
remained open till Michigan organized her State gov- 
ernment. 

The Territory in dispute is about five miles in 
width at the west end, and about eight miles in width 
at the east end, and extends along the wh.ole north- 
ern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed 
by Michigan was known as the " Fulion line," and 
that claimed by Ohio was known as the" Harris line," 



io6 



STEPHEN T. MASON. 



from the names of the surveyors. The territory was 
valuable for its rich agricultural lands; but the chief 
value consisted in the fact that the harbor on the 
Maumee River, where now stands the flourishing city 
of Toledo, was included within its limits The town 
originally bore the name of Swan Creek, afterwards 
Port Lawrence, then Vestula, and then Toledo. 

In February, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio [jassed 
an act extending the jurisdiction of the State over 
the territory in question; erected townships and 
directed them to hold elections in April following. It 
also directed Governor Lucus to appoint three com- 
missioners to survey and re-mark the Harris line; and 
named the first of April as the day to commence the 
survey. Acting Governor Mason, however, anticipated 
this action on the part of the Ohio Legislat\ire, sent 
a special message to the Legislative Council, appris- 
ing it of Governor Lucas' message, and advised imme- 
diate action by that body to anticipate and counteract 
the proceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the 12th 
of February, the council passed an act making it a 
crimmal offence, punishable by a heavy fine, or im- 
prisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any 
official functions, or accept any office within the juris- 
diction of Michigan, under or by virture of any au- 
thority not derived from the Territory, or the United 
States. On the 9th of March, Governor Mason wrote 
General Brown, then in command of the Michigan 
militia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to 
meet the enemy in the field in case any attempt was 
made on the part of Ohio to carry out the provisions 
of that act of the Legislature. On the 31st of March, 
Governor Lucus, with his commissioners, arrived at 
Perrysburgh, on their way to commence re-surveying 
tlie Harris line. He was accompanied l)y General 
Bell and staff, of the Ohio Militia, who proceeded to 
master a volunteer force of about 600 men. This 
was soon accomplished, and the force fully armed and 
equipped. The force then went into camp at Fort 
Miami, to await the Governor's orders. 

In the meantime. Governor Mason, with General 
Brown and staff, had raised a force 800 to 1200 
strong, and were in possession of Toledo. General 
Brown's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of 
Monroe, Inspector; Major J. J. Ullman, of Con- 
stantine, Quartermaster ; William E. Broadman, of 
Detroit, and Alpheus Felch, of Monroe, Aids-de- 
camp. When Governor Lucas observed the deter- 
mined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note 



of tlieir number, he found it convenient to content 
himself for a time with " watching over the border." 
Several days were passed in this exhilarating employ- 
ment, and just as Governor Lucas had made up his 
mind to do something rash, two commissioners ar- 
rived from Washington on a mission of peace. They 
remonstrated with Gov. Lucus, and reminded him of 
the consequences to himself and his State if he per- 
sisted in his attempt to gain possession of the disputed 
territory by force. After several conferences with 
both governors, the connnissioners submitted projwsi- 
tions for their consideration. 

Governor Lucas at once accepted the propositions, 
and disbanded his forces. Governor Mason, on the 
other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and 
declined to compromise the rights of his people by a 
surrender of possession and jurisdiction. When Gov- 
ernor Lucus disbanded his forces, however, Governor 
Mason partially followed suit, but still held himself 
in readiness to meet any emergency that might arise. 

Governor Lucus now supposed that his way was 
clear, and that he could re-mark the Harris line with- 
out being molested, and ordered the commissioners 
to proceed with their work. 

In the meantime. Governor Mason keiit a watch- 
ful eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent 
scouts through the woods to watch their movements, 
and report when operations were commenced. When 
tiie surveying party got within the county of Lena- 
wee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a 
warrant, and accompanied by a jxisse, suddenly made 
his appearance, and succeeded in arresting a portion 
of the party. The rest, including the commissioners, 
took to their heels, and were soon beyond the dis- 
puted territory. They reached Perrysburgh the fol- 
lowing day in a highly demoralized condition, and 
reixDrted they had been att.acked by an overwhelm- 
ing force of Michigan malitia, under comniand of 
General Brown. 

This summary breaking up of the surveying party 
produced the most tremendous excitement throughout 
Ohio. Governor Lucas called an extra session of the 
Legislature. But little remains to be said in reference 
to the "war." The question continued for some time 
to agitate the minds of the opposing parties; and the 
action of Congress was impatiently awaited. Michigan 
was admitted into the Union on the condition that 
she give to Ohio the disputed territory, and accept 
in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did. 




^"J^yT/z^-cM^^p^ 



SECOND GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN. 






• -j — t-&5lLLIAM ^OODBI^IDGB.-^— |" > 



* ^'J,-; 



^^^m?^ 




II.LIAAr WOODRRirxiE, 
fe jijiscconc] Governor of Michigan, 
was horn at Norwich, Conn., 
Aug. 20, 1780, and died at 
3 Detroit Oct. 20, 1861. He 
■ ,jx was of a family of three brothers 
'" ' and two sisters. His father, 
Dudley VVoodbridge, removed to 
Marietta, Ohio, aliout 1790. The 
life of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas. 
Laiinian, from whicli this sketch 
is largely com |)iled, mentions notli- 
ing concerning his early education 
beyond the fact that it was such as 
was afforded by the average school 
yh of the time, except a year with the 
French colonists at Oalliiiohs, 
where he acquired a knowledge of 
1 i ''^'^ French language. It should 
be liorne in mind, however, that 
iiome education at that time was 
an indispensable feature in the 
training of tiie young. To this and 
and to a few studies well mastered, 
is due that strong mental discipline which has served 
as a basis for many of the grand intellects that have 
a<lorned ar.d iielped to make our National history. 
Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having 
as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a 
ycung nian subseipiently distinguished, but known 
at tliat lime sim[)ly as Lewis Cass. He graduated at 
the law scliool in Connecticut, after a course there of 
nearly three years, and began to practice at Marietta 
in 1S06. In June, 1S06, he married, at Hartford, Con- 
neiticiit, Juleanna, d.iughler (jf John Trumbell, a 
distinguished author and judge; and author of llie 



peoni McFingal, wliich, during a dark period of the 
Revolution, wrought such a magic change ujjon the 
spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes ■ 
tic relations until the death of Mrs. \S ., Feb. 2, 19, i860. 

Our written biographies necessarily speak more 
fully of men, because of their active participation in 
public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon 
tlie page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled 
the influence of good women \\\io\\ the history of the 
world will be read side by side with the deeds of men. 
1 low much success and renown in life many men owe 
to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W . en- 
joyed the best means of early education tliat the 
country afibrded, and her intellectual genius enabled 
her to improve her advantages. During her life, side 
by side with the highest type of domestic and social 
graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that 
formed the crown of a faultless chaiacter. She was 
a natural jxjet, and wrote quite a large number of fine 
verses, some of which are preserved in a jjrinted 
memorial essay written upon the occasion of her 
death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute 
even in matters of minor im]X)rtaiice, to elevate the 
reputation and add to the well being of her husband 
in the various stations he was called upon to fdl, gave 
her the highest satisfaction " She was an invalid 
during the latter |X)rtion of her life, luit was patient 
and cheerful to the end. 

In 1807, Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the 
General Assembly of Ohio, and in (809 was elected to 
the Senate, continuing a member by re-election until 
his removal from the State. He also held, by a|>- 
lK)intment, during the time the office of Proseculing 
Attorney for his county. He took a leading ])art in 
the Legislature, and in 181 2 drew u|iatle<laration and 
resolutions, which passed the two houses Mnaminously 



WILLIAM WOODBRIDGE. 



aiid attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest 
aiid most emphatic terms, the war measures of I'resi- 
dent Madison. Daring the period from 1S04 to 1S14 
the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, liad be- 
come widely separated. The latter was Governor ot 
tlie Territory of Michigan under tlie historic "( rovernor 
and Judges" plan, with the indis[>ensable re(iuisite of a 
Secretary of the Territorry. This latter ixjsition was, 
in 18 1 4, without solicitation on his part, tendered to 
Mr. W. He accepted the position with some hesita- 
tion, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could 
make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio. 
The office of Secretary involved also the duties of 
collector of customsat the port of Detroit, and during 
the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof 
of his duties, also including those of Superintendent 
of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for 
about two years out of the eight years that he held the 
office of Secretary Under the administration of "Gov- 
ernor and Judges," which the people of the Territory 
preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time 
after tlieir numbers entitled them to a more popular 
representative system, tiiey were allowed no delegate 
in Congress. Mr. VV., as a sort of informal agent of 
the people, by corresiMndence and also by a visit to 
the National capita!, so clearly set forth the demand 
for representation by a delegate, that an act was 
passedin Congressin [Sigaulhorizingone tobechosen. 
Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence 
of all parties. His first action in Congress was to secure 
the jjassage of a bill recognizing and confirming the 
old French land titles in the Territory according to 
the terms of the treaty of peace with Great Britain 
at the close of the Revolution ; and another for the 
construction of a Government road througli the "black 
swamps" from the Miami River to Detroit, thus open- 
ing a means of land transit between Ohio and Micli- 
igan. He was influential in securing the passage of 
bills for the construction of Government roads from 
Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and 
for the improvement of La Plaisance Bay. Tlie ex- 
pedition for the exploration of tlie country around 
Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mis- 
sissippi, projected by Governor Cass, was set on foot 
by means of representations made to the head of the 
department by Mr. W. While in Congress he stren- 
uously maintained the right cif Micliigan to the stri]) 
of territory now forming the northern boundary of 
Ohio, which formed the subject of such grave dispute 
between Ohio and Michigan at the time of the ad- 
mission of the latter into the Union. He served 
but one term as delegate to Congress, de- 
clining furtlier service on account of personal and 
family considerations. Mr. \V. continued to discharge 
the duties of Secretary of the Territory up to the time 
its Government passed into the "second grade." 

In 1824, he was appointed one of a board of 
commissioners for adjusting private land claims in 



the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of 
his profession, having the best law library in the Ter- 
ritory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of the 
Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the 
President, J. Q. Adams, to succeed Hon. James With- 
erell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conven- 
tionally called the "Supreme Court" of the Terntory. 
This court was aiiparently a continuation of the Terri- 
torial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and 
Judges" system. ,\lthough it was supreme in its ju- 
dicial functions within the Territory, its jxjwers and 
duties were of a very general character. 

In 1832, the term of his appointment as Judge ex- 
piring. President Jackson appointed a successor, it is 
supposed on political grounds,much to the disappoint- 
ment of the public and the bar of the Territory. The 
partisan feeling of the time extended into the Terri- 
tory, and its people began to think of assuming the 
dignity of a State government. Party lines becom- 
ing very sharply drawn, he identified himself with 
the Wliigs and was elected a member of the Conven- 
tion of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution. 
In 1837 he was elected a member of tie Si ate Senate. 

This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail 
with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career, 
because it is closely identified with tlie early his- 
tory of the State, and the develojiment of its politi- 
cal system. Since the organization of the State Gov- 
ernment the history of Michigan is more familiar, and 
hence no review of Judge W's career as Governor 
and Senator will be atteni|ited. He was elected Gov- 
ernor in 1839, under a popular impression that the 
affairs of the State had not been prudently adminis- 
tered by the Democrats. He served as Governor but 
little more than a year, when he was elected to the 
Senate of the United States. 

His term in the Senate practically closed his polit- 
ical life, although he was strongly urged by many 
prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice 
President in 1848. 

Soon after his appointment as Judge in 1 828, Gov- 
ernor W. took up his residence on a tract of land 
which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a 
short distance lielow what was then the corporate lim- 
its of Detroit, where he resided during the remainder 
of his life. Both in his public papers and private 
communications, Governor A\'. sliows himself a mas- 
ter of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustra- 
tion, logical in airangenient, hapjiy in the choice and 
treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in ex[)res- 
sion. Judge W. was aC'ongregationalist. His opinions 
on all subjects were decided; he was earnest and 
energetic, courteous and dignified, and at times ex- 
hibited a vein of fine humor that was the more at- 
tractive because not too often allowed to come to the 
surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and 
earnest affection not only for his ancestral home, but 
the home of his adoption and for friends and family. 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



"3 




''J'l JOHN S. BARRY « 





OHN STEWARD BARRY, 
^Governor of Michigan from 
3, 1842, to Jan. 5, 1846, 
id from Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan. 
1852, was born at Amlierst, 
N. H., Jan. 29, 1802. His par- 
ts, John and Ellen (Steward) 
1j irry, early removed to Rocking- 
h im, Vt., where he remained until 
lis. became of age, working on his 
fatlier's farm, and pursuing his 
studies at the same time. He mar- 
ried Mary Kidder, of (Irafton, Vt., 
and in 1824 went to Georgia, \'t., 
where he h.:d < harL'eof an academy 
for two years, meanwhile studying 
law. He afterward practiced law in 
that State. While he was in Georgia he was for some 
lime a member of the Governor's staff, with the title 
of Governor's Aid, and at a somewhat earlier period 
was Captain of a company of State militia. In 183 1 
lie removed to Michigan, and settled at White Pigeon, 
where he engaged in mercantile business with I. W. 
Willard. 

Eour years after, 1S34, Mr. Barry removed to Con- 




stantine and continued his mercantile pursuits. He 
became Justice of the Peace at White Pigeon, Mich.^ 
in 1S31, and held the office until the year 1835 
Mr. Barry's first public office was that of a member 
of the first constitutional convention, which assembled 
and framed the constitution upon which Michigan 
was admitted into the Union. He took an important 
and prominent part in the proceedings of that body, 
and showed himself to be a man of far more than 
ordinary aliilily. 

Upon Michigan being admitted into the Union, 
Mr. Barry was cliosen State Senator, and so favorably 
were his associates impressed with his abilities at the 
first session of the Legislature that tiiey looked to him 
as a party leader, and that he should iiead the State 
ticket at the following election. Accordingly he re- 
ceived the nomination for Governor at the hands 
of his party assembled in convention. He was 
elected, and so ixjpular was his administration that, in 
1842, he was again elected. During these years 
Micliigan was embarrassed by great financial diffi- 
culties, and it was through his wisdom and sound judg- 
ment that the State was finally placed uiwn a solid 
financial basis. 

During the first year of Gov. Barry's first term, the 
University at \n\\ Arbor was opened for the reception 



JOHN STEWARD BARRY. 



of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan 
Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and 
general progress was everywhere noticeable. In 1842, 
the number of pupils re))orted as attending the public 
schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In 1843, a 
State land office was established at Marshall, which 
was invested with the charge and disposition of all 
the lands belonging to the Stale. In 1844, the tax- 
able property of the State was found to be over 
twenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the 
rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the 
State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the 
income from the railroads was nearly three hundred 
thousand dollars. At this time the University of 
Michigan had become so prosperous that its income 
was ample to pay the interest on the University debt ; 
and the amount of money which the State was able 
to loan the several progressing railroads was one 
hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were 
made to increase the efficiency of the common schools 
with good results In 1845, when Gov. Barry's sec- 
ond term expired, the population of the State was 
more than th':ee hundred thousand. 

The constitution of the State forbade more than two 
consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the 
IX)sition again in 1850 — the only instance of the kind 
in tlie history of the State. He was a member of the 
Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent- 
atives. 

During Mr. Barry s third term as Governor tire Nor- 
mal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was 
endowed with lands and i)laced in charge of a board 
of education consisting of six persons. A new con- 
stitution for tlie government of the State was also 
adopted and the ''Great Railway Conspiracy Case ' 
was tried. Tliis grew out of a series of lawless acts 
which had been committed upon the property of the 
Michigan Central Railroad Company, along the line 
of their road, and finally the burning of the depot 
at Detroit, in 1850. 

At a setting of the grand jury of AVayne County, 
April 24, 185 I, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this 
crime were indicted. May 20, following, tlie accused 
parties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of 
which Warner Wing was resident judge. The Rail- 
road Company employed ten eminent lawyers, in- 
cluding David Stuart, John Van Annan, James A. 
Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Dan- 
iel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were 
represented by six members of the State bar, led by 
William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied 
four months, during which time the plaintiffs exam- 
ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants 
249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury 
for the prosecution; William H. Seward for the 
defense. 

The great lawyer was convinced of the innocence 



of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the 
sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his 
clients were the victims of purchased treachery, 
rather than so many sacrifices to justice. 

The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock 
p. M., Sept. 25, 185 I. On the 26th the prisoners were 
put forward to receive sentence, when many of them 
protested their entire innocence, after which the pre- 
siding judge condemned 12 of the number to tlie fol- 
lowing terms of imprisonment, with hard labor, within 
the State's prison, situate in their county : Ammi 
Filley, ten years; Orlando L. Williams, ten years; 
.\aron Mount, eight years; Andrew J. Freeland, eight 
years; Eben Faniham, eight years; William Corvin, 
eight years; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price, 
eight years; Lyman Champlin, five years; Willard 
W. Champlin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five 
years; Erastus Smith, five years. 

In 1840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in 
the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Europe 
to obtain information in reference to its culture. 

He was twice Presidential Elector, and his last 
public service was that of a delegate to tlie National 
Democratic Convention held in Chicago in 1864. 

He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a 
high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts 
bestowed upon him, whetjier of a public or a private 
nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been 
one of the most efficient and [wpular Governors the 
Slate has ever had. 

Gov. Barry wa's a man cf incorruptible integrity. 
His opinions, which he reached by the most thorough 
investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong con- 
victions and outspoken honesty made it impossible for 
him to take an undefined position when a princi[)le 
was involved. His attachments and prejudices were 
strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his 
administration of public affairs. As a speaker lie was 
not remarkable. Solidity, rather than brilliancy, char- 
acterized his oratory, which is described as argument- 
ative and instructive, but cold, h ird, and entirely 
wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo- 
quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner 
rather awkward. 

.Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were 
so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered 
both ancient and modern languages, and acquired a 
thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less 
to political intrigue as a means of gaining posi- 
tion. He was a true statesman, and gained public es- 
teem by his solid worth. His political connections 
were always with the Democratic party, and his opin- 
ions were usually extreme. 

Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning 
of the ascendency of the Republican party, and car- 
ried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He 
died Jan. 14, 1S70, his wife's death having occurred a 
year previous, March 30, 1869. They left no cliildren. 




c/^^^il^Ai 




J 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



"7 










i 



-^^x^^^ 




\j LPHRUS FELCH, the third 
Q\ Cioveriior of Michigan, was 
1^,. ., ___^_ J ;,. l>orn iu Limerick, Maine, Sep- 
'"^ rJM. ©^' VSj. ^ icniber 28, 1806. Hisgrand- 
If^«^ fatlier, Abijah Felcli, was a sol- 
Z''*^ dicr in the Revolution ; and 
wlien a young man, having will) 
others obtained a grant of land be- 
tween the Great and Little Ossi[)ee 
' Rivers, in Maine, moved to that re- 
gion when it was yet a wilderness. 
The fatiier of Mr. Felch embarked in 
mercantile life at Limerick. He was 
the first to engage in that business in 
that section, and continued it until 
his death. Tiie death of the father, 
followed within a year by the death of 
the motlier, left the subject of this sketch, then three 
years old, to the care of relatives, and he found a 
home with his paternal grandfather, where he re- 
mained until his death. Mr Felch received his early 
education in the district scliool and a neighboring 
academy. In 1821 he became a student at Phillips 
Exter Academy, and, subsequently, entered Bowdoin 
College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at 
once began the study of law and was admitted to 
[)ractice at Hangor, .Me., in 1830. 

Hg began the practice of his profession at Houlton, 
Me , where he remained until 1833. The severity 
of the climate impaired his health, never very good, 
and he found it necessary to seek a change of climate. 
He disiKJsed of his library and started to seek 
a new home. His intention was to join his friend. 



Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his 
arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch was attacked by 
cholera, and wiien he had lecovered sufficiently to 
permit of his traveling, found that the danger of the 
disease was too great to permit a journey down the 
river. He therefore determined to come to Michi- 
gan. Hi; first began to practice in this .State at Mon- 
roe, where he continued until 1843, when he removed 
to Ann Arbor. He was elected to the State Legisla- 
ture in 1835, and continued a member of that body 
during the years 1836 and 1837. While he held this 
office, the general banking law of the State was enact- 
ed, and went into operation. After mature delibera- 
tion, he became convinced that the proposed system 
of banking could not [)rove beneficial to the public 
interests; and that, instead of relieving the people 
from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were 
laboring, it would result in still further embarrass- 
ment. He, therefore, oi)posed the bill, and jxjinted 
out to the House the disasters which, in his opinion, 
were sure to follow its passage, 'i'he public mind, 
however, was so favorably impressed by the measure 
that no other member, in either branch of the Legisla- 
ture, raised a dissenting voice, and lait two voted with 
him in opix)sition to the bill. Early in 1838, he was 
appointed one of the Bank Commissioners of the 
Slite, and held that office for moie than a year. Dur- 
ing this time, the new banking law had given birth to 
that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks. 
Almost every village had its bank. The country was 
flooded with depressed "wild-cat" money. The ex- 
aminations of the Bank Commissioners brought to 
light frauds at every point, which were fearlessly re- 



ii8 



ALPHEUS FELCH. 



ported to the Legislature, and were followed by crim- 
inal prosecutions of the guilty parties, and the closing 
of many of their institutions. The duties of the of- 
fice were most laborious, and in 1839 Mr. Felch le- 
signed. The chartered right of almost every bank 
had, in the meantime, been declared forfeited and 
the law repealed. It was subsequently decided to 
be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the State. 
In the year 1842 Governor Felch was appointed 
to the office of Auditor General of the State; but 
after holding the office only a few weeks, was com- 
missioned by the Governor as one of the Judges of the 
Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resig- 
nation of Judge Fletcher. In January, 1843, he was 
elected to the United States Senate for an unexpired 
term. In 1845 he was elected Governor of Michigan, 
and entered u|X)n his duties at the commencement of 
Ihe next year. In 1847 he was elected a Senator 
in Congress for six years ; and at once retired from 
the office of Governor, by resignation, which took 
effect March 4, 1847, when his Senatorial term com- 
menced. While a member of the Senate he acted on 
tlie Committee on Public Lands, and for four years 
was its Chairman. He filled the honorable position 
of Senator with becoming dignity, and with great 
credit to the State of Michigan. 

During Governor Felch's administration the two 
railroads belonging to the State were sold to private 
corporations, — the Central for $2,000,000, and the 
Southern for $500,000. The exports of the State 
amounted in 1846 to $4,647,608. The total capacity 
of vessels enrolled in the collection district at Detroit 
was 26,928 tons, the steam vessels having 8,400 and 
the sailing vessels 18,528 tons, the whole giving em- 
ployment to 18,000 seamen. In 1847, there were 39 
counties in the State, containing 435 townships ; and 
275 of these townships were supplied with good libra- 
ries, containing an aggregate of 37,000 volumes. 

At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 1853, 
Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of 
the Commissioners to adjust and settle the Spanish 



and Mexican land claims in California, under tlie 
treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress 
passed for that purpose. He went to California in 
May, 1853, and was made President of the Commis- 
sion. The duties of this office were of the most im- 
portant and delicate character. The interest of the 
new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens, 
both the native Mexican jwpulalion and the recent 
American immigration ; the right of the Pueblos to 
their common lands, and of the Catholic Church to 
the lands of the Missions, — the most valuable of the 
State, — wereinvolved in the adjudicationsof this Com- 
mission. In March, 1856, their labors were l)roujiht 
to a close by the final disposition of all the claims 
which were presented. The record of their proceed- 
ings, — the testimony which was given in each case, 
and the decision of the Commissioners thereon, — 
consisting of some forty large volumes, was dejwsited 
in the Department of the Interior at Washington. 

In June of that year. Governor Felch returned to 
Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged piinci- 
pally in legal business. Since his return he has 
been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Sen- 
ator, and twice for Judge of the Supreme Court. But 
the Democratic party, to which lie lias always been 
attached, being in the minority, he failed of an elec- 
tion. In 1873 he withdrew from the active practice 
of law, and, with the exception of a tour in Europe, 
in 1875 has since led a life of retirement at his home 
in Ann Arbor. In 1877 the University of Michigan 
conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. For 
many years he was one of the Regents of Michigan 
University, and in the spring of 1879 was ap[X)inted 
Tappan Professor of Law in the same. Mr. Felcli is 
the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from 
Monroe Co., the oldest and only surviving Bank Com- 
missioner of the State, the oldest surviving .^uditor 
General of the State, the oldest surviving Governor of 
the State, the oldest surviving Judge of the Supreme 
Court of Michigan, and the oldest surviving United 
States Senator from the State of Michiuan. 



GO VERNORS. 





I WIILMAM \. ©1 



?'S:s*>s:s*-s;s*-s:s<*^;:j"«>-s::j'1' 






ILLIAM L. GREENLY^ 

^Governor of Michigan for the 
year 1S47, was born at Hamil- 
ton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 
18,1813. He graduated at Un- 
ion CoHege, Schenectady, in 
1831, studied law and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1S34. In 
1836. liaving removed to Mi< lii- 
^ gar, he settled in Adrian, whLre 
lie has since resided. The year 
following his arrival in Michigan 
he was elected State Senator and 
jf> served in that capacity until 1839. 
PU In 1845 hewaselectedLieut.Gov- 
' , ernor and became acting Governor 
by the resignation of Gov. Felch, 
who was elected to the United 
States Senate. 
I The war with Mexico was brouglit 

to a successful termination during Gov. Greenly 's 
administration. We regret to say that there are only 
few records e.xtant of the action of Michigan troops 
in the Mexican war. That many went there and 
fought well are points conceded ; but their names and 
nativity are hidden away in United States archives 



and where it is almost impossible to find them. 

The soldiers of this State deserve much of th^ 
credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K, 3d 
Dragoons, and Cos. A, E, and G of the U. S. Inf. 
The two former of these companies, recruited in this 
State, were reduced to one-thiid their original num- 
ber. 

In May, 1846, the Governor of Michigan was noti- 
fied by the War Department of the United States to 
enroll a regiment of volunteers, to be held in readi- 
ness for service whenever demanded. At his sum- 
mons 13 independent volunteer companies, 1 1 of 
infantry and two of cavalry, at once fell into line Of 
the infantry four companies were from Detroit, bear- 
ing the honored names of Montgomery, Lafayette, 
Scott and Brady upon their banners. Of the re- 
mainder Monroe tendered two, Lenawee County three, 
St. Clair, Rerrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne 
County an additional company. Of tiiese alone the 
veteran Bradys were accepted and ordered into ser- 
vice. In addition to them ten companies, making the 
First Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, springing 
from various parts of the State, but embodying to a 
great degree the material of which the first volunteers 
was formed, were not called for until October follow- 
ing. This rcgimcr.t was soon in readiness and pro- 
ceeded by orders from Government to the seat of war. 




1 




M^ 



— 4 



^-^.^-^'^^yZ^-C'Ci^^A^ /^ Ciyiyvd-X^-^t-^'t-^^ 



GO VERNORS. 










"^(s^^J^F 





HE HON. EPAPHRODI- 
TUS RANSOM, the Sevenili 
Governor of Michigan, was a 
native of Massachusetts. In 
' that State he received a col- 
legiate education, studied law, 
and was admitted tu the bar. 
Removing to Michigan about 
the time of its admission to the 
Union, he took up his residence 
at Kalamazoo. 

Mr. Ransom served with marked 
ability for a number of years in the 
tate Legislature, and in 1837 he was ap[iointed As- 
Kiatc Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1843 he 
'as promoted to Chief Justice, wliich office he re- 
lined until 1845, when he resigned. 
Shortly afterwards lie became deeply interested in 
le building of plank roads in the western portion of 
le Stale, and in this business lost the greater portion 
f the projierty which he had accumulated by years 
f toil and industry. 

Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of 
iichigan in the fall of 1847, and served during one 
erm, performing the duties of the office in a truly 
tatesmanlike manner. He subsecpiently became 
'resident of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in 
ihich iwsilion he dis[)layed the same ability that 



shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governor. 
He held the office of Regent of the Michigan Univer- 
sity several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy 
in its management. 

Subsequently he was appointed receiver of the 
land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by Pres- 
ident Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and 
where he died before the e.xpiration of his ttrm of 
office. 

We sum uj) the events and affairs of the State un- 
der Gov. Ransom's administration as follows: The 
Asylum for the Insane was establised, as also the 
.\sylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Both of 
these institutes were liberally endowed with lands, 
and each of them placed in charge of a board of five 
trustees. The appropriation in 1849 for the deaf and 
dumb and blind amounted to $81,500. On the first 
of March, 184S, the first telegraph line was com- 
pleted from New York to Detroit, and the first dis- 
patch transmitted on that day. The following figures 
show the ))rogress in agriculture : The land reported 
as under cultivation in 184S was 1,437,460 acres; of 
wheat there were [jroduced 4,749,300 bushels; other 
grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 [XJirnds; 
maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305; cat- 
tle, 210,268; swine, 152,541; sheep, 610,534; while 
the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills 
amounted to 730. 1847, an act was passed removing 
the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and temi)o- 
lary buildings for the use of the Legislature were im- 
mediately erected, at a cost of §12,450. 



GO VERNOKS OF MICHIGAN. 



"9 




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^>.f..t..t..t.t...jtjo.t.jM».t».t.-AAA.t,.i:i-.t.i^ H 





OBERT McClelland, 

(lovernor of Michigan from 
Jan. 1, 1852, to March 8, 1853, 
was l)orn at Greencastle, Frank- 
®nfT " • '>^ lii^ Co., Penn., Aug. i, 1807. 
\.^C'-';' Among his ancestors were several 
Xl officers of rank in the Revohition- 
ary war, and some of his family con- 
nections were distinguished in the 
war of 1812, and that with Mexico. 
His father was an eminent j)hysiciaii 
and surgeon who studied under Dr. 
Renj. Rush, of Philadelphia, and 
I)racticed his profession successfully 
until six months before his death, at 
tlie age of 84 years. Although Mr. 
VIcClelland's family had been in good circum- 
stances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown 
upon his own resources. After taking the usual pre- 
liminary studies, and teaching school to obtain the 
means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, 
Penn., from which he graduated among the first in 
bis class, in 1829. He then resumed teacliing, and 
laving completed the course of study for the legal 
)rofession, was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg, 
Penn., in 1S31. Soon afterward he removed to the 
:ity of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a 
rear. 
In 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in 




the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe ex- 
amination, he became a member of the bar of Michi- 
gan, and engaged in practice with bright prospect of 
success. In 1835, a convention was called to frame 
a constitution for the proiX)sed State of Michigan, of 
which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He 
took a prominent i)art in its deliberations and ranked 
among its ablest debaters. He was apixiinted the 
first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason, 
and received an offer of the Attorney Generalship, but 
declined both of these offices in order to attend to his 
professional duties. 

In 1838, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State 
Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished 
as the head of several imixjrtant committees. Speaker 
J>n> tempore, and as an active, zealous and efficient 
member. In 1840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for 
the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelm- 
ing majority, and at the same time the State of Michi- 
gan was carried by the Whigs under the popular cry 
of " Woodbridge and reform " against the Democratic 
[)arty. .\t tiiis lime Mr. McClelland stood among the 
acknowledged leaders of the latter organization ; was 
elected a member of the State House of Rei)resenta- 
tives, and with others adopted a jjlan to regain a lost 
authority and prestige. 

This party soon came again into power in the State, 
and having been returned to the State Legislature M.-. 
McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his 
election as Speaker of the House of Representatives 



ROBERT McClelland. 



in 1843. Down to this time Michigan had consti- 
tuted one congressional district. Tlie late Hon. Jacob 
M. Howard liad been elected against Hon, Alpheus 
Felch by a strong majority; but, in 1843, so tiioroiighly 
liad the Democratic party recovered from its defeat 
of 1840 that Mr. McClelland, as a candidate forCon- 
gress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about 
2,500. Mr. McClelland soon toc'i a prominent po-;i 
lion in Congress among the veteians of that body. 
During his first term he was placed on Committee on 
Coir'i'eice, and organized and carried through what 
neri known as the " Harbor bills." The continued 
confidence of his constituency was manifested in his 
election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this 
session he had acquired a National reputation, and so 
■?vorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his 
name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Rep- 
jesentatives. He declined the offer in favor of J. W. 
Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this term 
he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in 
which position his leports and advocacy of imi)ortant 
measures at once attracted public attention. The 
members of this committee, as an evidence of the es- 
teem in which they held his services and of their 
personal regard for him, presented him with a cane 
'vhich he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of 
his labors in Congress, 

In 1847, Mr. McClelland was re-elected to Con- 
tjress, and at the opening of the 3olh Congress be- 
came a member of the Committee on Foreign Rela- 
iions. While acting in this capacity, what was known 
as the " French Spoliation Bill" came under his spe- 
cial charge, and his management of the same was such 
as to commahd universal approbation. While in 
Congress, Mr McClelland was an advocate of the 
•ight of petition as maintained by John Q. Adams, 
wher the petition, was clothed in decorous language 
and presented in the proper manner. This he re- 
garded as the citizens'constitutional right which should 
not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expe- 
diency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Gid- 
dings s bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District 
of Columbii Mr. McClelland was one of the few 
Democrrts associated with David Wilmot, of Penn- 
sylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot 
Proviso, " with a view to jirevent farther extension of 
slavery ir^ new territory which might be acquired by 
ihe United States. He and Mr. Wilmot were to- 
gether at the time in Washington, and on intimate 
.-.nd confidential terms. Mr. McClelland was in sev- 
eral National conventions and in the Baltimore con- 
vention, which nominated Gen. Ciss for President, 
:.'i 1848, doirig valiant service that year for the elec- 
tion of that distinguished statesman. On leaving 
Congress, in 1848, Mr. McClelland returned to the 
practice of his profession at Monroe. In 1S50 a 
convention of the State of Michigan was called to 
revise the State constitution. He was elected a 



member and was regarded therein as among the ablest 
and most experienced leaders. His clear judgment 
and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the 
committee room and on the floor, in debate. In 1850, 
he was President of the Democratic Stateconvention 
which ado|)ted resolutions m sup)X)rt of Henry Clay's 
famous compromise measures, of which Mr, McClel- 
land was a strong advocate. He was a member of 
the Democratic National convention in 1852, and in 
that year^, in company with Gen Cass and Governor 
Felcli he made a thorough canvass of the State. 
He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay com- 
promise measures, and took an active part in the 
canvass which resulted in the election of Gen Pierce 
to the Presidency 

In 1S5 [, the new Stat; constitution took effect and 
it was necessary that a Governor should be elected 
for one year in order to prevent an interregnumj and 
to bring the State Government into operatir ". under 
the new constitution, Mr McClelland was elected 
Governor, and in the fall of 1852 was re-elected for 
a term of two years, from Jan, i, 1853. His admin- 
istration was regarded as wise, prudent and concilia- 
tory, and was as popular as could be expected at a 
time when party spirit ran high. There was really 
no opix)sition,and when he resigned, in March, 1853, 
the State Treasury was well filled, and the State 
otherwise prosperous. So widely and favorably had 
Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that on 
the organization of thecabinet by President Pierce, in 
March, 1 85 3, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in 
which capacity he served most creditably during four 
years of the Pierce administration. He thoroughly 
re-organized his department and reduced theexpend- 
iturco He adopted a course with the Indians which 
relieved them from the impositions and annoyances 
of the traders, and produced harmony and civilization 
among them. During his administration there was 
neither complaint from the tribes nor corruption among 
agents, and he left the department in perfect order 
and system In 1867, Michigan again called a con- 
vention to revise the State constitution Mr. McClel- 
land was a member and here again his long experi- 
ence made him conspicuous as a iirudent adviser, a 
sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was 
terse and pointed in argument, clear, candid and im- 
pressive in his addresses to the jury His sincerity 
and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled 
a pleasant humor, made him an able and effective 
advocate. In speaking before the people on political 
subjects he was especially forcible and happy. In 
1870 he made the tour ofEurope, which, through his 
extensive personal acipiaintance with European d'p- 
lomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than 
most travelers. 

Mr. McClelland married, in 1837, Miss Sarah 
R. Sabin,of Williamstown, Mass. They have had 
six children two of whom now survive. 




'm 




GOVERNORSi OF MICHIGAN'. 



«33 





ANDREW P4R10Ni, 






NI)Ri;\\ I'ARSONS, (luvcr- 
nor of Michigan from Marcli 
1S53 to Jan. 3, (855, was 
1 orn in tlic town of Hoosiik, 
County of Rensselaer, and 
State of New York, on the 2 2cl 
d)y of July, 1S17, and died }\\\\^ 
6, 1S55, at the early age of 3.S 
years. He was the son of John 
Parbons, horn at Newburyport, 
H(Mass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the 
sonof Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary 
soldier, who was the son of Phineas 
Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons, 
a descendant of Walter Parsons, Ixirn 
in Ireland in 1290. 
Of this name and fivmily, some one hundred and 
thirty years ago, Bishop Oilson remarked in his edi- 
tion of Camden's Britannia: "The honorable family 
of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of 
Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross." 

The following are descendants of these families : 
Sir John Parsons, born 1 481, was Mayor of Hereford; 
Robert Parsons, born in 1546, lived near Bridgewater, 
England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox- 
ford, and was a noted writer and defender of the 
Romish faith. He established an English ('ollege at 
Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons, 
born in 1556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingham; 
Bartholomew Parsons, born in 161 8, was another 
noted member of the family. In 1634, Thomas Parsons 
was knighted by Charles I. Joseph and Benjamin, 
brothers, were born in Great Torrington, England, 



and aicoMiiiaiiietl their f.ither and others to New 
Ivigland about 1630. .Sauiuel Parsons, born at Salis- 
bury, Mass., in i7<j7, graduated at Harvard College in 
1730, ordained at Rye, N. H., Nov. 3, 1736, married 
Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Boston, 
,Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in 
the S3rd year of his ministry. The grandfather of Mary 
Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson 
of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first set- 
tlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous 
race of the name are descended, includii:.g two Presi- 
dents of the United States. The Parsons have be- 
come very numerous and afe found throughout New 
England, and many of the descedants are scattered 
ill all parts of the United States, and especially in 
the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew 
Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at the age of 17 
years, and si)ent the first sinnmer at Lower Ann 
.\ri)or, where for a few months he taught school which 
he was compelled to abandon from ill health 

I le was one of the large number of men of sterling 
worth, who came from the East to Michigan when it 
was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming 
the dignity of a State, and who, by their wisdom, 
enterprise and energy, have developed its wonderful 
natural resources, until to-day it ranks with thei)roud- 
est States of the Union. These brave men came to 
Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conquest 
of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong 
and willing hands. They gloriously concpiered, how- 
ever, and tc them is due all honor for the labors 
so nobly performed, for the solid and sure foundation 
which they laid of a great Commonwealth. 



134 



ANDREW PARSONS 



In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River 
Valley in a frail canoe, the whole length of the river, 
from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following 
winter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia, 
County, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he 
resided witii his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons, 
also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shia- 
wasseCounty,then with Clinton County, and an almost 
unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized 
township. In 1837 this territory was organized into 
a county and, at the age of only 19 years, he (An- 
drew) was elected County Clerk. In 1S40, he was 
elected Register of Deeds, re-elected in 1842, and 
also in 1844. In 1846, he was elected to the State 
Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in 1848, 
and elected Regent of the University in 1851, and 
Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor, 
in 1853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and, 
overcome by debilitated healtli, hard labor and the 
resixsnsibilities of his office and cares of his business, 
retired to his farm, where he died soon after. 

He was a fluent and persuasive si)eaker and well 
calculated to make friends of his acquantances. He 
was always true to his trust, and the whole world 
could not persuade nor drive him to do what he con- 
ceived to be wrong. When Governor, a most power- 
ful railroad influence was brought to bear upon him, 
to induce him to call an extra session of the Legisla- 
ture. Meetings were held in all parts of the State 
for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions 
were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do 
their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering words. 
In other places the resolutions were of a demanding 
nature, while in others they were threatening beyond 
measure. Fearing that all these influences might 
/ail to induce him to call the e.Ktra session, a large 
sum of money was sent him, and liberal offers ten- 
dered him if he would gratify the railroad interest of 
the State and call the extra session, but, immovable, 
he returned the money and refused to receive 
any favois, whether from any party who would at- 
tempt to coiru'-t Mm by laudations, liberal offers, or 



by threats, and in a short letter to the people, after 
giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man 
could dispute, showing the circumstances were not 
"extraordinary," he refused to call the extra session. 
This brought down the wrath of various parties upon 
his head, but they were soon forced to acknowledge 
the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of 
his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance: 
"though not always coinciding with his views I never 
doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times 
sought to perform his duties in strict accordance, 
with the dictates of his conscience, and the behests 
ofhisoath." The following eulogium from a politcal op- 
ponent is just in its conception and creditalile to its 
author: "Gov. Parsons was a ixjlitician of the Dem- 
ocratic school, a man of pure moral character, fixed 
and exemplary habits, and entirely blameless in every 
public and private relation of life. As a ix)litician he 
was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an ex- 
ecutive officer firm, constant and reliable." The 
highest commendations we can pay the deceased is 
to give his just record,— that of being an honest man. 
In the spring of 1854, during the administration of 
Governor Parsons, the Republican party, at least 
as a .State organization, was first formed in the LTnited 
States "under the oaks" at Jackson, by anti-slavery 
men of both the old parties. Great excitement pre- 
vailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of 
Kansas, and the issue thereby brought iqi, whether 
slavery should exist there. For the purpose of permit- 
ting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise " (which 
limited slavery to the south of 36" ya) was re- 
repealed, under the leadership of Stephen A, Douglas. 
This was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and 
Nebraska into the Union, as Territories, and those who 
were opposed to this repeal measure were in short 
called " anti-N'ebraska" men. The epithets, "Ne- 
braska" and "anti-Nebraska," were temporally em- 
ployed to designate the slavery and anti-slaveiy 
parties, pending the desolution of the old Democratic 
and Wiiig parties ;md the organization of the new 
Democratic and Republican parties of the present. 



GO VEIi^rOKS OF MICHIGAN. 



'37 




'V^i ytav>t!3j>,s»i ;.'in.'.';.'> 



,' ; i'. ; I'^tgSit^'sgi'^t^ j'<; Ji 



m KiNSLRY ©. BlNQHAM. m 

Yf\ 







INSLEY S. BINGHAM, 
Governor of Michigan from 
1855 to 1859, and United 
States Senator, was born in 
Camilhis, Onondaga Count)', 
N. v., Dec. 16, iSoS. His 
father was a farmer, and his own 
early hfe was consequently de- 
voted to agricultural pursuits, Inii 
notwithstanding the disadvan- 
tages related to the acquisition 
of knowledge in the life of a farmer 
he managed to secure a good aca- 
demic education in his native State 
and studied law in the office of 
Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of 
/: Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of 
^ I S33, he married an c'stiniable lady 
who had recently arrived from Scot- 
land, and ol)eying the impulse of a 
naturally enterprising disposition, 
he emigrated to Michigan and 
purchased a new fann in company 
with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert 
Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on 
the border of civilization, buried in the primeval for- 
est, our late student commenced the ardious task of 
preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, put- 
ting up buildings, etc., at suih a rate that the land 



chosen wa.5 soon reduced to a high state of cultivation. 

Becoming deservedly prominent, Mr. Bingham was 
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and Post- 
master under the Territorial government, and was the 
first Probate Judge in the county. In the year 1S36, 
wlien Michigan 1 ecanie a State, he was elected to the 
first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and 
Speaker of the House of Representatives three years. 
In 1 846 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Rejv 
resentative to Congress, and was the only practical 
farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the 
interest of agriculture, and was in particular opposed 
to the introduction of " Wood's Patent ("ast Iron 
Plow " which he completely prevented. He was re- 
elected to Congress in 1848, during which time lie 
strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the 
territory of the United States and was cominitted to 
and voted for the Wilmot Proviso. 

In 1S54, at the first organization of the Republican 
party, in consecjuence of his record in Congress as a 
Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated 
and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in 
1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own formei 
occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his 
administration, and among other profits of his zeal in 
their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the 
establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansing. 

In 1859, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in 
Congress and took an active part in the stormy cam- 
p.iign in the election of Abraham Lincoln. He wit- 



'38 



KINSLEY S. BINGHAM. 



nessed the commencement of the civil war while a 
member of the United States Senate. After a com- 
paratively short life of remarkable promise and pub- 
lic activity he was attacked with appopiexy and died 
suddenly at his residence, in Green Oak, Oct. 5, 1861. 

The most noticable event in Governor Bingham's 
first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the 
Falls of St. Mary. In 1S52, Angust 26, an act of 
Congress was approved, granting to the State of Mich- 
igan seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land 
for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between 
Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1853, the Legislature 
accepted the grant, and provided for the appointment 
of commissioners to select the donated lands, and to 
arrange for building the canal. A company of enter- 
prising men was formed, and a contract was entered 
into by which it was arranged that the canal should 
be finished in two years, and the work was pushed 
rapidly forward. Every article of consumption, ma- 
chinery, working implements and materials, timber 
for the gates, stones for the locks, as well as men and 
supplies, had to be transported to the site of the canal 
from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake ports. The 
rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall of 
seventeen feet and are about one mile long. The 
length of the canal is less than one mile, its width one 
hundred feet, depth twelve feet and it has two locks 
of solid masonary. In May, 1855, the work was com- 
pleted, accepted by the commissioners, and formally 
delivered to the State authorities. 

The disbursements on account of the construction 
of the canal and selecting the lands amounted to one 
million of dollars ; while the lands which were as- 
signed to the company, and selected through the 
agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the 
Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to an acre the 
Government grant. The opening of the canal was 
an important event in the history of the improvement 
of the State. It was a valuable link in the chain of 
lake commerce, and particularly important to the 
interests of the Upper Peninsula. 

There were several educational, charitable and re- 
formatory institutions inaugurated and opened during 
Gov. Bingham's administrations. The Michigan Ag- 
ricultural College owes its establishment to a provision 
of the St.ite Constitution of 1850. Article 13 says, 
" The Legislature shall, as soon as practicable, |)ro- 
vide for the establishment of an agricultural school." 
For the purpose of carying into practice this provision, 
legislation was commenced in 1S55, and the act re- 
quired that the school should be within ten miles of 
Lansing, and that not more than $15 an acre should 
be paid for the farm and college grounds. The col- 
lege was opened to students in May, 1857, the first of 
existing argricultural colleges in the United States 
Until the spring of i86i,it was under the control 
of the State Board of Education; since that time it 
has been under the management of the State Board 



of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose. 

In its essential features, of combining study and 
labor, and of uniting general and professional studies 
in its course, the college has remained virtually un- 
changed from the first. It has a steady growth in 
number of students, in means of illustration and 
efficiency of instruction. 

The Agricultural College is three miles east of 
Lansing, comprising several fine buildings; and there 
are also very beautiful, substantial residences for the 
professors. There are also an extensive, well-filled 
green-bouse, a verj- large and well-equipped chemical 
laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the 
United Stales, a general museum, a meseum of me- 
chanical inventions, another of vegetable products, 
extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for 
the purposes designed. The farm consists of 676 
acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation in a 
systematic rotation of crops. 

Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan 
Methodists in 1859, now under the control of the 
Methodist Church. The grounds contain about 20 
acres. There are four buildings, capable of accom- 
modating about 225 students. Attendance in 1S75 
was 179; total number of graduates for previous year, 
121 ; ten professors and teachers are employed. Ex- 
clusive of the endowment fund ($80,000), the assets 
of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furni- 
ture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands, 
etc., amount to more than $137,000. 

Hillsdale College was established in 1855 by the 
Free Baptists. The Michigan Central College, at 
Spring Arbor, was incorporated in 1845 It was kept 
in operation until it was merged into the present 
Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres, 
beautifully situated on an eminence in the western 
part of the city of Hillsdale. The large and impos- 
ing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire 
in 1874, and in its place five buildings of a more 
modern style have been erected. They are of brick, 
three stories with basement, arranged on three sides 
of a cpiadrangle. The size is, respectively, 80 by 80, 
48 by 72, 48 by 72, 80 by 60, 52 by 72, and they con- 
tain one-half more room than the original buildmg. 

The State Reform School. This was established 
at Lansing in 1855, in the northeastern portion of the 
city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Of- 
fenders, having about it many of the features of a 
prison. In 1859 the name was changed to the State 
Reform School. The government and dicipline, have 
undergone many and radical changes, until all the 
prison features have been removed ejfcept those that 
remain in the walls of the original structure, and 
which remain only as monuments of instructive his- 
tory. No bolts, bars or guards are employed. The 
inmates are necessarily kept under the surveillance of 
officers, but the attempts at escape are much fewer 
than under the more rigid regime of former days. 





a~^j2^ J^A^L^^u-w^-^----^ 



GO VKRXORS OF MICHIGAN. 




OSES WISNER. Governor of 
^Michigan from 185910 1861, 
'was born in Springport, Cayu- 
ga Co., N Y., June 3, 1815. 

- ^ ,- . . . r-r^ His early education was only 

itf Xfe ■j/^'^' what could be obtained at a 
' '"'^ 5 common school. Agricultural labor 
ind frugality of his parents gave 
him a piiysical constitution of imus- 
ual strength and endurance, which 
Mwas ever preserved by temperate hab- 
its. In 1837 he emigrated to Michi- 
n*J^ gan and purchased a farm in Lapeer 
Wy^ County It was new land and he at 
\^L once set to work to clear it and plant 
y^ crops. He labored diligently at his 
task for two years, when he gave up 
the idea of being a farmer, and removed to Pontiac, 
( )akland Co. Here he connnenced the study of law 
in tlie office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and 
Kufus Hosmer. In 1841 he was admitted to tli2 bar 
and established himself in his new vocation at the 
village of Lapeer. While there he was appjxjinted 
by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that 
<ounty, in which capacity he acquitted himself well 
and gave promise of that eminence he afterward at- 
tained in the profession. He remained at Lapeer but 
a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became 
a member of a firm and entered fully u]X5n tlic 
pr.iciice. 

In (Kilitics he was like his talented brother, a Whig 
oV ihc Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided anti- 
slaver) bias. His (iractice becoming e.xtensive, he 



took little part in politics until after the election of 
Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1852, when he took an 
active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a 
man of great ability, but relied less ujxjn mere book 
learning than upon his native good sense. Libeial 
and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of 
his client, and no facts escaped his attention or his 
memory which bore upon the case. He was no friend 
of trickery or artifice in conducting a case As an ad- 
vocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by tiie 
merits of his subject his eloquence was at once grace- 
ful and powerful. His fancies supplied the most 
original, the most jxainted illustrations, and his logic 
became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the 
adversary shrank and withered. Nature had be- 
stowed upon him rare qualities, and his powers as a 
iwpular orator were of a high order. 

On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 
1854, repealing the Missouri compromise andoi>ening 
the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost 
in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He 
actively participated in organizing and consolidating 
the elements opjKjsed to it in that State, and was a 
member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July, 
1854, which was tlie first formal Republican Conven- 
tion held in the United States. At this meeting the 
name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of 
tlie new party consisting of Anti-slavery, Whigs, 
Liberty men. Free Soil Democrats and all otiiers op- 
iwsed to the e.xtension of slaverj' and favorable to i's 
expulsion from the 'I'erritories and the District of 
Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urped to 
accept the nomination for .\ttomey General of the 



142 



MOSES WISNRK. 



State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nom- 
inated and at the annual election in November was 
elected by an average majority of nearly 10,000. 
Mr. W . was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to 
its support all his personal influence and talents. In 
his views he was bold and radical. He believed from 
the beginning that the political power of the slave- 
holders would have to be overthrown before quiet 
could be secured to the country. In the Presidential 
canvass of 1856 he supjxjrted the Fremont, or Re- 
publican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of 
1857 he was a candidate for United States Senator, 
and as such received a very handsome support. 

In 1858, he was nominated for Governor of the 
State by the Republican convention that met at De- 
troit, and at the subsequent November election was 
chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of 
the election he had addressed the people of almost 
cveiy county and his majority was greater even than 
that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham. 
He served as Governor two years, from Jan. i, 1859, 
lo Jan. I, 1861. His first message to the Legislature 
was an able and statesman-like production, and was 
read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake 
to all the interests of the State and set forth an en- 
lightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid 
settlement of our uncultivated lands and the -devel- 
opment of our immense agricultural and mineral re- 
sources. It was a document that reflected the highest 
credit ujxjn the author. 

His term having e.xpired Jan. i, 1861, he returned 
}o his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his 
profession. Tliere were those in the State wlio 
counselled the sending of delegates to the peace con- 
ference at Washington, but Mr. W. was opposed to all 
such temiK>rizing expedients. His counsel was lo 
send no delegate, but to prepare to fight. 

After Congress had met and passed the necessary 
.egislation he resoKed to take part in the war. In 
the spring and summer of 1862 he set to work to 
raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland 
County, where he resided. His regiment, the 2 2d 
Michigan, was armed and equipped and ready to 
march in September, a regiment whose solid quali- 
ties were afterwards proven on many a bloody field. 
Col. W's. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862. 
Before parting with his family he made his will. His 
regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at 



Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the 
war turned his attention to military studies and be- 
came proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline. 
His entire attention was now devoted to his duties. 
His treatment of his men was kind, though his disci- 
pline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree 
the spirit of command, and had he lived he would 
no doubt have distinguished himself as a good 
officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at 
being kept in Kentucky where there was so little 
prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp, 
so different from the one he had been leading, and 
iiis incessant labors, coupled with that impatience 
which was so natural and so general among the vol- 
unteers in the early part of the war, soon made their 
influence felt upon his health. He was seized with 
typhoid fever and removed to a private house near 
Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the 
liand of friendship could bestow was rendered him. 
In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was dis- 
ciplining his men and urging them to be prepared for 
an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the jus- 
tice of their cause and the necessity of their crush- 
ing the Rebellion. But the source of his most poig- 
nant gnet was the prospect of not being able to come 
to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "chivalry." 
He was proud of his regiment, and felt that if it could 
find the enemy it would cover itself with glory, — a 
distinction it afterward obtained, but not until Col. W. 
was no more. The malady baffled all medical treat- 
ment, and on the 5th day of Jan., 1863, he breathed 
his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and 
interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest 
by the side of the brave Gen. Richardson, who re- 
ceived his mortal wound at the battle of Antietam. 
Col. W. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless 
ambitious of military renown and would have striven 
for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war 
to defend and ujjhold the principles he had so much 
at heart. Few men were more familiar tjian he with 
the causes and the miderlying principles that led to 
the contest. He left a wife, who was a daughter of 
Gen. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to 
mourn his loss. Toward them he ever showed the 
tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and 
welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, gen- 
erous and brave, and like thousands of otheis he 
sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his country. 




J^ (j-4n^\^ 




GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



'45 







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-B^.JB 




^^sf^. "•''vs^SP^ 




USTIN BLAIR, Governor 
1^1 of Michigan from Jan. z, 
iS6i, to Jan. 4, 1865, and 
kown as the War Governor, is 
uid illustration of the benifi- 
i cnt influence of republican in- 
' blitutions, having inherited neith- 
er fortune nor fame. He was horn 
in a log cabin at Caroline, Toinp- 
knis Co., N. Y., Feb. S, 1818. 
His ancestors came from Scot- 
land in the time of George I, and 
for many generations followed the 
■Sl^ pursuit of agriculture. His father, 
George Hlair, settled in Tompkins 
County in 1809, and felled the trees and erected the 
first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the four- 
score and four years of his life were spent on that 
spot. He married Rhoda Blackmail, who now sleeps 
with him in the soil of theold homestead. Thefirst 
17 years of his life were spent there, rendering his 
father what aid he could ajxan the farm. He then 
spent a year and a half in Cazenovia Seminary ])re- 
paring for college; entered Hamilton College, in 
Clinton, prosecuted his studies until the middle of 
the junior year, when, attracted by the fame of Dr. 
Noit, he changed to Union College, from which he 
graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving col- 
iege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet 
& D.avis, Owego, N Y., and was admitted to practice 
va i?54i, and the same year moved to Michigan, locat- 



ing in Jackson. During a tennx)rary residence in 
Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerk of Eaton 
County. At the close of the official term he returned lo 
Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously csixjused the cause 
of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. He was chosen 
Repiesenialive lo the Legislature in 1845, at which 
session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he 
rendered valuable service in the revision of the gen- 
eral statutes ; also made an able report in favor o{ 
abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elec- 
tive franchise, and at the same session was active in 
securing the abolition of capital punishment. In 1848 
Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the Whig 
party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention 
any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil 
movement, and was a delegate to their convention 
which nominated Van Buren for President that year. 
Upon the birth of the Republican party at Jackson, 
in 1854, by the coalition of the Whig and Free-soil 
elements, Mr. Blair was in full sympathy with the 
movement, and acted as a member of the Committee 
on Platform. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney 
of Jackson County in 1852 ; was chosen State Senator 
two years later, taking his seat with the incoming Re- 
publican administration of 1855, and holding the 
[X)sition of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He 
was a delegate to the National Convention which 
nominated Abraham Lincoln in i860. Mr. Elair 
was elected Governor of Michigan in i860, and re- 
elected in 1S62, faithfully and honorably discharging 
the arduous duties of the office during that most mo- 



146 



A US TIN BLAIR. 



meiUous and stormy period of the Nation's life. Gov. 
Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous 
situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his 
inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive 
policy and the administrative ability which charac- 
terized his gubernatorial career. 

Never perhaps in the history of a nation has a 
hrigliter example been liid down, or a greater sacri- 
fice been made, than that which distinguished Mich- 
igan daring the civil war. All, from the " War Gov- 
ernor." down to the poorest citizen of the State, were 
animated with a patriotic ardor at once magnificiently 
sublime and wisely directed. 

Very early in 1861 tlie coming struggle cast its 
shadow over tlie Nation. Governor Blair, in his mes- 
sage to the Legislature in January of that year, dwelt 
very forcibly upon the sad prospects of civil war; and 
as forcibly pledged the State to support the principles 
of the Republic. After a review of the conditions 
of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the 
relations between the free and slave States of the 
Republic, saying: " While we are citizens of tlie State 
of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her in- 
terests and honor, we have a still prouder title. We 
are also citizeas of the United States of America. By 
this title we are known among the nations of the earth. 
In remote quarters of the globe, where the names of 
the States are unknown, the flag of the great Republic, 
the banner of the stars and stripes, honor and protect 
her citizens. In whatever concerns the honor, the 
prosperity and the perpetuity of this great Govern- 
ment, we are deeply interested. The people of Mich- 
igan are loyal to that Government — faithful to its con- 
stitution and its laws. Under it they have had peace 
and prosperity; and under it they mean to abide to 
the end. Feeling a just pride in the glorious history 
of the past, they will not renounce the equally glo- 
rious hopes of the future. But they will r.ally around 
the standards of the Nation and defend its integrity 
and its constitution, with fidelity." The final para- 
graph being: 

" I recommend you at an early day to make mani- 



fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the 
two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that 
Michigan is loyal to the Union, the Constitution, and 
the laws and will defend them to the uttermost; and 
to proffer to the President of the United States, the 
whole military jxiwer of the State for that purixjse. 
Oh, for the firm, steady hand of a Washington, or a 
Jackson, to guide the ship of State in this perilous 
storm ! Let us hope that we will find him on the 4th 
of March. Meantime, let us abide in the faith of our 
fathers — ' Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, 
now and forever.' " 

How this stirring appeal was responded to by the 
people of Michigan will be seen by the statement 
that the State furnished 88,1 1 1 men during the war. 
Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abun- 
dantly supplied by this State during all these years of 
darkness and blood shed. No State won a brighter 
record for her devotion to our country than the Pen- 
insula State, and to Gov. Blair, more than to any 
other individual is due the credit for its untiring zeal 
and labors in the Nation's behalf, and for the heroism 
manifested in its defense. 

Gov. Blair was elected Representative to the 
Fortieth Congress, and twice re-elected, to the Forty- 
first and Forty-second Congress, from the Third Dis- 
trict of Michigan. While a member of that body he 
was a strong sujJiXJtter of reconstruction measures, 
and sternly opposed every form of repudiation. His 
speech upon the national finances, delivered on the 
floor of the House March 21, 1868, was a clear and 
convincing argument. Since his retirement from Con- 
gress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied with his e.x- 
tensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L. 
Ford, of Seneca County N. Y., in February, 1849. 
Their family consists of 4 sons — George H., a postal 
clerk in the railway mail service; Charles A., partner 
with his father; Fred. J. and Austin T., at home. 
Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and 
centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1883, Gov. Blair 
was nominated for Justice of the Supreme Court 
of the State by the Republican pirty, but was defeated. 




c/^^P^:^^^^ /V-, {^aJiycr-^ 



GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 





HENRY K. CRAPO* 



IIM' 



'm. 





\ ENRY HOWLANDCRAPO, 
(1) Governor of Michigan from 

f' "1865 to 1869, was born M;iy 
24, 1804, at Dartinoutli, hris- 
tol Co., Mass., and died at 
Flint, Mich., July 22, 1S69. 
He was the eldest son of Jesse 
and Phitbe (Howland) Crapo. 
His father was of French descent 
and was very poor, sustaining his 
) family i>y the cultivation of a farm in 
Dartmouth township, which yielded 
\ nothing beyond a mere livelihood. 
His early life was consequently one 
of toil and devoid of advantages for 
intellectual culture, but his desire for 
an education seemed to know no bounds. The in- 
cessant toil for a mere subsistence uixjn a compara- 
tively sterile farm, had no charm for him ; and, longing 
for greater u.sefulness and better things, he looked for 
them in an education. His struggles to secure this 
end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would 
have discouraged any hut the most courageous and 
persevering. He became an ardent student and 
worker from his boyhood, though the means of carry- 
ing on his studies were exceedingly limited. He 
sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither having 
money wherewith to i)urchase it, nor being able to 
procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to compile 
one for himself. In order to acijuire a knowledge of 
the English language, he cojned into a book every 
word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and 
U[K)ii uieeting the same word again in the newspapers 
and looks, wlricli came into his hands, from the 



context, would then record the definition. Whenever 
unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word 
in which he liad become interested he would walk 
from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that purixjse 
alone, and after referring to the books at the library 
and satisfynig himself thoroughly as to its definition, 
would walk back, a distance of about seven miles, 
the same night. This was no unusual circumstance. 
Under such difficulties and in this manner he com- 
piled ([uite an extensive dictionary in manuscrip*^ 
which is believed to be still in existence. 

Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained fwsses- 
sion of a book upon surveying, and applying himself 
diligently to its study became familiar with this art; 
which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The 
services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was 
called uixjn, but had no compass and no money with 
which to purchase one. A compass, however, he 
must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shop 
near at hand, \\\pn the forge, with such tools as he 
could find in the shop, while the smith was at dinner, 
he constructed the compass and commenced life as a 
surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted him- 
self for teaching, and took charge of the village school 
at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and un- 
der the pressure of law, a high school was to be 
opened, he passed a successful examination for its 
principalship and received the appointment. To do 
this was no small task. The law recpiired a rigid 
examination in various subjects, which necessitated 
days and nights of study. One evening, after con- 
cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot 
to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called 
upon the preceptor of Friend's .\cadeniy and passed 



15° 



HENRY HOWL AND CRAPO. 



a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that 
he was quahfied, he walked back to his home the 
same night, highly elated in being possessed of the 
acquirements and recjuirements of a master of the 
high school. 

In 1832, at the age of 28 years, lie left liis native 
town and went to reside at New Bedford, where lie 
followed the occupation of land surveyor, and oc- 
casionally acted as an auctioneer Soon after becom- 
i.ig a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk, 
Treasurer, and Collector of ta.xes, which office he held 
until the municipal government was changed, — about 
fifteen years, — when, upon the inauguration of the city 
government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector 
of taxes, a position which lie held two or three years. 
He was also Justice of the Peace for many years. 
He was elected Alderman of New Bedford ; was 
Chairman of Council Committee on Education, and 
a; such prepared a report uiion which was based the 
order for the establishment of the free Public Library 
of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was 
chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This 
was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if 
not in the world. The Boston Free Library was es- 
tablished, however, soon afterwards. While a resident 
in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticul- 
ture, and to obtain the land necessary for carrying out 
his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of 
rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here 
he started a nursery, which he filled with almost every 
description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, 
flowers, etc. \\\ this he was very successful and took 
great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New 
England Horticultural Journal, a position he filled 
as long as he livctl in Massachusetts. As an indica- 
tion of the wide reputation he acquired in that field 
of labor, it may be mentioned that after his death an 
affecting eulogy to his memory was [ironounced by the 
President of the National Horticultural Society at its 
meeting in Philadel[)hia, in 1869. During his resi- 
dence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged 
in the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dart- 
mouth, of which he was part owner, was named the 
"H. H. Crapo" in compliment to him. 

Mr. C. also took part in the State Militia, and for 
several years held a commission as Colonel of one of 
the regiments. He was President of the Bristol 
County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of 
the Bedford Commercial Insurance Company in New 
Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal gov- 
ernmenthecompileJ and published, between the years 
1836 and 1845, five numbers of the New Bedford 
Directory the first work of the kind ever published 
there. 

Mr. C. removed to Michigan in 1856, having been 
induced to do so by investments made principally in 
pine lands, first in 1837 and subsequently in 1856. 
He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en- 



gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber 
at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming 
one of the largest and most successful business men 
of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the 
construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was 
President of that corporation milil its consolidation 
with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company. 
He was elected Mayor of that city after he had teen 
a resident of the place only five or six years. In 
1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of 
1864 he received the nomination on the Republican 
ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected by a 
large majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding 
the office two terms, and retiring in January, 1869, 
having given the greatest satisfaction to all parties. 

While serving his last term he was attacked with a 
disease which terminated his life within one year 
afterwards. During much of this time he was an in- 
tense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his 
attention to public matters. A few weeks previous 
to his death a successful surgical operation was jier- 
formed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he 
overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion 
in business matters and State affairs suffered arelapse 
from which there was no rebound, and he died July 
iZ. 1869. 

In the early part of his life, Gov. Crapo affiliated 
with the Whig party in politics, but became an active 
member of the Repul)lican party after its organization. 
He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called 
the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its 
welfare and prosperity. 

Mr. C. married, June 9, 1825, Mary A. .Slocuni, 
of Dartmouth. His marriage took place soon after 
he had attained his majority, and before his struggles 
with fortune had been rewarded with any great meas- 
ure of success. But his wife was a woman of great 
strength of character and possessed of courage, hope- 
fulness and devotion, qualities which sustained and 
encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of 
his early years. For several years after his marriage 
he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living 
with her parents at the time, at whose home his two 
older children were born. While thus situated he 
was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see 
his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready 
for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good 
part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident 
that at that period of his life no common obstacles 
deterred him from performing what he regarded 
as a duty. His wife was none the less consci- 
entious in her sphere, and with added responsibilities 
and increasing requirements she labored faithfully 
in the ])erfo'-mance of all her duties. They had 
ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son, 
Ho;i. Wm. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an 
honored Rejiresentative to Congress from the First 
Congressional District of Massachusetts. 




^£>i^t^^ /^ <^c^oC>U--tr. 



GOn-.RXORS OF .\f/CII/GAX. 



ibi 



>sm~ 



"^^ ■^^nj!.\j--^.' 



■ gs'^'j 







ENRY P. BALDWIN, Gov- 
ernor of Michi'an from Jan. 
4, 1869, to Jan. I, 1873, IS a 
lineal descendant of Nathan- 
iel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck- 
inghamshire, England, who set- 
tled at Milford, Conn., in 1639. 
His father was John Baldwin, 
a graduate of IJartmouth Col- 
lege. He died at North Provi- 
dence, R. I., in 1826. His 
paternal grandfather was Rev. 
Moses Baldwin, a graduate of 
Princeton College, in 1757, and the 
first who received collegiate hon- 
ors at that ancient and honored institution. He died 
at Parma, Mass., in 18 13, where for more than 50 
years he had been [.-astorof the Presbyterian Church. 
On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from 
Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Kox- 
bury, Mass., about 1638. His mother was a daughter 
of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard 
College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 1796, where 
tor 21 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist 
Church. The subject of this sketch was born at 
Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New 
England common-school education until the age of 
i; years, when, both his parents having died, he be- 
came a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He re- 
mained there, employing his leisure hours in study, 
until 20 years of age. 

At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on 
iiis own account. He made a visit to the West, in 
1837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the 
spring of 1838. Here he established a mercantile 
house which has been successfully conducted until 
the present time. Although he successfully conducted 



a large business, he has ever taken a deep interest in 
all things affecting the prosi)erity of the city and 
State of his adoption. He was for several years a 
Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's 
Society, an institution with a large library designed 
for the benefit of young men and citizens generally. 
An Episcoi)alian in religious belief, he has been 
prominent in home matters connected with that de- 
nomination. The large and flourishing parish of St. 
John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who 
gave the lot on which tlie parish edifice stands, and 
also contributed the larger share of the cost of their 
erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in 
the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has 
always been a liberal contributor to moral and relig- 
ious enterprises whether connected with his own 
Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few- 
public and social improvements of Detroit during the 
[last 40 years with which Governor B.'s name is not 
in some way connected. He was a director in the 
Michigan State Bank until the expiration of its char- 
ter, and has been President of the Second National 
Bank since its organization. 

In r86o, Mr. Baldwin was elected to the State 
Senate, of Micliigan ; during the years of i86i-'2 he 
was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a 
member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations. 
Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two 
Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Depart- 
ment and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of 
the letting of the contract for the improvement of 
Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected 
Governor in 1868 and was re-elected in 1870, serving 
from 1S69 to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved 
eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of es- 
timating the necessary means to an end — the knowini; 
of how much effort or attention to bestow upon the 
thing in hand, has been the secret of the uniform 



HENRY P. BALDWIN. 



success that has attended his efforts in all relations 
of life. The same industry and accuracy that dis- 
tinguished him prior to this term as Governor was 
manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the 
State, and while his influence appears in all things 
wit'-, which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in 
the most prominent position to which he was called. 
With rare exceptions the important commendations 
of Governor B. received the sanction of the Legislat- 
ure. During his administration marked improve- 
ments were made in the charitable, penal and reforma- 
tory institutions of the State. The State Public School 
for dependent cliildren was founded and a permanent 
commission for the supervision of the several State 
institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the 
Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of 
Correction, and the establishment of the State Board 
of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his 
message of 1873. The new State Capitol also owes 
its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection 
was made upon his recommendation, and the contract 
for the entire work let under this administration. 
Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under 
whose faithful supervision the building was erected in 
a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State. 
He advised and earnestly urged at different times 
such amendments of the constitution as would per- 
mit a more equitable compensation to State officers 
and judges. The law of i86g, and prior also, permitting 
municipalities to vote aid toward the construc- 
tion of railroads was, in 1870, declared unconstitu- 
tional by the Supreme Court. Many of the munici- 
palities having in the meantime issued and sold their 
bonds in good faith. Governor B. felt that the honor 
and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense 
of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the 
Legislature to propose the submission to the people a 
constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment 
of such bonds as were already in the hands of hona- 
fidc holders. In his special message he says : "The 
credit of no State stands liigher than that of Michigan, 
and the people can not afford, and I trust will not 
consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repu- 
diation of either legal or moral obligations." A spe- 
cial session was called in March, 1S72, [jrincipally for 
the division of the State into congressional districts. 
A number of other important suggestions were made, 
however, ard as an evidence of the Governor's la- 
borious and thouglitful care for llie financial condition 



of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub- 
mitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts, 
expenditures and appropriations for the years 1872 to 
1878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s admin- 
istration were the devastating fires which swept over 
many portions of the Northwest in the fall of 187: 
A large part of the city of Chicago having been re- 
duced to ashes. Governor B. promptly issued a proc- 
lamation calling upon the people of Michigan for 
liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had 
this been issued when several counties in his State 
were laid waste by the same destroying element. 
A second call was made asking assistance for the suf- 
fering people of Michigan. The contributions for 
these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than 
$700,000 having been received in money and supplies 
for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were 
these contributions during the short period of abou' 
3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation 
expressing in behalf of the people of the State grate- 
ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further 
aid was unnecessary. 

Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own 
country and has also made several visits to Europe 
and other portions of the Old World. He was a pas- 
senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and 
bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by 
Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting ac- 
count of the transaction. The following estimate of 
Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading 
newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiiing message 
of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is 
a characteristic document and possesses the lucid 
statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which 
have been marked features of all preceding documents 
from the same source. Governor B. retired to private 
life after four years of unusually successful adminis- 
tration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the 
State. For many years eminent and capable men 
have filled the executive chair of this State, but in 
painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine 
public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical 
capacity, Henry P. Baldwm has shown himself to be 
the peer of any or all of them. The State has been un- 
usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State 
administration has fully kept pace with the needs of 
the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned 
tlie public gratitude and confidLMice which he to-day 
possesses to such remarkable decree. ' 




*i^T>8^ffl(PB!?5s«&.* 



\ :tx 



c%iSr^r^a.^£^^ 



GOVKR.VORS OF MICHIGAN. 



157 




JDiHK J, IBA©ILEY. 



■.•^Mx€^-i^-<-C 




OHN JUDSON BAGLEV, 
CI jvernor of Michigan from 
1S73 to 1877, was born in 
Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y., 

'7^ Jill V 24)1832. His father, John 

Uigk-y, was a native of New 
Hampshire, his mother, Mary M. 
Baj^lej, of Connecticut. He at- 
tcndtd the district school of Lock- 
^ port, N Y., until he was eight years 
old, It which time his father moved 
#^ to Constantine, Midi., and he at- 
tended the common schools of that 
village. His early experience was 
like that of many country boys whose 
iwrents removed from Eastern States 
to the newer portion of the West. 
His father being in very poor circuni- 
Lyil stances, Mr. B. was obliged to work 
as soon as he was able to do so. 
Leaving school when 13 years of age 
he ent3red a country store in Constan- 
tine as clerk. His father then re- 
moved toOwosso, Mich.,and he again 
engaged as cletk in a store. From 
early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading 
and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of 
such books, papers and periodicals as came within 
his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he 
secured em|)loyment in a tobacco manufactory and 
remained in this position for about five years. 

In 1853, he began business for himself in the man- 
ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become 



one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B. 
has also been greatly interested in other manufactur- 
ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in- 
surance corix)rations. He was President of the 
Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one 
of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insur- 
ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from 
1867 to 1872. He was a director of the Amer- 
ican National Bank for many years, and a stock- 
holder and director in various other corporations. 
Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two 
years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same 
length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Gover- 
nor Cra]X) one of the first commissioners of the 
Metroixjlitian police force of the city of Detroit, serv- 
ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected 
Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re- 
elected to the same officej retiring in January, 1877. 
He was an active worker in the Republican parly, and 
for many years was Chairman of tlie Rcjiublican 
State Central committee. 

Governor Bagley was quite liberal in liis rehgious 
views and was fin attendant of the Unitarian Church. 
He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new 
thought, from whatever source it may come, but was not 
bonnd by any religious creed or formula. He held 
in respect all religious opinions, believing that noorie 
can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or de- 
nomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan. 
16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. 
Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan, 
who took an active part in the early educational mat- 
ters of the Stale and in the establishment of its ex- 
cellent system of education. It was principally 



158 



JOHN J. BAGLEY. 



I'.-.rough his exertions that the State University was 
founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children. 

As Governor his administration was charac- 
terized by several important features, chief among 
which were his efforts to improve and make popular 
the educational agencies of the State by increasing 
the faculty of the University for more thorough in- 
struction in technical studies,by strengthening the hold 
of the Agricultural College upon tlie public good will 
and making the general change which has manifested 
itself in many scattered primary districts. Among 
others were an almost complete revolution in the 
management of the penal and charitable institutions 
of the State; the-passage of the liquor-tax law, taking 
the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab- 
lishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offend- 
ers through county agents, which has proved of great 
good in turning the young back from crime and plac- 
ing the State in the attitude of a moral agent ; in se- 
curing for the militia the first time in the history of 
Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- 
able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. 
in the earlier part of his administration that the law 
creating the State Board of Health, and also the law 
creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the 
State, were passed, both of which have proved of great 
benefit to the State. The successful representation 
of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an 
honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis- 
tration. 

As Governor, he felt that he represented the State 
— not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same 
sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep- 
resents his employer, and as the Executive of the 
State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelli- 
gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of 
the people he so much loved. He was ambitious — 
ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind 
is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How- 
ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there 
be no ambition, life is a failu.e. He was not blind to 
the fact that the more we have the more is required 
of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He 
had great hopes for his State and his country. He had 
his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as 
broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and 
cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he 
asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to 
labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation. 



His whole life was a battle for others ; and he entered 
the conflict eagerly and hopefully. 

His State papers were models of compact, busi- 
ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of 
practical suggestions, and his administrations will long 
be considered as among the ablest in this or any 
other State. 

His noble, generous nature made his innumerable 
benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Liter- 
ally, to him it was " more blessed to give than to 
receive." 

His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the com- 
fort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his char- 
ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even 
to his family. Many a needy one has been thereci|)i- 
ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew 
the hand that gave. 

At one time a friend had witnessed his ready re- 
sponse to some charitable request, and said to him: 
"Governor, you give away a large sum of money ; about 
how much does your charities amount to in a year.'' 
He turned at once and said: " I do not know, sir; I 
do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more 
this year than I did last, and hope I shall give mori.' 
next year than I have this." This expressed his idea 
of charity, that the giving should at all tiniis be ft ee 
and spontaneous. 

During his leasure hours from early life, and espe- 
cially during the last few years, he devoted much time 
to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biog- 
raphy was his delight; the last he read was the "Life 
and Work of John Adams," in ten volumes. 

In all questions of business or public affairs he 
seemed to have the ix)wer of getting at the kernel of 
the nut in the least ixissible time. In reading he 
would spend scarcely more time with a volume than 
most persons would devote to a chapter. After what 
seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value 
the book contained. Rarely do we see a business 
man so familiar with the best English authors. He 
was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and 
liis elegant home was a study and a pleasure 
to his many friends, who always found there a 
hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend 
days doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas 
eve he gathered his children about him and, taking 
the youngest on his lap, told some Cliristmas story, 
closing the entertainment with "The Night Before 
Christmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol." 




^M-^ 






GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



A^ 



^^(^m, • — -- 



^^m. GttARLES M. CKOSWELL. Bfe. 



\ -vcji(2j2;®^«S~**'«« ' 







HARLES M. CROSWELL, 
^^ Governor of Michigan from 
^ Jan. 3, 1877 fo Jan. i, 1881, 
was born at Newburg, Orange 
County, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1825. 
He is the only son of John and 
Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His 
fiither, who was of Scotch-Irish 
extraction, was a paper-maker, 
and carried on business in New 
York City. His ancestors on 
his mother's side were of Knicker- 
bocker descent. The Croswell 
family may be found connected 
with prominent events, in New York 
and Connecticut, in the early exis- 
tence of the Republic. Harry Cros- 
well, during the administration of 
I'f] President Jefferson, published a pa- 
per called the Balance, and was 
prosecuted for libeling the President 
under the obnoxious Sedition Law. 
He was defended by the celebrated 
Alexander Hamilton, and the decis- 
ioi. jf the case establised the important ruling that 
tlifc truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another 
member of the family was Edwin Croswell, the fam- 
ous editor of the Albany Argus ; also, Rev. William 
Croswell, noted as a divine and jwet. 

When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age, 
his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson 
River, at Newburg ; and, within three months preced- 
ing that event, his mother and only sister had died, — 
thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the 
family, without fortune or means. Upon the death 



of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in 
1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At 
sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the car- 
penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for 
four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare 
time to reading and tlie acquirement of knowledge. 
In 1846, he began the study of law, and was ap- 
pointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du- 
ties of this office he performed four years, when he 
was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected 
in 1852. In 1854, betook part in the first movements 
for the formation of the Republican party, and was a 
member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack- 
son in that year, which jnit in the field the first Re- 
publican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he 
foniied a law partnership with the present Chief-Jus- 
tice Cooley, which continued until the removal of 
Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor. 

In 1862, Mr. Croswell w.as ap|X)inted City Attorney 
of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city 
in the spring of the same year; and in the fall was 
chosen to vei)resent Lenawee County in the State 
Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, 
and again in 1866, during each term filling the i)osi- 
tions above mentioned. Among various rciwrts made 
by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the 
death penalty, and another against a proposition to 
pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin, 
which then commanded a very large premium, may 
be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the 
Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, 
for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first 
amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan. 
In 1863, from his seat in the State Senate, he de- 
livered an elaborate si^eech in favor of the Proclama- 



i6s 



CHARLES M. CROSIVELL. 



tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln, 
and of his general policy in the prosecution of the 
war. This, at the request of his Republican associ- 
ates, was afterwards published. In 1867, he was 
elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, 
and chosen its presiding officer. This convention 
was composed of an able body of men ; and though, 
in the general distrust of constitutional changes 
which for some years had been taking possession of 
the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop- 
ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu- 
tion they proposed had been prepared with great care 
and skill. 

In 1868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on 
the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872, was 
elected a Representative to the State Legislature 
from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of 
the House of Representatives. At the close of the 
session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian, 
and the fairness of his rulings were freely and form- 
ally acknowledged by his associates ; and he was pre- 
sented with a superb collection of their portraits 
handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years. 
Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis- 
ion of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi- 
gan ; in which position, his propositions for the amel- 
ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the 
reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be- 
nevolence of his nature, and the practical character 
of his mind. 

In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of 
the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for 
Governor; and, at the State Convention of the party 
in August of the same year, he was put in nomination 
by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At 
the election in November following, he was chosen to 
the high position for which he had been nominated, 
by a very large majority over all opposing candidates. 
His inaugural message was received with general 
favor; and his career as Governor was marked with 
the same qualities of head and heart that have ever 
distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman. 



Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad- 
dresses with care ; and, as his diction is terse, clear, 
and strong, without excess of ornament, and his de- 
livery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many 
of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in 
the public prints, and have a permanent value. He 
has always manifested a deep interest in educational 
matters, and was for years a member and Secretar)- of 
the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal 
opening of the Central School building in that city, 
on the 24th day of April, 1869, he gave, in a public 
address, an " Historical Sketcli. of the Adrian Public 
Schools." 

In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as 
exemplary as in his public career he has been suc- 
cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was mar- 
ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, 
a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She 
suddenly died, March 19, 1868, leaving two daugh- 
ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member 
of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres- 
byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law, 
but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his 
own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in 
business difficulties, for which liis unfailing piu- 
dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Gov- 
ernor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of 
like political faith with himself, but with those who 
differ from him in this regard. 

During Gov. Croswell's administration the public 
debt was greatly reduced ; a policy adopted requiring 
the State institutions to keep within tjie limit of ap- 
propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually 
for the punishment of corruption and bribreiy in elec- 
tions; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the 
Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened 
and the new capital at Lansing was completed and 
occupied. The first act of his second term was to pre- 
side at the dedication of this building The great riot 
at Jackson occured during his administration, and it 
was only bv his promptness that great distruction of 
both life and property was prevented at that time. 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



«<i5 



ikiSSjE 



^^. 
^^.' 




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DAVID H. JEROME, Gover- 
^feiior of from Jan. i, 1881, to 
Jan. I, 1883, was born at De- 
troit, Mich., Nov. 17, 1829. 
■^'^!^'J>^ His parents emigrated to 
■ .; Michigan from Trumanshurg, 
Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828, 
locating at Detroit. His father 
died March 30, 1831, leaving 
nine children. He had been 
twice married, and four of the 
children living at tlie time of his 
death were grown up sons, the off- 
spring of his first imion. Of the 
five children by his second marriage, David H. was 
the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his 
widow moved back to New York and settled in 
Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained 
until the fall of 1834, the four sons by the first wife 
continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall 
of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, 
locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the 
("lovernor formed those habits of industry and ster- 
ling integrity that have been so characteristic of tiie 
man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the 
district school, and in the acquisition of the funda- 
mental branches of learning he displayed a precocity 
and an application which won for him the admiration 
of his teachers, and always placed him at the head 
of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on 
the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart 
and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. Tlie 
heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two 



older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13 
years of age David received his mother's permission to 
attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attend- 
ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now de- 
ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following 
winter performed the same service for James Ogdcn, 
also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome 
moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purjxise of 
continuing her son in school. While attending said 
academy one of his associate students was Sena- 
tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate 
before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He 
completed his education in the fall of his i6th year, 
and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy 
in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer 
he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac. 

In iS47,M. H. Miles ueingClerk in St. Clair Coun- 
ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David 
H. Jerome was apiwinted Deputy to each, remaining 
as such during i848-'49, and receiving much praise 
from his employers and the people in general for the 
ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He 
spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board 
the lake vessels. 

In i849-'5o, he abandoned office work, and for the 
proper development of his physical system spent 
several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850, 
his brother "Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer 
"Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her mas- 
ter. A portion of the season the boat was engaged 
in the passenger and freight traffic between Port 
Huron and Detroit, but during the l.itter part was 
used as a tow Iwat. At that time there was a serious 
obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair 
Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which 



s66 



jyA VID H. JEROME. 



vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain. 
Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels 
from one lake to the other, and put his plan into 
operation. Through the influence of practical men, — 
among them the subject of this sketch, — Congress 
removed the obstruction above referred to, and now 
vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000 
bushels of grain. 

During the season, the two brothers succeeded 
in making a neat little sum of money by the sum- 
mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract 
to raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in 
Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt, 
but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the 
spring of 185 1, he was clerk and acting master of the 
steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying be- 
tween Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The 
following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince- 
ton." running between Detroit and Buffalo. 

In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California, 
Dy way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary 
success in selling goods in a new place of his selec- 
tion, among the mountains near Marysville He re- 
mained there during the summer, and located the 
Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded 
millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment. 
He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine, 
but when the water supply began to fail with the dry 
season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of 
1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for 
New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County, 
about a year after his departure. During his absence 
his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, ana in 
1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations 
in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Black- 
mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores, 
at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management 
of the business. From 1855 to 1873 he was also ex- 
tensively engaged in lumbering operations. 

Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated 
for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising 
young man, of strong Democratic principles. The 
ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was 
elected by a handsome majority. When the Repub- 
lican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H. 
Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention, 
one of its "charter members." In 1862, he was com- 
missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the 



six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan. 
Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held 
meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm 
displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a 
feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many 
brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d 
Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed 
in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a bril- 
liant record. 

In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by 
the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th 
district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op- 
ponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted 
in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was 
twice renominated and elected both times by in- 
creased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay 
City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On tak- 
ing his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chair- 
man of the Committee on State Affairs, and was ac- 
tive in raising means and troops to carry on the war. 
He held the same position during his three tenns of 
service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' 
Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit. 

He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid, 
and in 1865 was appointed a member of the State 
Military Board, and served as its President for eight 
consecutive years. In 1873, he was appointed by 
Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prejiare 
a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the 
Committee on Finance. 

In 1875, Mr. Jerome was appointed a member of 
the Board of Indian Commissioners. In I876 he was 
Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the 
Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement 
of all existing difficulties. The commission went to 
Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho, 
a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River. 

At the Republican Stale Convention, convened at 
Jackson in August, t88o, Mr. Jerome was placed in 
the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the 
month received the highest honor the convention 
could confer on any one. His opponent was Freder- 
ick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was sup- 
ported by the Democratic and Greenback parties. 
The State was tlioroughly canvassed by both parties, 
and when the polls were closed on the evening of 
election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had 
been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to 
occupy the highest position within their gift. 




Q^ri>.:^o^^ 9r 1 



GOVERXOHS OF MICHIGAN 



169 





i'/^present (1883), ( 
'I J^ Michigan was bori 



OSIAH W. BEGOLE, tlie 
lovernor of 
was born in Living- 
ston, CoLinty, N. Y., Jan. 20, 
1815. His ancestors were of 
French descent, and settled at 
\\\ early period in the State of 
Maiyland. Hisgrandfather,Capt. 
^^ Bolles, of that State, was an offi- 
cer in the American anny during 
\ the war of the Revolution, .\bout 
the beginning of the present cent- 
ury both his grandparents, liaving 
become dissatisfied with the insti- 
tution of slavery, although slave- 
holders themselves, emigrated to 
Livingston County, N. Y., then 
a new country, taking with them a 
v^ number of tlieir former slaves, who 
volunteered to accompany them. 
His father was an officer in the 
American army, and served during 
the war of 18 12. 
Ml. B. received his early education in a log sciiool- 
house, and subseiiuently attended the Temple Hill 
.\cademy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being tlie eldest of a 
f.unily of ten children, whose parents were in moder- 
ate though comfortable circumstances, he was early 
taught habits of industr)', and when 21 years of age, 
being ambitious to better his condition in life, he re- 
solved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it was 



then called. In August, 1836, he left the parental 
roof to seek^a home in the Territory of Michigan 
then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in 
Genesee County, and aided with his own hands in 
building some of the early residences in what is now 
known as the city of Flint. There were but four or 
five houses where this flourisiiing city now stands 
when he selected it as his home. 

In the spring of 1839 he married Miss Harriet .\. 
Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one, 
and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives to en- 
joy with him the comforts of an honestly earned com- 
petence, Mr. Begole ascribes largely his success in 
life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced 
work on an unimproved farm, where, by his perse- 
verance and energy, he soon established a good home, 
and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a 
well improved fami of five hundred acres. 

Mr. IJegole being an anti-slavery man, became a 
member of the Republican jiarty at its organization. 
He served his to>vnsmen in various offices, and was 
in 1856, elected County Treasurer, which office he 
lield for eight years. 

.\t the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not 
carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will 
bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting 
and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking 
after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The 
death of his eldest son near Atlanta, Ga., by a Confed- 
rate bullet, in 1864, was the greatest sorrow of his life. 
When a few years later he was a member in Congress 



i7« 



JOSIAH IV. BEGOLE. 



Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers' 
bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the 
soldier who bore the burden and Iieatof the day, and 
who should fare equally with him who came in at the 
eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House 
on account of the large appropriation that would lie 
required to pay the same. 

In 1870, Gov. Begole was nominated by acclama- 
tion for the office of State Senator, and elected by a 
large majority. In that body he served on the Com- 
mittees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman 
of the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and 
Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and public- 
spirited view of the importance of a new capitol 
building worthy of the State, and was an active mem- 
ber of the Committee that drafted the bill for the 
same He was a delegate to the National Republi- 
can Convention held at Philadelphia in 1872, and 
was the chosen member of that delegation to go to 
Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator 
Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that 
convention that, by the express wish of his many 
friends, he was induced to offer himself a can- 
didate for tlie nomination of member to the 43d Con- 
gress, in which he was successful, after competing for 
the nomination with several of the most worthy, able 
and experienced men in the Sixth Congressional Dis- 
trict, and was elected by a very large majority. In 
Congress, he was a member of the Committee on 
Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of 
the 17 farmers in that Congress, he took an active 
part in the Committee of Agriculture, and was ap- 
pointed by that committee to draft the most impor- 
tant report made by that committee, and upon the 
only subject recommended by the President in his 
message, which he did and the report was printed in 
records of Congress ; lie took an efficient though an 
unobtrusive part in all its proceedings. 

He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of 
silver, and other financial measures, many of which, 
though defeated then, have since become the settled 
policy of the country. Owing to the position which 
Mr. Begole occupied on these questions, he became a 
"Greenbacker." 

In the Gubernatorial election of 1882, Mr. Begole 
was the candidate of both the Greenback and Dem- 
ocratic parties, and was elected by a vote of 154,269, 
the Republican candidate, Hon. David H. Jerome, 



receiving 149,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering 
upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit 
that has already won him many friends, and bids fair 
to make his administration both successful and pop- 
ular. 

The very best indications of what a man is, is what 
his own townsmen think of him. We give the fol- 
lowing extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Re- 
publican paper m Gov. Begole's own county, and it, 
too, written during the heat of a political campaign, 
which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his ster- 
ling worth: 

"So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the 
ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to 
his character that can be alleged against him. He 
has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but fot 
sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness ofhispur^ 
pose nobody who knows him entertains a doubt. He 
is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bit- 
terest ixjlitical enemies. He has a warm, generous 
nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in 
the bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much 
given to making speeches, but deeds are more signif- 
icant of a man's character than words. There are 
many scores of men in all parts of the State where 
Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical 
demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to 
step outside of party lines to show that they do not 
forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he 
was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a 
forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan 
is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Demo- 
crats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so 
good a man as Mr. Begole." 

This sketch would be imperfect without referring 
to the action of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity 
that in 1881 overtook the people of Northeastern 
Michigan, in a few hours desolaUng whole counties 
by fire and destroying the results and accumulations 
of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers. 
While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were 
quarreling over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole 
wrote to an agent in the "jburnt district" a letter, from 
which we make an ex.tract of but a single sentence: 
"Until the differences between the two committees 
are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies 
from them, draw on me. Let no man suffer while I 
have money." This displays his true character. 







yiuA4-jM 




jz^^ 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



173 







HK:g<»S]S-#ss*s:s<*«:S*«;sHH;;s*^-g^»T;;S*-g;s*-£;s^g:s#^;S<j>^s^ 








"^•-' ' '^'''iTSSKLL A.ALGER,r!ovcrnor 

(if Micliigmi for the term com- 
iiieiicing: Jan. 1, 188.5, was 
t's* boni ill Lafayette Townshij), 
Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 27, 
183G. Having lived a tem- 
perate life, he is a eomparatlve 
young man in appearance, and pos- 
sesses those mental faculties that are 
the distinguishing characteristics of 
robust, mature and educated man- 
hood. Wiieu 1 1 years of age both 
his parents died, leaving him willia 
younger brother and sister to sup- 
port and witiioutany of the substan- 
tial means of existence. Lacking the opiwrtunity of 
betteremploynient, he worked on a farm in Richfield, 
Ohio, for the greater part of eacli of the succeeding 
seven years, saving money enough to defray his ex- 
penses at Riclifield Academy during the winter 
terms. He obtained a very good English education, 
and was enabled to teach school for several subsc- 
qiu'ut winters. In 1857 he commenced the study of 
law iu tlic ollices of Wolcott it Upson at Akron, re- 
maining until March, 18.59, when he was admitted 
to the Ijar ijy the Ohio Supreme Court. He then 
renujvcd to Cleveland, and entered the law ollice of 
Otis it Codinbury, where he remained several 
riKinlhs. Here he continued iiis studies with in- 
creased zeal, and did nmch general reailing. Hard 
study and close confinement to office work, however, 
began to tell on his constitution, and failing healtii 
warneil iiim that he must seek other occupation. 



He therefore reluctantly .abandoned the law and re- 
moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., to engage iu the 
lumber business. 

When Michigan was called upon to furnish tro(H)s 
for the war, Mr. Alger enlisted in the Second Mich. 
Cav. and was mustered into the service of the 
United St^ites as Captain of Co. C. His record as 
a cavalry odlcer was brilliaut and honorable to 
himself and his companj'. He participated in some 
of the fiercest contests of the rebellion and was 
twice wounded. His first injury was received ir 
the battle of Boone ville, Miss., July 2, 1862. 
His conduct in this engagement was so distin- 
guished that he was promoted t<) the rank ol 
Major. On the same occasion liis Colonel, the 
gallant Phil. Sheridan, was advanced to the rank 
of Brigadier General. A few months later, on tiie 
IGth of October, Major Alger became Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the Sixth Mich. Cav., and was ordered 
witii his regiment to the Army of the Potomac. 
After marked service in the early campaign of 18(13, 
he was again advanced, and on June 2 received his 
commission as Colonel of the Fifth Mich. Cav. His 
regiment at this time was in Custer's famous Michi- 
gan cavalry brigade. On the Gth of July occurred 
the battle of Boonesboro, Md. In this conflict he 
was again wounded. His health received a more 
than temporary impairment, and in October, 1864, 
he was obliged to retire from the service. His 
career as a soldier included manj' of the most cele- 
brated contests of the war. He was an active charac- 
ter in all the battles fought by the Army of the 



174 



RUSSELL A. ALGER. 



Potomac, from the time of the invasion of Mary- 
land by Gen. Lee in 18G3, up to the date of his 
retirement, with the exception of those engagements 
which occurred while he was absent from dut^' on 
account of wounds. In all he took part in CO bat- 
tles and skirmishes. At the close he was breveted 
Brigadier General and Major General for "gallant 
and meritorious services in the field." 

Aside from regular dutj', Gen. Alger was on 
private service during the winter of 1863-4, receiv- 
ing orders personally from President Lincoln and 
visiting nearly all the armies in the field. 

Gen. Alger came to Detroit in 1865, and since 
tliat time has been extensively engaged in the pine 
timber business and in dealing in pine lands. lie 
was a member of the well-known firm of Moore <fe 
Alger until its dissolution, when he became head of 
the firm of R. A. Alger <fe Co., the most extensive 
pine timber openators in the West. Gen. Alger is 
now president of the corporation of Alger, Smith & 
Co., which succeeded R. A. Alger &, Co. He is also 
president of the Manistique Lumbering Company 
and president of the Detroit, Bay City & Alpeua 
Railroad Company, besides being a stockholder and 
director of the Detroit National Bank, the Peninsu- 
lar Car Company and several other large corpor- 
ations. 

While always an .active and influential Republi- 
can, Gen. Alger has never sought nor held a sal- 
aried office. He was a delegate from the First Dis- 
trict to the last Republican National Convention, 
but aside from this his connection with politics has 
not extended beyond the duties of every good cit- 
izen to his party and his country. 

Gen. Alger is now forty-nine years of age, an 
active, handsome gentleman six feet tall, living 
the life of a busy man of affairs. His military 
bearing at once indicates his army life, and although 
slenderly built, his square shoulders and erect 
carriage give the casual observer the impression 
that his weight is fully 180 pounds. He is a firm, 
yet a most decidedly pleasant-appearing man, witli 
a fine forehead, rather a prominent nose, an iron- 
gray moustache and chin whiskers and a full head 
of black hair sprinkled with gray. He is usually 
attired in the prevailing st3'le of business suits. His 
favorite dress has been a high buttoned cutaway 



frock coat, with the predominating cut of vest and 
trousers, made of firm gray suiting. A high collar, 
small cravat, easy shoes and white plug hat com- 
plete his personal apparel. He is very particular 
as to his appearance, and always wears neat clothes 
of the best goods, but shuns any display of jewelry 
or extravagant embellishment. He is one of the 
most approachable men imaginable. No matter 
how busy he may be, he always leaves his desk to 
extend a cordial welcome to every visitor, be he of 
high or low situation. His affable manners delight 
his guests, while his pleasing face and bright, dark 
eyes always animate his hearers. 

Gen. Alger is a hard worker. He is alwaj's at his 
office promptly in the morning and sta^-s as long as 
anything remains that demands his attention. In 
business matters he is alwa3's decided, and is never 
shaken or disturbed b^' any reverses. He has the 
confidence of his associates to a high degree, and al. 
his business relations are tempereil with those little 
kindnesses that relieve the tedium of routine office 
life. Although deeply engrossed in various busi- 
ness pursuits, Gen. Alger has j'et found time for 
general culture. He owns a large library and his 
stock of general information is as complete as it is 
reliable. His collection of paintings has been se- 
lected with rare good taste, and contains some of 
the finest i)roductions of modern artists. His team 
of bays arc perhaps the handsomest that grace the 
roads of Detroit, and usuall}' lead the other outfits 
when their owner holds the reins. 

Gen. Alger has an interesting family. His wife 
was Annette II. Henry, ^the daughter of W. G. 
Henry, of Grand Rapids, to whom he was married 
April 2, 1861. She is a slender woman of fair com- 
plexion, bright and attractive, and a charming host- 
ess. She is gifted with many accomplishments and 
appears quite young. There are six children. Fay. 
a lively brunette, and Caroline A., who is rather tall 
and resembles her mother, have completed s, course 
at an Eastern seminary, and during the past yeai 
traveled in Europe. The remaining members of 
the family are Frances, aged 13; Russell A., Jr., 
aged 11 ; Fred, aged 9, .and AUan, aged 3. All are 
bright and promising children. Gen. Alger makes 
ids home at his handsome and large new residence on 
Fort street, at tlie corner of First street, Detroit, 




f..,' 






r 




GOVERNORS OF MICHIOAN. 



177 








VRUS GRAY J.rCK, tlio 
present Governor of Miclii- 
gan, combines in his diame- 
ter the substantial traits of 
, the New England ancestry 
of his father, and the chival- 
rous and hospitable elements 
iW'i^^'i^''' l"^''"'"^'" ^^ '■'"^ Southerners, wjiich 
•^.il^US' came to him from his mother's side of 
I he house. Tlic New Knglanders, act- 
ive in the cause of American liberty', 
after this desired result was acc(jm- 
plished, turned their attention to tlie 
growth and development of the 
country which their noble daring had 
constituted independent of foreign rule. The pri- 
vations they endured and the struggles from which 
they had achieved victory built up in them those 
(jualities which in tiie very nature of events could 
not be otherwise than transmitted to tlieir posterit}', 
and this posterity c()nii)rises a large nuinljcr of the 
men who to-d.ay, like tlie subject of tliis history, 
arc making a record of whicli their descendants will 
be equally proud. 

Gov. Luce w.as born in Windsor, Ashtaliula ('(j., 
Oliio, July 2, 1S24. His father w.as a native of 
Tolland, Conn., served as a soldier in tlie War of 
1812, and soon after its close emigrated from New 
England and settled on the Western Ueservc in 
Northern Oliio. His mother, who in her girlhood 
was IMiss Mary Gray, was bora in Winchester, \:i. 
Her fatiicr, tinctured with Abolitionism, found his 
home in tlie Old Dominion becoming unconiforla- 
ble .-xs an abiiling-place at that time, and accord- 
ingly, with his wife and family of young children, 



he also migrated, in 1815, to the wilds of Northern 
Ohio. There the parents of our subject, in 181'.), 
were united in ninrri.age, and continued residents of 
Ashtabula County until 18.36. There also were 
born to them six sons, Cj'rus G. of this sketch being 
the second. 

The incidents in the early life of Gov. Luce were 
not materially different from those of other bo^'S 
living on the farms in that new country, lie was 
taught to work at anything necessary for him to do 
and to make himself useful around the pioneer 
homestead. When twelve years of age his parents 
removed further West, this time locating in Steu- 
ben County, Ind. This section of country was still 
newer and more thinly settled, and without recount- 
ing the particular hardships and privations which the 
family experienced, it is sulTicient to say that but few 
enjoy eil or suffered a greater variety. Markets were 
distant and diflicult of access, the comforts of life 
.scarce, and sickness universal. Young Luce, in com- 
mon with other boys, attended school winters in the 
stereotyped log school-house, and in summer as- 
sisted in clearing away the forests, fencing the 
fields and raising crops after the land was improved. 
lie attended three terms an academy located at On- 
tario, Ind., and his habit of reading and oliscrv.ation 
added essentially to his limited school privileges. 

When seventeen years of .age the father of our 
subject erected a cloth-dressing and wool-carding 
establishment, where Cyrus (i. acquired a full 
knowledge of this business and subscipiently had 
charge of the factory for a period of seven ye.nrs. 
In the meantime he had become interested in local 
politics, in which he displayed rare judgment and 
sound common sense, and on account of which, in 
1848, he was nominated by the Whigs in a district 
composed of the counties of DeKalb and .Steuben 
for Representative in the State Legislature. He 
made a vigorous canvass but was defeated by eleven 
majority. This incident was but .a transient bub- 
ble on the stream of his life, and that same year 



178 



CYRUS GRAY LUCE. 



Mr. Luce purchased eighty acres of wild land near 
Giiead, Branch Co., Mich., the improvement of 
which he at once entered upon, clearing away the 
trees and otherwise making arrangements for the 
establishment of a homestead. In August, 1849, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Dickinson, 
of Giiead, and the .young people immediately com- 
menced housekeeping in a modest dwelling on the 
new farm. Here they resided until the death of the 
wife, which took place in August, 1882. Mrs. 
Luce was the daughter of Obed and Experience 
Dickinson, well-to-do and highly respected residents 
of Giiead. Of her union with our subject there 
were born five children, one now deceased. 

In November, 1883, Gov. Luce contracted a sec- 
ond marriage, with Mrs. Mary Thompson, of Bron- 
son, this State. He continued on tlie same farm, 
which, however, by subsequent purchase had been 
considerably extended, until after his election to the 
office of which he is now the incumbent. In the 
meantime he has had a wide and varied experience 
in public life. In 1852 he was elected to represent his 
township in the County Board of Supervisors, and 
two years later, in 1854, was elected Representative to 
the first Republican Legislature convened in tlie State 
of Michigan. He served his township altogether 
eleven years as a niember of the Board of Supervisors. 
In 1858 he was elected County Treasurer of Branch 
County and re-elected in 1860. In 1864 he was 
given a seat in the State Senate and re-elected in 
1866. In the spring of 1867 he was made a member of 
the Constitutional Convention to revise the Consti- 
tution of the State of Jlichigan, and in all of the 
positions to which he has been called has evidenced 
a realization of the sober responsibilities committed 
to his care. To the duties of each he gave the most 
conscientious care, and has great reason to feel pride 
and satisfaction in the fact that during his service 
in both Mouses of the Legislature his name appears 
upon every roll-call, he never having been absent 
from his post a day. 

In July, 1879, Mr. Luce was appointed State Oil 
Inspector by Gov. Croswell, and re-appointed by 
Gov. Jerome in 1881, serving in this capacity three 
and one-half years. In the management of the 
duties of this oflSce he is entitled to great credit. 
The olBce was not sought by him, but the Governor 



urged him to accept it, claiming that the office was 
the most difflenlt he had to fill, and was one which 
required first-class executive ability. He organized 
tlic State into districts, appointed an adequate force 
of de[)uties and no more, secured a reduction of the 
fees by nearly one-half, and in every ^yay managed 
the affairs of the oflice so efficiently and satisfac- 
torily that above all expenses he was enabled to 
pay into the State Treasury during liis management 
$32,000.49. 

In August of the year 1886 Mr. Luce was nom- 
inated by the Republicans in convention assembled 
at Grand Rapids, for the office of Governor of 
Michigan by acclamation, and on the 2d of Novem- 
ber following was elected by a majority of 7,432 
over his chief competitor, George L. Yaple. In 
1874 he became an active member of the farm- 
ers' organization known as the Grange. Believing 
as he docs that agriculture furnishes the basis of 
National prosperity, he was anxious to contribute to 
the educatio'i and elevation of the farming com- 
munity, and thus availed himself of the opportuni- 
ties offered by this organization to aid in accom- 
plishing this result. For a period of seven years he 
was Master of the State Grange but resigned the 
position last November. Fidelity to convictions, 
close application to business, whether agricultural or 
affairs of State, coupled with untiring industry, are 
his chief characteristics. As a farmer, legislator, 
executive officer, and manager of county as well as 
State affairs, as a private as well as a public citizen, 
his career has all along been marked with success. 
No one can point to a spot reflecting (Jiscredit in 
his public career or private life. He is a man of 
tlie people, and self-made in the strictest sense. His 
whole life has been among the people, in full sym- 
pathy with tliem, and in their special confidence and 
esteem. 

Personally, Gov. Cja-us G. Luce is high-minded, 
intellectual and affable, the object uf manj' 
and warm friendships, and a man in all respects 
above reproach. To the duties of his high position 
he has brought a fitting dignity, and in all the re- 
lations of life that conscientious regard to dutj' of 
which we often read but which is too seldom seen, 
especially among those having within their hands 
the interests of State and Nation. 




(Ootu?-Ui^ /a //W-2-^2:-^K^-d' 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



lit 





EDWIN B. WINANS, 

rlio began his duties as 
iovernor of Mictiignn, 
Jamiaiy 1, 1891, is a son 
of the Empire State, of 
which his parents also were 
natives. From German ancestry on 
the father's side, he derives the in- 
J^pQ stincts of frugality and careful con- 
sideration of ways and means, and 
tiiese are strengthened iiy tlic sub- 
stantial traits of the Puritan fore- 
fathers of his mother. Both lines 
have transmitted to liim the love 
of country and home that has led 
thousands into untrodden wilds where they migiit 
secure that which would be for the future good of 
themselves and posterity. 

John and Eliza (Way) Winans removed from 
New York to this State in 1834, and settled on a 
farm in Livingston County, where the boyhood of 
Gov. Winans was passed. He was about eight 
years old at the time of the removal, having been 
born at Avon, Livingston County, N. Y., May IC, 
182G. Lip to the age of eighteen years he attended 
the district school, and he then entered Albion 
College, from which he was graduated in IH.OO. 
The excitement attendant upon the discovery of 



gold in California had not died out, and young 
Winans felt a strong desire to visit the coast and 
try his fortune in the mines. He decided in favor 
of the overland route, crossed the plains in safet}', 
and spent the ensuing eight years in seeking the 
precious metal — a quest that was fairly successful. 

Returning to Livingston County, this State, Mr. 
Winans bought land and engaged in general farm- 
ing. He has retained the farm as his home through 
all the changes various ollicial positions have 
brought him, and joyfully returned to it whenever 
his faithful discharge of public dutj' would allow. 
His estate now includes four hundred acres of land 
under a high state of cultiv.ation and improved 
with buildings of the best construction and modern 
design. In connection with general farming Gov. 
Winans has given considerable attention to raising 
stock of high grades, and his understanding of 
agriculture in its various departments is broad and 
deep. He believes that his success in political life 
is largelj' due to his thorough identification with 
the agricultural interests of the State and no doubt 
he is right. 

The public career of Gov. Winans began in 1860, 
when he was elected to represent his county in the 
State Legislature. lie served two consecutive 
terms, covering the period from 1860 to 186.5. In 
1867 he was a member of the Constitutional Con- 



•jH' 



EDWIN B WINANS. 



vention of tlie State, and in 1876 be was elected 
Probate Judge of Livingston County for a term 
of four years. Tlie next important position occu- 
pied by Gov. Winans was that of Congressman dur- 
ing the Forty-eighth and Fortj'-ninth Congresses, 
representing the Sixth District. It was alwaj-s his 
lot to be nominated for office when the Democratic 
party was decidedly in the minority, but such v^fere 
his personal characteristics and his reputation as 
one interested in the welfare of that great class, 
the farmers, that in every case he made a successful 
race. When he was put up for Congress the oppo- 
sition had a majority in the district of three thou- 
sand votes, but he was elected by a plurality of 
thirty. While in Congress he took an active part 
in all measures tending to the public good and 
served on the Committees on Agriculture and Pen- 
sions. In the fall of 1891 his name headed the 
Democratic ticket and he was elected Governor of 
the State. 

In his private life Gov. Winans has been as ex- 
emplary as in his public career he has been useful 
and influential. He is a consistent member of the 
Episcopal Church and in his religious faith and 
practice has the close sympathy of his wife, who 
belongs to the same society. His marriage was 
solemnized in Hamburg, Livingston County, in 
1855, his bride being Miss Elizabeth Galloway, who 



was born and reared on the farm she still calls home, 
as it was bought of her father by Gov. Winans. 
She is a daughter of George and Susan (Haight) 
Galloway, wlio are numbered among the early 
settlers of Livingston County, whither they came 
from New York. She is an educated, refined woman, 
whose mental attainments and social qualities fit 
her for the position which she occupies as hostess 
of the Gubernatorial mansion. Governor and Mrs. 
Winans have two sons, George G , who is now act- 
ing as his father's private secretary, and Edwin B., 
Jr., a graduate of West Point. 

Gov. AVinans has in former years shown himself 
capable of close application to the duties which lay 
before him, and his judicious decisions and wise 
course when attempting to bring about a worthy 
object, are well known to those who are acquainted 
with the history of the State. Although it is often 
said that it is scarcely safe to judge of a man until 
his career is closed, j'et Gov. Winans has acted his 
part so well thus far in life that he is confidently 
expected to add to the credit that already belongs 
to the great commonwealth of ISIichigan, and which 
to a certain extent lies in the hands of those who 
have been and are its chief executives. Among his 
personal characteristics are those of a love of truth, 
justice and progress, and a cordial, kindl}' s|)irit 
which makes warm friends and stanch adherents. 




^■^=4-^ 



onia and M^oni^al'm. ^ounimSc 



^^J^higan. 




^m-. 




^ INO^RODUQO^ORY.p;, 




-♦—^^^►««.^fe-i 




""^^ .yHE time has arrived when it 
becomes the duty of the 
people of this county to per- 
petuate the names of their 
pioneers, to furnish a record 
of their early settlement, 
and relate the story of their 
progress. The civilization of our 
f, the enlightenment of the age 
the duty that men of ihe pres- 
time owe to tlicir ancestors, to 
^mselves and to their posterity, 
land that a record of their lives 
deeds should be made. In bio- 
graphical history is found a power 
instruct man by precedent, to 
enliven the mental faculties, and 
to waft down the river of time a 
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
people who contrilnited to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be picservi.'d. Surely and rapidly 
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered 
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
heritage, are passing to their graves. Tlie number re- 
maining wlio can relate the incidents of llie first days 
jf settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
actual necessity exists for (lie collection and preser- 
vation of events without delay, before all the early 
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time 

'I'o be forgotten has been the gieat dread of mankind 
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten ^oon enough, 
in spite of their best works and the most e.irnest 
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
their lives. The means employvxl to prevent oblivion 
and to perpetuate their memory has l)een in pro|X)r- 
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
Th ; jjyramids of I'"gypt were built to (lerpetuate the 
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
mations made by the archeologists of Kgypt from 
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people 



to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
The erection of the great obelisks were for t);e same 
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the 
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleutns and monu- 
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their 
great achievements and carry them down the ages. 
It is also evident that the Mound-bu'lders, in l)iling 
up their gieat mounds of eartii, had but this idea — 
to leav^ something to show th.it they had lived. All 
these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
treme, give l)Ut a faint idea of the lives and charac- 
ters of those whose memory they were intended to 
per|)etuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and 
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; 
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- 
bling into dust. 

It was Lft to modern ages to establish an intelli- 
gent, undecaying, iminutal)le method of perpetuating 
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and 
this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted '"or the introduction of the admirable systeiri 
of local liiogriphy. 15y this system every man, thoiigl 
he has not achieved what the wodd calls greatness, 
his the means to perpetuate his life, his histoiy, 
through the coining ages. 

The scythe of 'I'ime cuts down all ; nothing of the 
pliysical man is left. The monument which Ins chil- 
dien or friends m.iy erect to his memory in the ceme- 
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his 
life, his achievements, the work he has actoiiiplished, 
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
by a record of this kind. 

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
engrave their portraits, for the s.ime reason we col- 
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
thir.k it necessary, as we speak only tiutli of them, to 
wait until they are de.ad. or uniil those who know 
them are gone: to do this we are a-.li imed only to 
publish to the world the history of those whose lives 
are unworthy of oublic record. 



^ 





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



191 





fON. GEORGE \V. WEB- 
BER. The example of 
one man who has m.idc 
an Lonoralile record, is 
worth more than all the 
precepts with wliicli the 
i^)!? niind of youth can he stored. It 
is theiefore with pleasure that the 
ifj^ hiographieal writer presents to the 
readers of tliis Ai.uum the life his- 
tory and portrait of this gentleman 
who, l)Pginninn; his personal career 
without means and with what in this 
day would be considered a limited 
education, has secured an enviable 
position as a prosperous business man, and the pos- 
sessor of abundant wealth to enable him to enjoy 
all the comforts of life. Possessing intrepid spirit 
aad indomitable will, these traits, together with 
large enterprise and great executive ability', have 
placeil him in the front rank of the prominent citi- 
zens of Ionia, with the growth and development of 
which he has been closely identified. 

One of the most reliable banks in the .State, is 
Webber Bros. Private Bank, of which our subject 
has long been Prcsitlent. With its organization as 
the .Second National Bank of Ionia he was promi- 
nently connected, and this close association is still 
maintained. To the duties of this position he 
brings unusual force of character, soundness of 
judgment and clearness of i)ercei)liou ; .is a citizen 



and friend he is reliable, and in social life kindly 
and considerate. His fine personal appearance and 
pleasing address, combined with practical enterprise 
and strengthened by integrity, have tended to his 
success in business. 

T'he nobility of a family depends not upon heredi- 
tary titles, but upon the personal qualities of its 
members, their nobility of character and usefulness 
to the communities of which they form a part. The 
subject of this biographical notice can look back 
over the family history with a just pride in the 
record made by those to whom lie owes his being. 
His ancestors were among the very early settlers 
in the Connecticut Valley, and had representatives 
among the dwellers on both sides of the river. 
Tourists who enjoy the delightful views among the 
Franconia iNIountains in New Hampshire, remem- 
ber well the Profile House. The land adjoining 
this house once belonged to the paternal grandfa- 
ther of our subject. A successful farmer, he also 
kept what was tLen known as the Webber Inn, a 
few miles from the present hotel. In that locality 
the family has exerted great inlluence for at least 
three generations, and its members are highly es- 
teemed on account of their intelligence and integ- 
rity. 

The father of our sul>jecl, Andrew Webber, was 
a farmer of Newbury, Orange County, Vt., whence 
he removed in 1838 to Steuben County, N. Y. He 
was a broad-raindeii, pr.actical man, and while with 
the aid of his si.v sons he improved several farms. 



192 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he also engaged in mercantile pursuits, and gave 
his sons a thorough ivnowledge of business affairs. 
The Hon. George W. Webber was born November 
25, 1825, at Newbury, Vt. He was educated in the 
common schools in the neighboiliood of his home, 
and at the academy' in Alfred, Allegany County, 
N. Y. At the age of twenty years he engaged in 
business as a lumber-dealer and general merchant. 
July 18, 1850, he married Miss Antoinette C. Ab- 
bey, daughter of Jonathan E. Abbey, an old resi- 
dent of Ulster County, N. Y. Miss Abbey was 
born November 29, 1830, and, like her husband, 
was descended from a race of iiionecrs. This mar- 
riage was celebrated in Steuben County, N. Y. In 
1852 Mr. Webber came to Michigan, and for six 
years was engaged in lumbsring in Manistee County, 
which was then very new and contained no roads 
or post-routes. Mail was carried b3' Indians. Man- 
istee had not yet a village organization. In 185G, 
when John C. Fremont was the nominee of the 
Republican party for President, Manistee was the 
banner Republican county in the State, giving hut 
three Democratic votes. This result was largely 
owing to the efforts of Mr. Webber. In 1858 he 
removed to Ionia County, which has since been his 
home, and with whose interests his own have been 
identical. 

While living in Lyons, Mr. Webber entered into 
partnership with his brother, S. \Y. Webber, in a 
mercantile enterprise, but after five years sold his 
interest in the business to his brother and went to 
Ionia. Here he entered into business with H. J. 
Wilson, one of the pioneers of the place. He was 
also interested in the lumbering business, and was 
for three years in partnership with the Hon. Fred 
Hall, under the firm name of Hall & Webber, doing 
lumbering on the Little Muskegon River. The 
firm of Webber Bros, is the successor to the firm 
of Hall & Webber. These brothers have carried 
on several different lines of business, and are the 
founders of the enterprising village of Mecosta, 
Mecosta County, in the northern part of the State, 
which is built upon their land. George W. Web- 
ber has also been engaged in banking, entering witli 
his brother S. W. Webber, in 1870, into a private 
banking enterprise at Mtiir, which nficr four yejirs 
he sold out to his brother. 



Mr. Webber was one of the village Trustees of 
Ionia when it was organized as a city, and assisted 
in drafting its charter. The citizens of that enter- 
prising city have twice made him their Mayor, and 
during his terms of oHice the city enjoyed its great- 
est prosperity. An iron bridge was at that time 
built over Grand River, and a high-water road 
provided for. The purchase of valuable properly 
was also made, for the purpose of la3Mng water- 
pipes. He has aided greatly in every way the 
efforts towards the prosperity of the town, hav- 
ing built some of the finest blocks on the business 
streets. The Webber Block was built in 1879, at 
a cost of $15,000, the Webber brown stone block 
in 1880, at a cost of $30,000. Rooms in the latter 
block were fitted up by Mr. Webber especially for 
the Ladies' Library Association, and donated to 
their use. He is also principal owner in the Wel)- 
ber Bros.' Bank Block, including two stores and the 
bank building. 

Churches and benevolent institutions, schools 
and colleges find a warm and helpful friend in Mr. 
Webber, who aided liberally in providing educa- 
tional facilities in his cit3'. The Fifth Congres- 
sional District honored itself November 2, 1880, 
by electing George W. Webber to Congress by a 
plurality- of eleven thousand and two hundred and 
forty-three votes, and a majority of two thousand 
and seven over all competitors, being tlie candidate 
of the Republican party. Mr. Webber lost the 
wife of his youth, April 11, 1890. On November 
2, 1890, he was united in marriage to Miss E. Ger- 
trude Brown, of Boston, Mass., an intelligent and 
accomplished lad^'. 



' ' ' ^g- 



E^^^- 



^ fclLBER II. MOON. This name is familiar 
\/\j// *^" '■''^ residents of Ionia County and will 
^^ be recognized b^' other readers, as he who 
bears it has been intimately' connected with educa- 
tional affairs and was at one time County Superin- 
tender.t of Schools in Ionia County. He came 
hither in iiis boyhood and has not only seen the 
countiy improved but has himself aided in bring- 
ing about the i)resent state of affairs, material and 



PORTRAIT AND 15IOORAPHICAL ALBUM. 



i:)3 



social. Reared upon a farm he had a share in the 
improvement of properly, and in liis later years he 
has tilled tlie soil and now is carrying on a farm 
on section 19, Kecne Township. For several years 
be was engaged in teaching and he has from that 
time kept up his interest in the cause of education 
and done what he could to promote the eflicienc3' 
of the schools. 

Mr. Moon was horn in Monroe Count}', N. Y.. 
January 1, 1839, and came to this State with his 
parents, Tracy and Al)igail (Beadle) Moon, in 
1846. The family settled in Otisco Township, 
Ionia County, and were among the first to make a 
home in that part of the county-. They were prac- 
tically in the woods and found it necessary to en- 
dure hardships and make sacrifices that are not 
called for in regions that have been settled longer. 
The faithful wife and mother die<I in 1876, but the 
father survived until March, 1889, and witnessed 
a higli degree of development and prosperity in 
the count}'. The parental family comprised eight 
children, six of whom are living, namely: Frank A., 
and John B. in Montcalm County; Wilber H. ; 
Emery 1*., in Ilusled, Col.; Harriet A., wife of 
C. W. Wakeman in Kent County; Flmma S., wife 
of J. L. Blood, in Corr}-, Pa. 

Amid the primitive surroundings of the early 
home in Ionia County Wilber Moon grew to man- 
hood. He pursued his studies in the district school 
of Otisco Township and first taught in Ada Town- 
ship, Kent County. There he was eng.iged for three 
successive winters, building up a re|nitation for 
tact and mental abilit}-. When he closed his school 
In the sp;ing of 1861 he exchanged his books for 
the implements of warfare, enlisting in Company 
A. Third Michigan Infantry, during the mouth of 
April. Although he was one of the first to tender 
his services to the country in her hour of need he 
did not go into active service until June. He then 
took part in the disastrous battle of Bull Run, in 
the siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, 
the seven days' fight in front of Richmond, Mal- 
vern Hill, the second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, 
Chaneellorsville and Gettysburg, filling the inter- 
ims of time with such campaign and camp duties 
as commonly fall to the lot of soldiers. He was 
with the Army of the Potomac during his entire 



service, but after the battle of Gettysburg left 
the South, being sent to this State and placed on 
duty in Kent County until April, 1861, when he 
was stationed at .hickaoii until his discharge, June 
18, 1861. 

When his services were no longer needed in the 
Union army Mr. Moon resumed his professional 
work anil subsequently taught school ten winters. 
In 1872 he was elected County Superintendent of 
Schools and did efficient work during the term of 
two years. His name was brought before the pub- 
lic on the Republican ticket, he being a stanch 
advocate of the principles of that party. Later he 
filled the office of Township Clerk two years, and 
was for a long time Inspector of Schools of Keene 
Township. He became a resident of that township 
in I86G and has given more or less time to the 
cultivation of an eighty-;icre tract of land which he 
owns and occupies. 

It is natural to suppose that Mr. Moon would 
choose for bis wife an educated and refined lady, 
and one who would sympathize with him in his 
vocation. This was the case, and November 8, 
1863, he was married to Miss Satira R. Fallas, 
daughter of William and Wealthy (Winslow) Fal- 
las, parents and daughter natives of New York. 
Mrs. Moon was a teacher in her youth and has 
always been interested in school work and mental 
growth. She and her husband have endeavored 
to keep up their own discijiline of mind by exten- 
sive reading, supplementing in this way the edu- 
cation of their earlier years and keeping abreast 
of the times so as to enjoy an interchange of 
thought with their children and friends. Mr. and 
Mrs. Moon have four children, in whose education 
they have taken much interest, and all except the 
eldest were graduated from the Ionia High School. 
Their names are, Myrtle A., Frank C, Cora A. and 
L. Lura. The daughters are teaching, two in Iron 
Mountain and the youngest in Kent County. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moon hold membership in the 
Methodist Kpiscopal Church and Mr. Moon is now 
Recording Steward. He is identified with the Patrons 
of Husbandry and is Master of Keene Grange No. 
270. Both in 1880 and 1«90 he was Census Enum- 
erator of Keene Township. He takes a lively inter- 
est in the political and social questions agitating the 



194 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



minds of the people and has a decided influence by 
reason of his mental ability, good judgment and 
pleasing personal qualities. He ranks as a successful 
educator and honorable business man and a skillful 
farmer. Personally he is genial and entertaining, 
his hospitality is well known, while the members 
of liis family circle aid liim to the best of their 
ability in making tiieir residence the center of true 
culture of mind and heart. They draw around 
them a pleasant circle of friends that is constantly 
reaching out and adding to its numbers and influ- 
ence. 



^^EORGE DOUGLASS, Supervisor of Ferris 
[|| (_-, Township, Montcalm County, has a fine 
^j^jljl farm of one hundred and twenty acres on 
section 22. He was the youngest of a large family 
of ten children and was born in Rush, Monroe 
County, N. Y., October 26, 1844. For his paren- 
tage and ancestry tlie reader may consult the sketch 
of his brother Micajali Dou;j;lnss. When five years 
of age the child removed with his parents to Rich- 
mond, N. Y., and was brought up on the banks of 
Honeoye Lake, gaining his schooling in the district 
schools. 

In the spring of 1856 the family yielded to the 
prevailing fever for emigration and came to Mich- 
igan traveling by boat to Detroit and thence by 
team to Kent County. Here he labored for the 
interests of the family on the farm until the spring 
of 1861. He was among the first to answer to the 
call of President Lincoln, and volunteered as a 
private in the Third Michigan Regiment. But the 
father felt that the youth was too young to leave 
home and go into the army and refused consent to 
his enlistment. 

But the boy's determination was fixed and before 
summer waned he gained the consent of his parents 
and again he enlisted in August, this time in Com- 
pany B, Eighth Michigan Infantry. He vyas mus- 
tered in at Detroit and was soon sent into active 
service. He was one of the soldiers in the expedi- 
tion to Port Royal and was at the capture of Ft. 
Pulaski and the battle of James Island. After this 
his regiment was transferred to the Army of the 



Potomac, where it continued through the Polk 
campaign. He saw figlit in the second battle of 
Bull Run, and in those of Charlotte, South Moun- 
tain, Anteitam and Fredericksburg. They were 
ordered to the rear of Vicksburg and were active 
at Jackson, at Cumberland Gap and at Knoxviile, 
and veteranized in the field at Blaincs Cross Roads. 
On Decem))er 28, 1863, they were remanded to the 
Army of the Potomac, and saw active service in 
the battle of the Wilderness which took place May 
6, 1864. Here he was wounded in the left foot, 
and was sent to the hospital at Washington. 

A long weary time of waiting and convalesance 
tried the patience of the young soldier. It was 
eight months before he could travel and he was 
then transferred to the Twenty-Fourth Regiment, 
A'eteran Relief Corps, which was stationed at Wash- 
ington until the close of the war. He received an 
honorable disciiarge July 20, 186.5, having served 
bravely throughout almost the entire term of the 
Civil War. 

Feeling that his early manhood had been spent in 
labors for his country which had not fitted him for 
the ordinary avocations of life, our subject now set 
about for what was before him. He attended East- 
man's Business College for awhile and then re- 
turned home and began farming, buying a farm in 
Lowell, Kent County, which he operated until 
1870, when he came to Ferris Township, this 
county, and two years later bought a farm of forty 
acres on section 14. In 1885 he sold this in an im- 
proved condition and bought his present place, 
half of which he has placed under cultivation, 
building fences and all the necessary buildings for 
general farming and stock-raising. 

Mr. Douglass was twice married. The first time 
in 1870 to Miss Lottie Slierman, a native of New 
York. She became the mother of two children — 
Carrie M.,a popular and efficient teacher, and Laura 
J., the wife of William Lucas, who resides in 
Douglas Township, this county. The second Mrs. 
Douglass, to whom he was united October 5, 1884, 
is the daughter of Arad E. Linsday. She was born 
in Ionia County, Mich. Her father was a mechanic 
and in ILamilton, Ind., was for some time engaged 
in the mnnufacture of wagons. Later he came to 
Michigan and located in Bloomer Township, this 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



195 



coiintv. where lie engaged in farming. In April. 
1861, he enlisteil in the Third Michigan Regiment 
in which he served until he w.as transferred to the 
One Hundred and Second Hcginiont of the \'eteran 
Corps with the rank of Captain. He was killed at 
I'ocotaligo on the expedition from Port Hoyal, hy 
n shell. 

The niotiierof our subject's wife bore the maiden 
name of Harriet Ilerrick. She was born in Ohio 
where iier father, Harlow, a native of New York, 
was an early settler. He later came to Ionia where 
he made his home and for some time traveled as a 
insurance agent an<l also followed milling until a 
good old ago. His wife has attained the age of 
eighty-seven years, and he has completed the full 
number of ninety years. They reside with their 
daughter on a beautiful farm in Ionia County. 

The wife of the gentleman whose name heads 
this sketch was born near Ionia, Ionia County, 
August 24, 18G1. They are the jjarents of two chil- 
flion — Treva and Klzie. Mr. Douglass is the 
Supervisor of Ferris Township, and was for two 
years Townsliip Treasurer and for one year Com- 
missioner of Highways. His interest in educational 
matters has placed him upon the School Board. 
He is also Master of the Ferris Grange and a mem- 
ber of the Col. Fly Post, G. A. R. .at Elm Hall. He 
is an active and prominent Republican, always in- 
terested in matters of public interest and solicitious 
for the upbulldin<f of society and the prosperity of 
his town. 



eHAl'NCEY CASE. Among the men who 
havesecured a competence through cultiva- 
tion of the soil in Montcalm County is Mr. 
Case, wlio owns and occupies a valuable farm in 
Crystal Townshi}). His estate consists of one liun- 
lired and eighty broad and fertile acres, where a 
comfortable dwelling, substantial Ijarns and other 
buildings testify' to bis good judgment and pros- 
perity. Mr. Case is a thrifty and careful man, as 
may he seen by a visit to his home, where the im- 
plimenls of his vocation will be found housed in a 



tool-house and sheds and the vehicles that be uses 
kept in a carri.age-house or wagon-shed. The 
orchard and shade trees, without which a farm can 
scarcel}' be saitl to be well regulated, adorn his 
property. 

Mr. Case was born in Oakland County, this 
Stale, March 12, 1832, and spent his early years on 
a farm. He was two 3'ears old when his parents 
removed to Ionia County and located on the Grand 
River, little more than a mile from the county 
seat. Three years later, while the father of our 
subject and a Mr. Cornwell were crossing the Thorn- 
apple River, the former lost his life. The widow 
was married two years later to Mr. John L. Smith, 
who reared the family. Our subject remained in 
Ionia Countj' until he was of age. His principal 
playmates were Indian boys and his educational 
privileges were very limited, but he learned many 
a lesson that is not to be acquired in the school- 
room and is as necessary as book knowledge for one 
who would act well his part in life. 

As the family, of which he was a member, was 
one of the first to make a home in Ionia County, 
Mr. Case recalls scenes of pioneer times and can 
count on his fingers the families that lived in Ionia 
when he went there to mill. He also remembers 
going to Grand Rapids and Pontiac for a similar 
purpose or for household supplies. In the fall of 
18,53 he came to Montcalm County and located 
where he is still living. When be came here his 
nearest neighbor was six miles and their nearest 
mill and trading point w.is twenty-four miles — our 
subject once carried i)rovisions on his back twent}'- 
four miles for his family. He built a log cabin 
and began a clearing whi(^h grew in extent and 
finally included the goodly acreage which he is now 
(,>perating. 

Mr. Case was married January 1, 1857, to Miss 
Mary E. Tissue, who was born in Auglaize County, 
Ohio. When she was eight j'cars ola her father, 
James Tissue, removed to Sandusky County, and 
eight years later brought his family to Ionia 
County, this State. After living there two years 
he came to Montcalm County, where he carried on 
his vocation — farming — until near his death in 
1888. He was bereft of his wife, the mother of 
Mrs. Case, some sixteen years since. Mr, and Mrs, 



196 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Case are tbe parents of five children, whose record 
is as follows: Emma, born December 15, 1857; 
Seymour J., April 27, 1860; Many M., February 
29, 1863; Stella May, June 19,1867; Minnie B. 
March 23, 1870. Many and Minnie are deceased, 
and the others are married and living in homes of 
liieirown in Montcalm County. 

Mr. Case has always taken an interest in the pro- 
gress of educational affairs and bestowed upon his 
own progeny good advantages. He has served 
efHeiently as Township Treasurer, Highway Com- 
missioner, and in the various school offices. He 
exercises the right of suffrage in behalf of the 
Democratic party and its principles. As a citizen 
he is public-spirited, .is a farmer enterprising and 
progressive, and he is classed among the respected 
members of society. Our subject and wife are 
members of the Congregational Church ;he is a mem- 
ber of the Mount Gilia Lodge of F. A. M., and his 
family is one of the first two who settled in this 
township. 



FREDERICK W. ERDMAN. The life of 
j^ Mr. Erdman hns been a busy one and his 
/!!> "" personal efforts for advancement were be 
'un at a very early age. His experience has been 
a somewhat checkered one, as continued success 
falls to the lot of very few, but he has on the whole 
been successful, and he is now the owner of a good 
property in Ionia County and has his affairs on a 
solid basis. He owns one hundred and twenty 
acres of land in Danby Township, together with 
village property in Sefilwa, one half mile distant. 
At this writing (April, 1891) the material for a 
modern residence is on the ground and ere long a 
dwelling in keeping with the other appointments 
of the farm will rear its walls. Mr. Erduian is well- 
known for his connection with the eivil and social 
affairs of the section and is at present serving as 
Supervisor of his township. 

In Berlin, Prussia, William Erdman and Lottie 
Coon were born, reared and married, and near that 
city they lived upon a farm until some three years 
after the birth of their third child, Frederick W. 



They then determined to make a liome in the New 
World and embarking on a sailing vessel landed at 
New York after a tedious voyage of three months. 
They went direct to Wolcottsville, Niagara County, 
where they lived four years, after which they came 
to this State and located in Wayne County. They 
bought forty acres of land, making a payment of 
$500 and giving a mortgage for §1,000 to he paid 
in five annual payments. The mortgage was lifted 
according to agreement, and Mr. and Mrs. Erdman 
continued to occupy the farm until 1880, when 
they sold it to our subject. They then removed to 
Osceola County where they are still living on a 
forty-acre farm. Mr. Erdman took out naturaliza- 
tion papers soon after his arrival in the United 
Stales and he is thoroughly in sympathj' with 
American institutions. He h.as always been a Dem- 
ocrat and his sons belong to the same party. He 
and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church and 
are earnest believers. Of the seven children born 
to them those now living are Frederick W., John, 
William, Maiy and Clara. William is living in 
Utah; Mary is the wife of Jesse Davis, and Clara 
of William Moored. 

The natal day of Frederick W. Erdman was 
October 30, 1849, and his birthplace the vicinity of 
Berlin, Prussia. As became to America in child- 
hood his recollections scarcely go back to his na- 
tive land. He was seven jears old when the family 
came to this State and he continued to reside in 
Wayne County until the year 1882. When eleven 
years old he began to earn his own living and for 
eight years he worked as a farm hand. He saved 
$400, of which lie gave one-half to his parents, re- 
taining the rest as a capital for his future opera- 
tions. He took a farm of eighty-seven acres on 
shares, and securing a trusty helpmate he remained 
there three years. Being taken sick he sold out his 
interests and went to Colorado, where he bought 
ninety-six acres, which he sold within three mouths 
at a gain of $350. He remained two years longer 
to recruit his strength, but Mrs. Erdman returned 
to Michigan. 

At the expiration of the period named Mr. Erd- 
man came back to this State and bought an im- 
proved farm of fifty acres in Wayne County. After 
occupying it eight years he bought his father's 



PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



197 



farm of forty-three acres adjoining liis own, and 
occupied tiie iiompstcad a year. He tiieii sohl holli 
tracts for ^i 800 and disposed of iiis chattels for 
S!|,000 more. He then cauiu to Dauby, Ionia 
County, witii ^3,200 in cash, and invested in eighty 
.icres of wild laud and the house and lot in Sehewa. 
After making many improvements upon iiis farm 
lie added to it in tiie spring of 1891, an improved 
tract of fort3- acres adjoining, so that he now has 
an estate of goodly size, the value of whicli has 
been greatly increased by the ini|)rovements it 
bears. 

The wife to whom Mr. Krdnian owes the com- 
fort of his home and who has been his best coun- 
selor and most sympathizing helper for a score of 
years, bore the maiden name of Mary Wildel)Oor. 
She is a daughter of Klaas and Uekelje (Van Schu- 
ren) Wildeboor, the former of whom was a minis- 
ter in the Dutch Reformed Church and died in 
Holland when Mrs. Krdman was but a year old. 
The birth of this lady took place May 20, 1844, in 
the lanil that was the ancestral home. Five years 
after her father's death her mother came to Amer- 
ica, believing that by so doing she would be able 
to benefit her children. A year later she died, 
leaving six small children without money and 
among strangers. They, however, found homes, 
and all have gained good educations and the sur- 
vivors are doing well in life. The first-born, Ellen, 
is deceased; George formerly a teacher anil lawyer, 
is now engaged in mercantile pursuits in Missouri; 
Marinus is also a merchant in that State and he too 
has taught school; Jacob is a resident of Washing- 
ton; Klaas, a capitalist of Pueblo, Col., and an ex- 
member of Congress, was formerly a. school 
teacher. 

Mr. and Mrs. Krdman are the happy parents of 
three children, daughters who inherit the capabil- 
ity and desire for improvement that characterizes 
their parents. The oldest, Lottie M., is now at- 
tending the High School in Portland and wilt 
graduate in the class of 1891. She has already a 
good reputation as a teacher, having taught six 
terms, beginning when she was sixteen years of age. 
The second daughter, (Irace, is at home, and Agnes 
is attending the district school. .\ll are encouraged 
in the pursuit of knowledge, .-uid the example of 



their father is a constant reminder of the value he 
places upon a good education. His own having 
been sadly neglected in his boyhood, be was well 
aware of his disadvantages, and after his marriage 
became a close student by his own firesiile. In his 
home many books will be found, which are not 
bought for ornament but as a means of improve- 
ment, and are carefully read. Copies of several 
papers lie constantly upon the table, and through 
their columns Mr. Erdraau keeps well [)Osted re- 
garding general events. 

Mr. Krdman had lived in Ionia County but three 
3'ears ere he was a candidate for Township Treas- 
urer, but he was defeated. The next year he was 
elected by a good majority- and the following by a 
still greater one. After a year of private life lie 
was nominated as Supervisor, elected by a hand- 
some majority, and last spring his name being again 
placed on the ticket, he was elected by a majority 
four times as large as before. He has been placed 
in office by the suffrage of men of all parties, al- 
though it is well known that he is a stanch Demo- 
crat, as he is decided, though civil, in giving 
his opinions, and works for his party which he has 
often served as a delegate. lie belongs to the Odd 
Fellows Lodge at Sebewa and to the Encampment 
at Portland, and at the latter place he also holds 
membership in the Royal Arcanum. 



E^^ 



I^ANSOM RATHBUN. Among the repre- 

|k=^ sentative agriculturists of Ionia County, 

(Si \Vv may be mentioned Mr. Rathbun, who owns 
ft) *r 

and occu]3ies a fin^ farm on section 30, 

Easton Township. His estate consists of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres, mostly under cultivation, and 
partly cleared by himself when he was living un- 
der the parental roo^ He accompanied his parents 
hither in 1853, and aided in reclaiming the quarter- 
section bought by his father, before be established 
a household. Since he took a man's place in the 
world, be has made his mark as a thorough farmer, 
a public-spirited and reliable citizen, and an es- 
teemed member of society. 

The parents of our subject were Cornelius and 



198 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Clarissa Ratbbun, both born in Connecticut. His 
paternal grandfather was born in North Carolina, 
and was a sailor engaged in the merchant marine 
service during the Revolution. Cornelius Rathbun 
was in the American array in the War of 1812, and 
stationed at Black Rock. For nine years he was a 
commissioned officer in the New York State militia. 
In 1853 he brought his family to Ionia County 
from Canada, where he had been living for some 
years. He settled on the tract, a part of which is 
now owned by our subject, his first dwelling here 
being a log cabin 20x24 feet in the heart of the 
forest. He had been obliged to chop away trees to 
make a building site, so dense was the growth. He 
undertook the work of reclaiming the land from its 
original condition, and when he died in 1862, he 
left a fine farm. His wife survived him and en- 
tered into rest in 1867. They had six children, but 
all who are now living are Ransom, and Deborah, 
widow of John Reid, of Ionia. Mr. Rathbun voted 
with the Republicans, and worship[)ed in the Sec- 
ond Advent Church. 

The birthplace of Ransom Rathbun was County 
Lambton, Province of Ontario, and his natal day 
November 6, 1836. His education was received in 
the common schools of Canad:i and this State, and 
supplemented by reading in mature years. He was 
married December 30, 1857, to Sarah A. Richmond, 
a native of the Province of Ontario, born near 
Hamilton, April 3, 1836. She is a daughter of 
Benjamin and Margaret (Pickersgill) Richmond, 
both born in England. She has three sisters and a 
brother, namely: Mrs. Mary Hoskin, living in On- 
tario, Canada; Mrs. Margaret Shepherd, in Mani- 
toba; Mrs. Elizabeth Langford, near London, On- 
tario; and Benjamin, in County Lambton. Her 
own family includes four living chililren and one 
deceased. The survivors are Lorenzo D., Elvira, 
Edwin R. and Guy W. The daughter is now liv- 
ing in Allegan, having married W. G. Born. Emma 
died in infancy. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun find their religious home 
in the Wesleyan Metliodist Church. The husband 
is especially active in Sunday-school work, and is 
now Superintendent of the Union Sunday-school 
held in the Dexter schoolhouse. Mrs. Rathbun is 
connected with th^ Woipan's Christian Temperani-c 



Union, and has officiated as Vice-President and 
Treasurer. Intelligent, social and kind, botii husband 
and wife are active in social affairs, and dispense 
the hospitality of their own home with right good- 
will. Mr. Rathbun is independent in politics, of 
which he has made quite a study, a<lvancing many 
original ideas which, if put in force, might to a de- 
gree banish some of the evils now so wide spread. 
He has the confidence of the business world as a 
man of sterling integritj-, and every acquaintance 
recognizes the public spirit which he considers a 
duty of every loyal citizen. His well-iniprored 
farm is a standing monument to his superior man- 
agement, industry and economy. 

-^ a ■ ■°- ^ 1 —, ^ — a^~ 

^f EROME J. ROBBINS, a retired physician, is 
engaged in the manufacture of shingles and 
hardwood lumber in Ferris Townslii[), Mont- 
' calm County. He has a fine farm of one 
hundred and nine acres on section 32. His father, 
John A. Robbing, was born in Pittsfield, Mass. 
and came when a young man, first to Lewis 
County and then to Jefferson County, N. Y., where 
he cleared a farm and operated it, engaging also 
in the distillation of the essential oils, principally 
those of peppermint, hemlock, cedar and worm wood. 
In 1855 he came to Michigan and was one of the 
first settlers in Sumner Township, Gratiot County, 
taking up Government land at fifty cents per acre, 
and carrying on farming until he retired from 
active life, since which he resides with his son, the 
subject of this sketch. His wife who bore the 
maiden name of Lorinda Wales, was born in New 
York of Eastern parentage who trace their descent 
from the blue blood of Massachusetts. She was 
called from earth in 1845. Grandfather Robbins 
served in the War of 1812. 

The subject of this biographical sketch first saw 
the light August 28, 1841, in Champion Township, 
Jefferson Count3% N. Y. His stepmother with her 
children followed the father AVest the year after 
his coming, making their journey by^ the old pro- 
peller "Young America" to Detroit, then by teams 
to Gratiot County. This was at the time of th? 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



199 



famous "smoky season." The boy had no school 
advantages between the ages of eleven and eight- 
een — nothing but hard work — for be helped liis 
father im[)rove the new farm. In 1859 he spent a 
season in Whiteside Count}-, III., but in the winter 
came back and attended school at IMatherton, Ionia 
County and the next fall he studied at the Colle- 
giate Institute at Leoni, Jackson County. Later 
in the season he began teaching in East|)lains, Clin- 
ton County. 

The young man started to attend the spring 
term at Leoni wiien his patriotism got the better 
of his educational aspirations and he enlisted May 
20, 1861, in the Second Michigan Infantry for a 
three years' term of service. lie was engaged in 
the battles of Bl.ackburn Ford, the First Bull Run, 
Yorktown and Williamsburg. Soon after this, 
while acting as Hospital Steward in charge of one 
hundred and ten wounded at Baltimore Cross Roads 
he was captured with his wounded by the rebel 
General Fitzhugh Lee, the present Governor of 
Virginia, but was by him released on parole. 

Two weeks later Gen. Stewart ui.ade his famous 
mid and roi)udinting Gen. Lee's parole ordered 
lliem to Uichmoiid, but a cousin of Gen. McClellan, 
a rebel Adjutant, took a noble interest in their for- 
lorn condition and rode that night thirty miles and 
back to see (Jen. Lee and get a new parole. This 
allowed them to remain in their own territory and 
they were sent on to Annapolis, Md., and were 
among the very first in the parole camp. Six 
months later they were exchanged, and our friend 
joined his regiment at Fredericksburg. 

Mr. Robbins was present at the skirmish of 
.lamestown and took part in the siege of Vicksburg. 
He was at the battle of .lackson. Miss., and went 
thence to Knoxville, where he was at the head of 
the column of infantry tliat captured Col. Frazier 
at Cumberland Gap. He was also at Campbell's 
Station, the siege of Knoxville, Blaine's Cross Roads 
and Blue Springs. There he went into winter 
quarters at Blaine's Cross Ro.ads where he veteran- 
ized anil went home for a thirty daj-s' furlough, after 
which they joined Grant in the East and were in 
the battles of Uie Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold 
Harbor, the siege of Petersburg and numerous 
other encounters. During all these battles he had 



won favor with his officers and had been promoted 
to the position of Assistant Surgeon of the regi- 
ment. He was mustered out and honorably dis- 
ch.argcd at Detroit, July 27, 1865. 

During the last two years of the war he bad 
been studying medicine under Drs. Bonine and 
Vickery and in the fall of 1865 he entered the 
medical department of the University of Michigan 
at Ann Arbor, graduating in 1867 and receiving 
the diploma of Doctor of Medicine. He located at 
Hubbardston, Ionia County, and by energy and 
hard work he has succeeded in working up a large 
practice. He has at limes, when called, gone as far 
as thirty miles into the lumber woods to see pa- 
tients. These trips had to be made on horseback. 
Many times he has had to wade streams and make 
his way over fallen trees and thick underbrush, and 
from the exposure he has suffered much. In 1880 
he started in the drug business at Hubbardston in 
connection with his medical practice. 

His health gave way under the strain which he 
had put upon it and he found it necessary in 1886 
to change his occupation. He now entered upon 
the work of farming and the manufacture of lum- 
ber, and in 1887 he came to Ferris and buying a 
sawmill settled upon one hundred and sixty acres 
of land on section 20, pursuing the manufacture 
of shingles and hardwood lumber. His fine mill is 
valued at j!7,500. In 1888 he purch.ased the place 
where he now resides including one hundred and 
nine acres on section 32. Here he has built a large 
and handsome residence and placed upon the farm 
a windmill and tank and good and commodious 
outbuildings. A well one hundred and sixty feet 
deep, supplies never-failing water. He has devoted 
himself largely to raising registered Jersey cattle, 
Berkshire hogs and standard-bred horses. He has 
some fine specimens of horses, nameh' : ''Mer- 
cedes," "Carver," "Cody," and "Arna," all sired 
by ''Louis Napoleon." 

Dr. Robbins has retired from his medical practice 
altogether. His wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Farman, was the daughter of Richard Farman, 
born in New Hampshire and granddaughter of 
Rozwell Farman an early settler in New York. Her 
father was a farmer in Oswego County, N. Y., 
whence he came in 18:38 and located in Lyons 



200 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Township, Ionia County, being one of the first 
settlers there. His wife, Luzetta, daughter of 
Thomas Wheeler, of Massachusetts, who was in tlie 
Revolutionary War. spent her last days with Dr. 
Robbins, with whom she died in August, 1885, 
having been a widow since 1863. She belonged lo 
the Wesleyan Methodist Church, in whose circles 
she carried much influence for her sincere Christian 
character. Mrs. Robbins was the youngest of five 
children and was born near Maple Corners, Ionia 
County in 1839. She was educated at the Portland 
graded schools. Three children were born to this 
couple: Ford P., is in the drug business at Detroit; 
Myrtle, (Mrs. E. C. Walker) and Mabel, attending 
school at Ilubbardston. 

Mr. Robbins is a member of the Ancient Order 
of United Workmen, of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, of the Free and Accepted Masons, 
and of the Grand Army of the Republic at Ilub- 
bardston. His wife sympathizes with him in the 
work of this organization and is herself a member 
of the Women's Relief Corps. They have been 
active in the Congregational Church and were very 
energetic at the time of the building of the edifice. 
Mr. Robbins has for years served as Clerk of the 
Church. He is a Republican in politics and while 
residing at Hubbardston occupied many positions 
of trust at the request of his neighbors. He is a 
deservedly popular man and is universally re- 
spected. 



^AMES M. CONRY has been a resident of 
Edmore, Montcalm County, since June 12, 
1878, and is operating a farm of eighty 
(j^// acres on section 19, of Home Township. His 
father was Patrick, born in County Clare, Ireland, 
of wealthy parents, and received there a fine edu- 
cation. When only a young man he determined 
to come to America and make his home in the land 
of the free; so he left his fortune and coming to 
New York, drifted into farming at Westchester 
County, N. Y., in the vicinity of Bedford. He 
was accidentally killed by a fall of earth while 
helping to construct a tunnel. He was about sixty- 



five years old at the time of his decease. His wife 
was Sarah Miller, whose father was of German ex- 
traction, and her mother belonged to a prominent 
and wealthy family of the county. She was cousin 
of Judge Robison of New Y"ork. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Conry were Catholics. Of their nine children, 
seven grew to maturity. Our subject is the second 
oldest and the only one in Michigan. He was born 
in Oneida County, N. Y., May 2, 1851. The same 
year his parents removed back to Westchester 
County, and he was brought up on the old farm 
and educated in the district schools. When fifteen 
years old he emigrated to Seneca, La Salle Counly, 
111., where he worked on a farm for D. C. Under- 
hill for four years. 

This Mr. Underbill had lumber interests near 
Greenville, this county, and determining to manu- 
facture lumber, removed here and brought our sub- 
ject alone with him. They reached Greenville in 
the spring of 1870, coming on horseback with the 
teams. Here he worked for Mr. Underhill for Iwo 
years and then found employment in other saw- 
mills in the vicinity. In three years time he had 
worked his way up from the bottom lohead sawyer, 
and to day can file and hang a saw as well as any 
one. 

In 1870 Mr. Conry went to Stanton and worked 
in the mills there. There he also found his wife in 
the person of Minnie B. Townsend, daughter of 
R. S. and Mary Townsend. The marriage took 
place February 12, 1877. Mrs. Conry's father was 
born in Schoharie County, N. Y., February 12, 
1829. Ills father John was the proprietor of the 
Townsend Hotel at Warnerville, N. Y. He was a 
farmer of means and one of the leading officials 
of that town. His wife was Lydia Bundy, a native 
of England. They died while with their son, al 
the advanced ages of seventy nine and eighty-two 
years respectively. 

The father of Mrs. Conry went into the employ 
of the railroad at the early age of seventeen years, 
and became conductor, which ])Osition beheld when 
became to Michigan. In the summer of 1867 he 
came to Stanton and worked for two years as a car- 
penter. In 1868 he was appointed J)eputy Sheriff 
by D. O. Blake. In 1872 he was nominated for 
Count}' Sheriff on the Democratic ticket, ran 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



201 



ahead of his ticket by seyeral hundred votes and 
was elected. After this he kept a general restau- 
rant until the time of his deatli, May 15, 1882. He 
was one of the pioneers of Stanton and helped to 
build the first house. He erected for himself a fine 
residence in the midst of i)cautiful grounds. He 
was a charter meml>er of the Free and Accepted 
Masons of Stanton, and was an active member of 
the Univcrsalist Church. His funeral was the 
largest ever known in Stanton. Mrs. Townsend 
was Mary, daughter of Briggs Wilbur, of Mohawk, 
N. Y., who was one- of the earliest settlers of 
Schoharie County. He owned the land where Ful- 
tonham now stands and became a man of means. 
After Mr. Townsend's death his wife made her 
home in Stanton but finally died at Detroit, Octo- 
ber 14, 1887, under a surgical operation. She was 
an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist 
E|)iscopal Church at Stanton. She was the mother 
of two cliildren, JMinnie, the wife of our subject; 
and Kitty L., Mrs. J. M. Chapman, wife of the 
agent for tlie Detroit, and Northern & Western 
Michigan Railroad at Edniore. Mrs. Conry was 
horn in Warnervillc, N. Y., June 12, 1863, and 
carae with her parents to Michigan when she was 
five years old. She was educated at the Stanton 
grammar and High Schools. 

Three cliildren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Conry: Rufus S., who died in early childhood; 
Jay T; and Marion Hazel. In 1878 Mr. Conry 
came to Edmoro, built the first |)lace of business 
there and erected his residence. He has made it 
liig home ever since. lie owns a half block and has 
a commodious comfortable home, nicely furnished 
anil tastefully arranged. In 1885 ho took one hun- 
dred and sixty-eight acres of homestead land in 
Home Township on Bois Blanc Island, Mackinaw 
County, Mich. This beautiful place lie visits 
every summer with his family. He has improred 
llio land and placed buildings upon it. He proved 
up his claim to it in the fall of I8!I0. It contains 
valuable i)ine and cedar timber. 

In 1887 the subject of this sketch l)oughl eiglily 
acres of stump land on section 19, Homo Townshi|), 
Montcalm County. Of this he now has sixty .acres 
under cultivation, has a good orchard and it is all 
fenced. It is watered hv Stony Creek and he lias 



all outbuildings for correct farming and stock- 
raising as well as a good residence. He superin- 
tends the farm himself and pays much attention to 
the raising of draft horses and Jersey cattle. Mr. 
Conry does not aspire to otllce but is an active 
Democrat and is frequently a delegate to county 
and State conventions. He is a Catholic by edu- 
cation. He is connected with the Knights of 
Pythias and the Knights of Maccabees at Edmore. 
His wife is an active member in the Methodist 
Ciiurch, a member of the Ladies Aid Society, of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church choir and active in 
Sunday-school work. 



ANIEL LEPARD. There are many men 
still living in Ionia County who have had 
a large share in the development of its 
agricultural resources and also in reclaim- 
ing it from the primeval forest. One of this num- 
ber is Daniel Lepard, who resides on section 29, 
Odessa Township, and is engaged in general farming 
and stock-raising. The story of his early years is 
that of many others who took possession of land 
upon which not a stick of timber had been cut, and 
who, by slow and painful degrees, removed the 
heavy forest, prepared the soil for cultivation and 
brought their land under thoiough improvement. 
He has worked his way u[)ward from a condition of 
poverty to one of comfort and even affluence. 

The direct progenitors of our subject were Isaac 
and Nancy Lepard, natives of Virginia and Mary- 
land respective!}', and the father was of German 
descent. He carried on a farm in Seneca County, 
Ohio, and his death occurred there about 1845. 
The mother is still living there, and is now in her 
ninety -second year; she Is a member of the Baptist 
Church (Close Communion). Nine children were 
born to the worthy couple and those now living 
are Mary, Abram, John, Daniel, Isaac, Samuel and 
Jacob. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these par- 
agraphs o])ened his eyes to the light May 27, 1830, 
and remained on the parental farm in Seneca 
County, Ohio, until he was of age. He received a 



202 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



common-echool education in the home district and 
in the intervals of study assisted his father on the 
farm. After the death of his parent he and a 
brother took charge of the estate, and carried on 
the affairs of life as best they could for the advan- 
tage of the family. After he had attained to his 
majority Mr. Lepard worked by the month on a 
farm during a period of some six years, after 
which he rented land and operated it for himself 
until 1861. 

During that year Mr. Lepard came to Ionia 
County and bought eighty acres of wild land whicli 
comprises a part of his present well developed 
farm. He lived in a shanty near by until he had 
chopped and hewed timber for a house of his own, 
which lie completed by the following spring and 
moved into. He then set himself to the work of 
clearing and Improving the land during every pos- 
sible moment, but for four or five years had to 
take jobs of ciiopping for others in order to supply 
his daily needs. At the end of that time he had 
about twenty-two acres of his laud cleared. In 
later years he continued his work until the entire 
tract was under cultivation and marked with the 
substantial and ample accommodations it now bears. 
He also added sixty acres to the farm, stocked it 
with good grades of domestic animals and furnished 
it with implements and machinery of the better 
class. He has also become the possessor of real 
estate in the village of Lake Odessa. 

For thirty years Mr. Lepard had the companion- 
ship of one of the most estimable of women, who 
became liis wife March 23, 1855, and who walked 
by his side until July 25, 1885. She bore the 
maiden name of Margaret Parmeter. She was an 
intelligent, earnest woman, a member of the United 
Bretiiren Church, attending the services held in a 
house of worship which stands on Mr. Lepard's 
land. To our subject and his wife there came 
eight children, who answer to the names of Oscar, 
Elizabeth, Ciiarlie, Flora, Lafayette, Alice, Burtis, 
and Shirley. 

Mr. Lepard is convinced that the principles of 
tiie Republican party are most consistent with truth 
and justice in Governmental policy, and he there- 
fore exercises the elective franchise in favor of its 
candidates. He has done much toward the advance- 



ment of the community, principally in a private 
capacity, although he has served efflcientlj' as Path- 
master and in school offices. He hopes to spend 
the remnant of his days on the homestead that is 
now his residence and in the midst of the people 
by whom he is well known and respected. 



FREDERICK PATRICK, who resides on sec- 
tion 11, Berlin Township, Ionia County, is 
the oldest living son of a large famil}', well- 
known throughout this part of the State. His 
father, Robert Patrick, was born in 1800, in Cam- 
bridgeshire, England, and married Ursula Herse- 
pool, a native of the same shire, and a woman 
thirteen years his junior. They resided in their 
native country until 1843, when, like many others 
of tlie British Isles, they began to think of bettering 
tliemselves and looking out for the welfare of their 
children, by emigrating to the New World, so bid- 
ding farewell to their dear home and friends, they 
emliarked for America, landing in New York after 
an uneventful voyage. For one year they made 
their home in New Jersey, but their faces were 
turned westward and they must go farther on. 
They went to Niagara County, and made their 
home in Somerset County, N. Y., but the -'star of 
empire" led them on and in 1854 they came to 
Michigan and settled on section 11, Berlin Town- 
ship, Ionia County. 

Mr. Patrick was a frugal, industrious man and 
had acquired sufficient means to purciiase his homo 
and farm of two hundred and forty acres of wild 
timber land. Building a log house, he settled his 
family in it and went sturdily to work cleai'ing the 
land. He put one hundred and twenty acres under 
cultivation. When he had accomplished the great 
task of subduing the wilderness and getting his 
land into a productive state, he decided to place 
his family in a more comfortable home, and nine- 
teen years ago built a brick house at a cost of 
$4,000. Neither was he backward in providing out- 
houses and barns for the continued prosperity and 
upbuilding of his farm business. He was Inter- 
ested in the culture of fruit and set out a fine 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



205 



orchard. In 1874 he p.isscd awa^' leaving his wife 
who surviTed until February 24, 1889. iScven of 
their eight children arc now living : our subject, 
Ch.arles, .loliu, Ella (Mrs. Rogers), Wallace, Rachael 
(Mrs. Pike), and Edward. Their mother trained 
them in the faith of the Christian Church. In 
politics Mr. Patrick was a Republican. 

The second child of these worthy Englisli people 
is the subject of this notice and was I)orn June 28, 
183G in Cambridgeshire, England. While living 
in New York he attended the district school, but 
being his father's main reliance for help u|)on the 
farm he early sacrificed his higher education to the 
family interests, and began the life of a farmer 
while still in his teens. He was eighteen years old 
when he came with his parents to Michigan and 
remained his father's stalwart helper until he 
reached his majority. He began for himself empty 
handed, his iron constitution and robust strength 
carrying out all that his ambition dictated. He 
worked out by the day and did jobs for neighbors, 
chopping and clearing lunil for them. \iy frugality 
and industry he acquired suRicient means to buy 
eighty acres of land from his father, and in 1862 he 
built a frame house and made his home there. It 
was then all woods. In this home he has lived for 
twenty-nine years, and has adiled to his farm from 
time to time so that he has now two hundred and 
eighty acres *11 told. He has cleared off altogether 
one hundred and thirty acres for himself, and has 
cliopped more than any other man in Berlin Town- 
ship, lie carries on mixed farming, raising both 
grain and stock, and has iiut many good improve- 
ments upon his i)lace. 

On November 10, 1«61, he was united in mar- 
riage with Sarah Heater, a daughter of Daniel and 
Christian (Sapj)) Heater. They were natives of 
Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively, from 
which they came to Michigan in 1845, and settled 
on a wooded farm in Odessa Township. He suc- 
ceeded in clearing up the farm and improving it. 
Mrs. Heater died in 1817 and her husband lived 
until 1873. Tiiey were the parents of five chil- 
dren, four of whom survive them : Mrs. Galloway, 
Mrs. Patrick, Mrs. McMullan and Jacob. Mrs. 
Patrick was born November 11, 1837, in Portage 
County, Ohio. She had her schooling in the dis- 



trict schools of Odessa Township, where her par- 
ents were pioneers. 

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick have been blessed with five 
children, four of them being now living: Marian 
was born December 8, 1862; Frank, January 8, 
I 804, married Carrie Kddy, and lives on section 14, 
with his wife and one child; Celia, born September 
27,1872, died November II, 1889; Allie, born 
February 20, 1875, and Myrtie July 4, 1878. All 
of these children have been given by their parents 
a good schooling and Marian has spent some time 
leaching in Berlin Townshii). Local politics are a 
matter of real interest toMr. Patrick who votes 
the Republican ticket, but he gives his time and 
strength and thought to cidtivating his farm, and 
has done a great amount of hard work. In 1886 
he erected his present fine residence at an expense 
of *2,400. 



m 



iC^Sli 



(^T/LLEN B. MORSE, Judge of the Supreme 
(@Oj Court of Michigan, is a son of the Hon. 

Ill Ih John L. and Susan (Cowles) Morse. His 
i^J father was one of the early pioneers of 

Ionia County and was Judge of the Probate Court 
twelve years and a member of the Legislature. He 
removed to Iowa vvhere he took a leading position 
also, being elected County Judge, County Auditor 
and a member of the General Assembly. Judge 
Allen B. Morse was born in Otisco Township, Ionia 
County, January 7, 1839. He was not only vigor- 
ous in mind but strong in body, with a natural in- 
clination toward outdoor pursuits, which led him 
to such athletic exercises as kept him in good 
health while pursuing his studies. His favorite 
branch was l<;nglish literature of whieh he became 
a m.ister. Under the guidance of his father's strong 
mind his early education was conducted an<) it was 
supplemented bj' a course in the Agricultural Col- 
lege. 

The study of the law was but fairly begun by 
Mr. Morse when the call for troops to defend the 
Union caused him toabamlon it and join the army. 
He entered the service as a ])rivatc in the Sixteenth 
Michigan Infantry, but in 1863 he was transferred 



206 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to the Twenty-first and after tlie battle of Chicka- 
mauga be was appointed Assistant Adjutant Gen- 
eral. While on the staff of Col. Sherman he lost an 
arm at the battle of Mission Ridge. He went 
through the Peninsular campaign, and the soldierly 
qualities he manifested during his army life were 
such that on retiring from the service he had per- 
sonal testimonials from Gens. Sherman and Sheri- 
dan. 

After leaving the army Mr. RForse resumed his 
legal studies and during the year 1865 he was ad- 
mitted to the bar. In 1866 he was elected Prose- 
cuting Attorney for Ionia County and served two 
terms; in 1874 as a Democratic candidate for Sena- 
tor, he carried a strong Repul)lican district by a 
m.-ijority of twenty-two hundred and eleven. As 
a Senator he quickly bec^ame one of the leaders of 
that body. At the close of his career in legislative 
halls he resumed the ])ractice of his profession and 
ere long reached the foremost rank. In 1882 he 
was elected Mayor of Ionia. In 1885 he was nomi- 
nated 1)}' the Democratic party for Judge of the 
Supreme Court, his opponent being the noted Judge 
Cooley, an able jurist and law-writer, now of the 
Inter-State Commission. His majority over that 
gentleman was about thirty thou.sand and Gov. 
Alger endorsed the verdict of the people and ap- 
pointed him Chief Justice to fill a vacancy'. lie 
assumed the duties of the office and is still dis- 
charging them with conscientious earnestness. 

In 1874 Judge Morse was married to Miss 
Frances Mai ion Van Allen, and four children were 
born to them, whose names are, Marion, Van Allen, 
Lucy and Dan R. Mrs. Morse died in 1884, and in 
1888 the Judge was united in marriage with Miss 
Annie Babcock, daugliter of one of the early set- 
tlers of Ionia County. The residence they occupy 
is situated on a commanding eminence and the site 
was purchased l)y the Judge while it was still a 
forest. The home is a picture of domestic happi- 
ness and simplicity, and not the le.ast secret of the 
Judge's popularit3' with the people is his devotion 
to his family. 

'i'liere is no doubt but that Judge Morse is as 
strong a candidate for positions of honor and 
responsibility as the Democratic party can bring 
before the citizens of the State. In prep.aring his 



legal opinions he is a forceful writer, having a 
plain matter-of-fact way that invariably captivates 
the reader. He is not given to verbosity or embell- 
ishment, always using choice Anglo-Saxon in his 
writings. He is recognized as a m.an of broad 
common sense and his erudition in the law is such 
as to commend him favorably with the great jurists 
and lawyers of the country. His oratory is char- 
acteristic, being plain, simple and direct, going at 
once to the point at issue and convincing by its 
very simplicity. The Judge is connected with the 
Grand Army of the Republic. He was prominently 
mentioned by the Democratic party in the fall of 
1890 for the office of Governor — and would have 
received the nomination had he not absolutely de- 
clined. 

The attention of the reader is invited to a litho- 
graphic portrait of Judge Morse, presented in 
connection with this biographical notice. 

— ^— ^^— ^— 

!f,EORGE H. ALLURED. For a number of 
years this gentleman has been connected 
with the business life of Ionia. He was 
born in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, England, 
June 5, 1840, being a son of William and Sarah 
(Goodwin) Allured. The father was a tailor and 
followed the trade in his own country until 1860, 
wlien he emigrated to America. The mother died 
the year of the removal and the father p.assed awa3' 
in 1864, in Kent County. The parental family was 
a large one, numbering fourteen sons and daugh- 
ters, and George II. was next to the youngest. He 
has one brother and three sisters now living. 

Our subject attended school until he was four- 
teen years old and then became an apprentice at the 
trade of cabinet-making. Not liking the prospects 
before him he embarked on the ship "Cultivator," 
of the White Star Line, and sailed across the ocean 
in 1857. After landing he came to this State and 
for a year and a half was located in Greenville, 
wlieie he sold the first lot of ready-made cotHns 
put upon the market there. He walked from that 
place to Ionia and found employment with South- 
wick Merritt, until he died, when as assignee he 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



207 



took charge of tliat gentleman's business. Tbe 
stock — cabinet goofls and un(lertai<ei's supplies — 
now carried by Mr. Allured amounts to some 
$4,500, and his present stand lias been occupied by 
him eleven years. 

In 18G2 Mr. Allured was married to Mi.ss Kme- 
line M. Nichols, a native of tiie Empire Stale, and 
the union has been blessed by the birth of the fol- 
lowing children : William II., Edith, .Sylvpster and 
Grace L. Edith is married to John C. Bealty, of 
Jefferson County, Mo., and Grace is now attending 
school in Kentucky. Mr. Allured has been a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church for twenty-eight years, 
anrl bis family is connected with the same religious 
body, lie is Chairman of the Church Board, lie 
is a Mason and Oild Fellow. He has been Tax 
Collector in Ionia. 

Mr. Allured began cabinet making in this State 
when beds were made with round corners, an<l 
what-nots were first brought into notice and con- 
sidered quite "the thing" in a well-nuished house. 
lie has continued his connection with the furni- 
ture trade, and for some seventeen years past has 
been a funeral director. He kce|)S the best goods 
in his lines, and in his undertaking business has 
proved to be one of those in whom the bereaved 
can place confidence, knowing that the last sad 
riles over their departed friends will be conducted 
with propriety. He belongs to the Funeral Direc- 
tors' Association of Michigan and has lille<l the 
Chairs (herein. 






^^^ 



■^fOHN McC^UlLLIN. The only banking in- 
stitution in Lyons, Ionia County, is that, of 
John R. Dougherty & Co., of which Ihcsub- 
1(^1/ ject of this biographical sketch is Cashier. 
Mr. Mcl^uillin is a competent financier anil without 
neglecting the duties of the aforesaid position, he 
personally superintends a fine farm of one hundred 
acres not far from the town and takes an active in- 
terest in the various affairs pertaining to the ()ros- 
pcrity of the county and State. His outlying 
property is finely improved and he has a beautiful 
town house on the corner of Tabor an<l Irish Streets. 



The parents of our subject, Francis and Catherine 
(Conlon) Mdiuilliu, natives of the Emerald Isle, 
emigrated to America in June, 184o, during the 
infanc}' of their son John, who was born Novem- 
ber 16, 1844. They came directly to Ionia County 
and the husband bought a farm in Lyons Township 
two miles south of the village of that name. On the 
forty acres of timber land he made a small clearing 
and built a log house 18x2G feet, and after setting 
up his home he proceeded with the development of 
the property. He subsequently bought forty acres 
adjoining and in 18t)C added an eighty acre tract. 
He removed the timber from most of the first 
eighty and erected some substantial buildings, pul- 
ing up a large frame barn in 1859 and a good resi- 
dence in 18C1. In 1808 while on his way home 
from a neighbor's the horse he was driving ran away 
throwing him out of the vehicle and causing his 
deatii. His widow is now a resident of Battle 
Creek. 

The parental family included eleven sons and 
daughters nine living and two deceased. The eld- 
est of the survivors is he whose life history will be 
sketched ])elow. The others are Mary A., wife of 
John Dunn; Thomas who lives on the homestead; 
Francis, a farmer in Dakota; Kate, a milliner in 
Battle Creek; Mrs. Bridget O'Leary, a resilient of 
Battle Creek; Theresa, Mother Superior of Ml. 
Carmel Academy in Chicago, III.; Edward G. and 
Charles, agriculturists in Dakota. 

John McCiuillin was reared on the homestead and 
received his fundamental education in the L^-ons 
School. After completing the course of study 
there he spent two years in an institution of learn- 
ing at Yi)silanli and one year iir the Slate Univers- 
ity at Ann Arbor. When eighteen years old he 
bigan teaching and iluring the ensuing twelve win- 
ters he gave his time and talent to pedagogy al- 
though he made his home on the homestead until 
he was twenty-six years old. For two years he was 
Principal of the High School in Lyons and he then 
in 1873, entered the Fir-st National Bank of Muir, 
in which he r-emained thr-ee ycar-s. An equal 
length of time w.as then occupied in discharging his 
duties as Cashier in the bank of William H. Free 
man at L3'ons and this was followed by an exper- 
ience of six months as book-keeper in the bank of 



208 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



AVebber & Chapin at Stanton. After this appren- 
ticeship in the banking business Mr. McQuillin 
with other citizens of Lyons bought the business of 
William H. Freeman and established the banking 
company of which he is Cashier. 

The sujierior intelligence of Mr. Mctiuillin and 
his trustworthiness have led to his being called 
upon to serve his fellow citizens in official capac- 
ity, lie has been Township Clerk twelve years, 
Township Treasurer one year, and several times 
President of the Village Board and a village Trus- 
tee. In politics he is an uncompromising Demo- 
crat. His home is presided over by the lady to 
whom he was married in 1873, prior to which time 
she was known as Miss Myra Pierce. This lady was 
formerly a resident of New York, but at the time 
of her marriage was living in Lyons, she being a 
daughter of Nathan Pierce. The family of Mr. 
and Mrs. Mc(iuillin consists of four bright children 
who are named respectively, Florence, John F., 
Lawrence P. and Ralph. 



SHOMAS JOHNSON, a farmer of Odessa 
Township, holds an assured position among 
the agriculturists of Ionia County, with 
wliora he has been identilied for many years, work- 
ing with them for the improvement of the county 
and the prosperity of future generations. lie 
resides on section 28, adjoining the village of Lake 
Odessa, and has about one hundred acres of well- 
tilled land. Here can be found good grades of 
stock, substantial buildings and many modern 
conveniences. The present residence was built in 
1880 and is of brick with two L's, each 18x2G 
feet. 

Mr. Johnson was born in Lincolnshire, England, 
June 14, 1821, and is the second of the three sur- 
viving members in a family of seven children. 
The others are AVilliam, who lives in Odessa Town- 
ship; and Mary Ann, wife of G corge Foster, whose 
home is in Donington, England. Their parents 
were John and Elizabeth (Crampton) Johnson, 
natives of Lincolnshire. The father worked at 
various occupations and for some time prior to his 



decease kept an hotel at Donington. He died in 
September, 1828, in comparatively early life, but 
the mother lived to be quite aged she also dying in 
her native land. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Donington 
and lived in that town until he was eighteen years 
old, when he bade his mother adieu and went upon 
a farm, working there three 3'ears. He had been 
left fatherless when but seven years old and had 
grown up under the careful and deeply affectionate 
care of his mother. He had received a common- 
school education and was prepared for all ordinary 
duties. After the period of farm life mentioned, 
he returned home and remained three years, busy- 
ing himself at various occupations. Being per- 
suaded that in the New World he would have 
larger opportunities, he sailed for America, April 
17, 1845, and landed at (Juebec, whence he went at 
once to Rochester, N. Y. 

For three years Mr. Johnson remained in that 
city working at whatever he could find to do, and 
he then went into the country and worked by the 
month, farming in the summer and laboring in the 
plaster regions during the winter. For four sea- 
sons he was in the employ of the s.ame man, and he 
then worked on a farm in another neighborhood 
four entire years. The next move of Mr. Johnson 
was to come to Ionia County in 1855, in February 
following buying land where he is now located. 
He purchased eighty acres of untilled soil, which 
was in the wild condition that made it the haunt 
of Indians and forest animals. He at once began 
felling trees and preparing logs with which to 
build a house, and on May 6, 1856, he moved into 
his cabin home. Slowly but surely the clearing 
extended and the second year he had three .acres of 
corn and in the fall sowed wheat. The entire tract 
comprising the original homestead has been cleared 
and twenty acres added, and now in place of the 
wilderness he sees around him the results of his 
labors. 

When Mr. Johnson arrived in Quebec he had 
but sixty-five cents and he had with him a wife and 
a sick child. Notwithstanding the discouraging 
circumstances he kept up his courage, and incited 
by his love for his family and his ambition to make 
his way in the world, he pushed forward until he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



209 



reached tlie position of a substantial landowner. 
His i)ur[)ose Las not been accomplished wiltn)ut 
hardsiiip, but he has had many things to cheer him 
(Ml his way. He is now living with his children, 
having ceased arduous toil, and is enjoying the 
fruits of his former industry and the esteem of 
tliose to whom he is familiarly known as "l^nclc 
Tom." lie has been I'athmaster and Assessor, and 
politically is a Democrat. 

In Donington, England, in 1843, Mr. Johnson 
was united in marriage with Miss Jane Metcalf, 
who shared his fortunes until January 25, 1855. 
She died in Monroe Count}', N. Y., and was buried 
at Bellcoda. Of this' union there were born seven 
children, four of whom are living, viz: Joseph, 
William, Frank and John 1. In December, 1855, 
Mr. Johnson was married a second lime, his bride 
being Miss Betsey Ilarkness, who became the 
mother of a son, Walter. This good woman shared 
with our subject in the trials of a pioneer life, but 
lived to see fortune smile upon them and the 
neighborhood become prosperous and well settled. 
>Shc entered into rest August 4, 1880. 



^jHOMAS E. JACKSON. This name will be 
rccogni/ed as that of the publislier and 
proprietor of the Muir Tri/june, a sheet that 
was established in November, 1885, and, contrary 
to llic |)rognostications of numerous citizens, lives 
and nourishes. It is a seven-column folio with a 
circulation of six hundred copies, and the palron- 
.Hgc is increasing as the merits of the paper become 
advertised. ''Ye editor" is educated, abounding in 
energy and the determination that conquers un- 
toward circumstances and withal is blessed with 
tact and social qualities. Plain in his utterances 
rcganling affairs that liave a bearing upon the 
status of the community or the progress of tlic 
Nation, he is quick to discern redeeming features 
in the lives or words of others, and prompt to give 
"credit where credit is due." 

The birthplace of Mr. Jackson was rnionvillc, 
Chester County, Pa., and the date of the event 



September 6, 1859. His parents were Benjamin 
and Margaret Jackson, both natives of the Keystone 
State and life-long residents there. The father 
owned several farms and carried on extensive 
operations in the agricultural line. The parental 
family included four sons — Andrew, George, 
Thomas and Frank, and two daughters — Mrs. W. B. 
Bartow living in Milan, Ohio, and Mrs. Nelson 
Goodman, of Macomb, HI. 

The son of whom we write was a student in 
Downington, Pa., and after completing the course 
of study there he served three years at the printer's 
trade, and subsequently acteil as foreman of the 
office most of the lime until 1882. lie then bought 
a half interest in the Clyde Enlerprise, that being 
one of the leading Iie()ublican sheets of Sandusky 
County, Ohio. His partner was Henry F. Paden, 
and the two carried on the publication until Octo- 
ber, 1883, when Mr. Jackson sold out for the pur- 
pose of studying medicine. He entered the medical 
department of the Universit}' of Michigan at Ann 
Arbor and steadily pursued his [)rofessional studies 
until after his junior year, when he returned home 
to spend his vacation. 

During the visit our subject was prevailed upon 
by his brother Frank to bu}' the Clyde Enlerprise 
which was for sale, and together the brothers 
entered upon the publication and editing of that 
sheet. They met with satisfactory success and con- 
tinued the work until July 1, 1885, when our sub- 
ject sold ont and looke<l about for other fields of 
labor. In October of that year Thomas Jackson 
came to Muir and buying a small amount of 
material gave to the public the initial number of 
the Tribune. The townspeople said that he would 
be glad to leave the place within six months, as no 
pa[)er could live on the patronage it would receive 
there; but still there are no signs of death in the 
journal. On the contrary the oflice has been fur- 
nished with more and bolter material, and surely, if 
somewhat slowl}', success has been attained. Mr. 
Jackson has two assistants in the work of publica- 
tion, and being a practical printer, as well as a rca<ly 
writer, he has an advantage over some would-be 
publishers. 

Whatever business worries m.ny aimo}' Rlr. .Taek- 
sou he liiids rest and refreshment in his home, where 



210 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



an amiable and educated wife awaits him. This 
lady, formerly Miss Jiianita Fletclier, is a daughter 
of Lemuel and Emma (Lusc) Fletcher, natives of 
New York and Pennsylvania respectively, and is 
herself a native of Clyde, Ohio. The rites of wed- 
lock between her and Mr. Jackson were solemnized 
August 28, 1884, and mutual happiness has fol- 
lowed the interesting event. They have a cozy 
dwelling in Muir, of which village Mr. Jackson 
has been a board member for three years. He has 
gained a reputation as one of the most enterprising 
newspaper men in Ionia County, and in society is 
quite popular. His political influence is thrown 
with the Republicans. 



DHILIP A. 
) man is nc 
the pione 



WACUS. Although this gentle- 
ot entitled to be numbered among 
jonecrs of Ionia County he has yet 
witnessed a vast improvement in the coun- 
try since he came here. Of Odessa Township he 
may be called an early settler, as there he found 
large tracts of unimproved land and passed through 
the trials and hardships which are incidental to the 
development of a country, particularly when cov- 
ered with heavy timber, as was the case here. He 
has a good farm on section 20, where many evi- 
dences of prosperity may be seen. The stock kept 
includes Short-horn cattle, Shropshire sheep, Per- 
ch eron horses, and hogs that are also of good 
grade. Mr. Wachs also raises Plymouth- Rock 
chickens in considerable numbers. A noticeable 
feature of the estate is the attention paid to fruit 
culture, and the two thrifty orchards are beautiful 
as well as remunerative. There is also a sugar 
bush from which an average yield of one thousand 
pounds per annum is gained. 

The earliest ancestor of Mr. Wachs in America 
was Peter Wachs, who emigrated from Switzerland 
in 1752, where he was born in 1738. He was a 
blacksmith, and followed his trade in Pennsyl- 
sylvania until his death, which occurred in 1832, 
when he was ninety-three years old. He had two 
sons: Philip and Henrj', the former of whom was a 
farmer in Perry County, Pa.; he died the same 



year as his father, being then fifty five years old. 
His wife was Magdalena Stauter, was born Septem- 
ber 1, 1783, and lived to be about seventy-eight 
years of age. This couple had three sons who grew 
to manhood, the eldest of whom was Peter, the 
father of our subject. That gentleman was born in 
Perry County, Pa., and after growing to manhood 
engaged in farming in Richland, now Crawford 
County, Ohio. He cleared eighty acres of wild 
land there and added to his property until his farm 
included one hundred and twenty acres. It was 
thoroughly improved and was known as Hedge 
Row Farm. He also owned forty acres in Ionia 
County, this State. Mr. Wachs was a man of 
strictly temperate habits and was a consistent 
member of the United Brethren Church. Politi- 
cally he was a Democrat. He died July 31, 1884. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Lj'dia Bell, and was born in York County, 
Pa. Her parents were John and Mary (Richey) 
Bfcll, the one of Irish and the other of Scotch-Irish 
descent. Three of the ancestors lived to the age 
of ninety, two to the age of ninety-two years, and 
one to ninety years. In Crawford County', Oiiio, 
in 1824, the father and mother of our subject were 
joined in wedlock. Mrs. Wachs was, like her 1ms- 
band, a member of the United Brethren Church. 
She breathed her last September 18, 1888. She 
was the mother of eight children, five of whom still 
survive, viz.: Philip A., Simeon R., Daniel C. and 
Darius A.j Sarah is the wife of James Nevil and 
lives on a part of the parental homestead in Ohio, 
while Simeon occupies the other portion ; Daniel 
resides at Grand Haven, this State; and Darius in 
Morrow County, Ohio. 

Our subject was born and reared on a farm in 
what is now Crawford County, Ohio, the date of 
his birth being JUI3' 10, 183G. He acquired a 
knowledge of the ordinary English brandies in the 
district school of his neighborhood, and until he 
was of age he aided his father in the cultivation of 
the farm. He then went to learn the carpenter and 
joiner's trade, whicli he followed nine 3'ears. lu 
November, 18G5, he came to Ionia County and 
took charge of a farm which he had bought the 
year before, now known as "Orchard Farm." It 
consisted of eighty acres of wild limber land on 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



211 



section 20, Odessa Township, and securing board 
near by lie clioppcd and cleared for four years. 
During the same lime be built a small house, 
10x24 feet, and ten feet liigli, with the sides 
boarded up and down. 

After oouiplelin<f his little dwelling Mr. Wachs 
thought it would be ple.nsant to have some one 
kcej) house for hiui, and returning to the Buckeye 
State he was united in marriage with Miss Martha 
A. (ireen. I''cbruary 8, 1870. The bride w:is born 
In Hocking County, Ohio, was reared in such a 
manner as to strengthen the better qualities of her 
character, and develop in her habits of industry 
and domestic thrift. To Mr. and Mrs. Wachs one 
child has been born, r>nlu E., who lives in the same 
townshii)!is her parents, and is the wife of Daniel 
A. Mourer. After his marriage Mr. Wachs re- 
turned to his farm and continued his efforts to 
develop it. By hard work he has personally cleared 
eighty acres, which has been placed under good 
cultivation, a!id he still has forty acres of limber. 

Politically Mr. Wachs is independent, and for 
the last few years he has voted the Prohibition 
ticket. For several terms he acted as School In- 
spector. He and his wife belong to the I'nited 
Rrethrcn Church, and join earnestly- in efforts to 
increase the membership and strengthen the society. 
They are known to a large circle and arc generally 
respected. 

-i=- ^ — f^J|f^-=> ^^^^ ^^ 

WILLIAM D. PP:NNINGT0N. The only 
furniture house in Lyons, Ionia County, is 
that of which the above-named gentleman 
is pro|>rietor. It was established by the present 
manager, and after his return from the battlefields 
of the South he bought back the store and resumed 
the business. Since that lime he has been doing a 
satisfactory trade, has somewhat increased his stock 
and has put up a good building, 22x.50 feet, for his 
use as storage and salesrooms. Here a well assorted 
line of goods is to be seen, and here courtesy and 
business metliods prevail. In addition to the fur- 
niture business, Mr. Pennington carries on iinder- 
tftking. His building is on Main Street, and was 



erected in 1882, and on Robinson Street he has put 
up a fine dwelling. 

Mr. Pennington is of English and French de- 
scent, and both his parents and himself were born 
in England. The names of his immediate progeni- 
tors are Charles and Ann (Dieppie) Pennington, 
They came to America in 1812, and settled in 
Paincsville, Ohio, whence they removed to Jackson 
County, Mich., in 185:?. There they departed this 
life, the mother in 1860, and the father in 1872. 
Of their eight children six are living, namely: 
Charles, Mrs. L. Reed, .John, Mrs. Mary McCrery, 
William D. and Mrs. Sarah Luce. Mr. Pennington 
brought to America a stock of goods worth |;(;,000, 
but having a drunken pilot, the vessel was wrecked 
off Sandy Hook, and the goods were lost. The 
owner was therefore obliged to begin life in his 
new home with only his strong lieart and willing 
hands, and his family had not the opportunities he 
wislied to bestow upon them. After his removal 
to this Stste he bought one hundred and twenty 
acres of land lived upon the farm during the rem- 
nant of his days. 

The gentleman whose life history is our topic, 
was born in 1835, and was a lad of seven vears 
when he crossed the broad Atlantic. He obtained 
a limited education in Paincsville, Ohio, but after 
leaving school never forgot his books, and as occa- 
sion has offered he has studie(J hard and been re- 
warded by accumulating a fine store of knowledge. 
He worked out on farms when strong enough, and 
continued that manner of life until he was seven- 
teen years old, when ho took up the study of the 
cabinet-maker's trade. He served an apprentice- 
ship of three years, and then began journey work 
in the same town. Scarcely three months had been 
given to the work ere he came to Jackson County, 
this State, and here he entered tlie employ of M. 
M. Colliraar. 

A year was spent by Mr. Pennington in the em- 
ploy of that genlkinan, then he turned his atten- 
tion to carpentry during a season, and ne.xt came to 
Lyons. From 185G to 1859 he was engaged in 
business for himself, selling furniture and under- 
taker's goods, and acting as funeral director. The 
panic of the latter year caused so great a falling off 
in trjide, that he sold out to Mr. Halsled, and {o\ 



212 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



some months worked for that gentleman. This was 
followed by labor for Mr. Henry Woodwortli, for 
whom lie made a complete set of furniture. He 
then returned to his parents' home and assisted on 
the farm for a time. When there seemed a pros- 
pect of reviving trade he returned to Lyons and 
established himself once more in his old business. 
In 1862 he disposed of the establishment and en- 
tered the army, enlisting in Company D, P^iftli 
Michigan Cavalry, in which he served gallantly al- 
most three years, being discharged when there 
lacked but one month of that period. He was one 
of the fortunate ones who were never captured nor 
wounded. He held the non-commissioned r.nnk of 
Sergeant. 

Mr. Pennington was n.arried in 1859, to Miss 
Nancy T. Dougherty, and thej' have one son liv- 
ing, William D. This young man is in the naval 
service, book-keeper for the engineer of the man- 
of-war "Thetis." Mr. and Mrs. Pennington have a 
pleasant circle of friends, and show the interest ex- 
pected of intelligent, public-spirited people, in tiie 
welfare of those about them, and the development 
of the place. Mr. Pennington is a Democrat, and 
identified with the Grand Army of the Republie, 
and the Masonic order. lie has served as Village 
Trustee in an eflicient manner, and among business 
men and citizens has a good reputation. 



EWI.S ANDERSON, the son of Anders Nel- 
son, was born in Verneland, Sweden, and 
was a carpenter by trade, engaging in con- 
tracting and building. He also owned a small farm 
there. His wife bore the maiden name of Stina 
Larson. She was a native of the same section and 
died when our subject was only seven years old. 
This fondly remembered mother was an earnest and 
consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Of 
the four children born to this couple, three grew 
to manhood and one only left the Motherland to 
come to America. 

This one, our subject, was born near Kalstad, 
February 9, 183 L His education was received in 
the national schools, and when thirteen years of 



age he began working out. He spent four years 
learning the trade of the comb-makers. At this 
trade he worked for several years in Norway where 
he went in 1851 and established himself in Chris- 
tiana, but the business was not flourishing and he 
took up stone-cutting and paving. He quickly 
learned this business and became a contractor, 
doing a good business in paving streets. In 1861 
he went to Bergen and Chrisliansand and engaged 
in the same business, in 1863 located in Drammcn, 
Norway, in the same line of work. He found 
abundant business there for seven years. During 
that time the cit3' suffered a disastrous (are. 

In 1870 times were ver3' dull and the young man 
concluded that he would see if he could not find a 
better opportunity for work in the New World. 
He landed in New York, September 16, of that 
year. He worked for a short time in that city and 
the following spring went to Hartford, Conn., and 
secured work in a brickyard, but he did not remain 
there long, but went to Madison County, N. Y., in 
the employ of a railroad. A little later he emi- 
grated to Illinois and found work of his own kind 
in the stone quarries of Lemont, Cook County, HI. 
He now sent home for his family and upon their 
arrival he came to Michigan where he remained a 
short time at Howell. The same fall he went to 
Lansing where he was employed in building the 
State House until the spring of 1875, when became 
to Montcalm County and located at Colby, being 
engaged in the sawmills. 

Here in Home Township the subject of this 
sketch at last found a permanent home in the new 
country. In 1878 he bought an eighty-acre farm 
where he now resides. The pine trees had just 
been taken from it and he secured it for *5 per 
acre. He has since spent his time in improving 
this property besides doing some work in sawmills 
and at logging and cutting shingles. Sixty-five 
acres of his eighty are now under good cultivation, 
neatly fenced into fields and orchards, and the 
house and barns are first-class. He carries on gen- 
eral farming and stock-raising keeping only good 
grades of stock. His good wife came with him 
across the ocean. She was Karen, daughter of 
Simon Nelson, a farmer in Setwey, three miles from 
Drammen, where he died on Christmas day, 1888. 




^^i^^j^" '//^^cl£c:^^^ ./ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM. 



215 



Mrs. Anderson's mother still resides at the old 
home in Dianinien, having more tlum coiiiploled 
her fonr-score j-ears. 

Our subject and his wife have two children — 
Morten, born in Norway in 1865, w!is seven years 
i)|(l when they came to this conntry. When a lad 
of tliirlcen or fourteen years he began work in a 
sawMiill and became a practical sliingle and lath 
manufacturer. He is now in partnership with his 
father running the farm and is a very bright and 
capable young man, doing great credit to the 
family and relieving his father of much labor 
and responsibility. The daughter, Annette, is a 
graduate of the Edniore High School in the class 
1888. She took a short course in Alma College, 
and is now successfully teaching a country 
school in her home district. The family arc 
earnest and devoted Christians and while finding no 
church of their own denomination — Lutheran — in 
iheir vicinity, enjoy attendance upon the services 
of tlie Congregational Church to which they give 
their cordial support. 



t^ ON. ALBERT WILLIAMS. All who are 

yy familiar witli the history of Michigan for 
' the past forty years will recognize the above 
name as that of one connected therewith, 

as an eraiuent member of the bar, a stirring polit- 
ical worker and the occupant of positions of |)ublic 
trust and responsibility, lie belongs to a family 
many of whose members have gained distinction 
for integrity', energy and ability, and so far as is 
known, not one has fallen below the average in 
brain power and good character, while a number 
have risen above it. 

The original American progenitor of our subject 
w:is William Williams, a native of Wales, who 
crosseil the Atlantic and settled at Stonington, 
Conn. He was a man of adventurous spirit and 
courage, and followed the sea, being a sea cap- 
tain. He and his eldest son perished at sea and 
it was gravely suspected that they were the victims 
of a mutinous crew. The next in the direct line 
was the Hev. Henry Williams, who was born in 



1746, and died November 20, 1811, at Leverett, 
Mass. He was a graduate of Yale College and a 
minister in the Congregational Church, renowned 
in the East for bis piety and talents. 

Dr. Henry Williams, the third in the line in 
America, was born in Leverett, Mass., in 1786, 
received a classical education and entered the pro- 
fession of medicine. He won a high reputation as 
[)hysician and surgeon and was also a popular 
speaker and the writer of good verse. During the 
War of 1812 he was assistant surgeon in a Vermont 
regiment of volunteers. June 14, 1808, he mar- 
ried Judith Corkins and to them were born eight 
children, named respectively: Henry, who died in 
infancy, Avery, Nathan, Eliza, Albert, Henry, 
Sally and George D. Bertrand. Of these Avery 
and our subject are the only ones now living. In 
1827 Dr. Williams removed to New Berlin, Che- 
nango County, N. Y., thence to Norwich, Solon, and 
finally to West Monroe, Oswego County, where he 
died April IG, 1843. 

The subject of tiiis biogrnpliical notice, who was 
tiie fifth in the jiarental family, was born in Hali- 
fax, Windham County, Vt., Feliruary 8, 1817. His 
home W.1S at his father's house while the latter lived, 
aliiiough the greater part of the time after his early 
boyhood was spent awa}- attending school, reading 
law and teaching. Several years were spent by 
him in the academics of Homer, Cortland County-, 
and Mexicoville, Oswego County-, N. Y., and in 
April, 1844, a year after his father's death, he came 
to Michig.an. His first year in this Stale w.is spent 
in the law oflice of the Hon. K. McClelland and 
Judge W. Wing in Monroe, and there he was 
.admitted to the bar April 14, 1845. He at once 
removed to Ionia County, where he continued his 
professional practice, save one year, from May, 
1851, to May. 1852, in which last mentioned year 
he permanently settled in Ionia. 

The first six years passed by Mr. Williams in 
Ionia County were spent in Otisco, and during 
that time he served on the County Board of Super- 
I visors one year. From 1847 to 1851 he was Pros- 
ecuting Attorney, and in the spring of 1853 he 
was also elected Justice of the Peace. During 
1853-54 he was Deputy County Clerk and per- 
formed all the duties of that oflice, and all the rec- 



216 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ords appear in his bandwriling. In 1854 he was 
elected County Treasurer and re-elected two years 
later. In January, 1861, he again entered upon 
the work of Prosecuting Attorney; in .January, 
1863, having been elected, lie assumed the duties 
of the office of Attorney-General of the State and 
was re-elected in 1864, holding the office fonr 
years. In 1869 he was appointed United States 
Court Commissioner, which position he still holds. 

In 1876 Mr. Williams was the candidate of the 
Prohibition party for Gubernatorial honors, but 
notwithstanding his personal worth, the following 
of the party was too small to elect him. He stands 
well as a lawj'er, the general opinion of him being 
that he is an able and safe counselor, and before 
the Supreme Court he has made arguments tliat 
have been highly complimented and add to the esti- 
mation in which he lias been held by the Supreme 
Bench since his first ap[)earance before it. His argu- 
ment in January, 1865, in support of the constitu- 
tionality of the soldiers' voting law has been pro- 
nounced by an eminent jurist one of the clearesti 
ablest and most straightforward that has been made 
in the Supreme Court for many years. 

As Attorney-General, the promptness and energy 
of Mr. Williams prevented the payment out of tlie 
State Treasury of at least one considerable illegal 
claim, connived at by dishonest officials. To him 
also is due the prevention of the revival of the old 
"wild-cat" Pontiac Bank, and the River Raisin and 
Lake Erie Railroad Company Bank, each of which 
had $300,000 or more of worthless bills, ready to 
tlood the Northwest. The citizens were saved the 
loss of thousands of dollars, whereby they would 
have been victimized had the banks been re-estab- 
lished. His action in this instance alone is suffi- 
cient to fully establish the integrity and faithful- 
ness of Mr. Williams as Attorney-General. 

Although always a strong anti-slavery man, Mr. 
Williams acted with the Democratic party until 
1854. He had been a firm opposer of the Com- 
promise measure of 1850, and fouryears later left 
the ranks entirely and joined the new organization 
— the Republican ])arty. He was the only man 
from Ionia County who attended the mass meeting 
'•under the oaks" at Jackson July C, 1854, when 
thp Republican party was organized in the State. 



He was a member of the Committee on Resolutions 
and of the coramittee which presented to the con- 
vention a ticket that became the lirst Republican 
State ticket and that was elected in the fall of the 
same year. The older citizens will remember his 
services to his party during its infancy, when he 
took the stump in its behalf. The first elaborate 
Republican address printed and circulated in the 
Slate was written by him, and was so clear in its 
exposition of the pi'inciples of the party that it was 
largely used as a text document. 

In 1870 Mr. Williams became identified with the 
National Prohibition party, transferring his alle- 
giance because he believed that the days of useful- 
ness of the old party had ceased. In his espousal 
of the cause of prohibition he put forth the energy 
that had been characteristic of him when working 
for Republican issues, and although he has not 
always won the race when put before the public as a 
|)rohibition candidate, he has on each occasion 
|)olled flattering votes. It is said that he has done 
as much for the parties with which he has affiliated 
by his writings and public addresses as an}' other 
gentleman in this portion of the State, and one who 
wishes to arrive at a clear understanding of the 
ideas and principles underlying the great parties 
of which he has been a member, would do well to 
carefully read some of his addresses and writings. 

Mr. Williams was married to Miss Eliza A. Pat- 
terson, daughter of Capt. James Patterson, in West 
Monroe, N. Y., January 6, 1844. Mrs. Williams 
was a lady of brilliant intellect, varied and solid 
attainments and fine social qualities. She was also 
an earnest and active Christian and temperance 
worker. In every organization of the ladies of 
Ionia, whether for the promotion of charitable, 
literary or religious enterprises, she was one of the 
foremost and reliable members. Her earthlj- activ- 
ity ceased July 24, 1879, but the influence left by 
her earnest life still lingers. Mr. and Mrs. Williams 
had four children, two of whom died in early 
infancy and a third — Faiuiie — in her twenty-first 
j'ear. Mrs. Ellen W. Babcock, the sole survivor, is 
the wife of Burton Babcock of Easton, Ionia 
County, and they have two daughters — Frances, 
born in 1875, and Lucy in 1878. 

Many poetical contributions from the pen of Mr, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



217 



Williams are treasured in the memory of iiis friends, 
and lie owes it to the public to slather bis verses 
and put them In permanent form. Mr. Williams 
is a generous-hearted, exemplary man, whose legal 
opinion has weight and who as a public ollicer was 
guilty of no oppressive or dishonorable .ict. lie 
is unusually vigorous for one of his years and is 
therefore himself a living argument of teniperanco 
and of all that temperance means. 

A lithographic [)ortr«it of Mr. Williams appears 
in connection with this personal sketch. 



E^^^ 



JAMES TOTTEN, M. D., a |)hysician of 
talent and ability, located at Howard City 
Montcalm County, in 1887 and has in a few 
short years risen to prominence among her 
citizens. His practice is conducted according to 
the principles of the Homa'palhic School, with 
which his judgment concurs, and his work has been 
successful, proving the judiciousness of his diag- 
noses and treatments. 

Dr. Tolten is a Canadian by birth and is a son of 
Thomas and Sarah (Sproat) Totten, who were born 
in Ireland and emigrated from the Emerald Isle to 
Can.ida in 1840. Thom.as Totten was a farmer, but 
during the latter part of his life he devoted his 
talents to ministerial work in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. He died August 22, 1885. His 
widow still survives. To them there were born 
thirteen children : of these James is the eldest; Mary, 
wife of .John Bond, lives in Manitoba; Thomas, in 
Kent County, this Stale; Henry and William, in 
Chic.igo; Alfred, in Newaygo County; (leorgo, 
with his mother; and Margaret, wife of Frank 
Lewis, in Canada. 

The natal day of Dr. Totten was April 5, 1811, 
and bis early years were spent in conning his lessons 
in the common school and working on his father's 
farm. He came to this State in 1864 and March 
23 was enrolled in Com[)any A, Twenty-Second 
iMichigan Infantry, thus taking up arms for the 
Government under which he expected to live, very 
soon after lie became a resident in its territory-. He 
served until September 6, 18C5, when he was dis- 



charged at MurfreesborcTenn., with the creditable 
record in which all soldiers take delight. 

Immediately' after coming out of the service 
young Totten took up the study of medicine with 
J>r. Hayes, of Cedar Springs, Kent County, and 
reail with that gentleman about three years. He 
then attended the Ilomnjpathic College in Detroit 
and afterward [ir.icticed with his former tutor two 
years, then took up the work alone. In 1880 he 
took a course of lectures in Hahnemann Medical 
College, Chicago, from which he was graduated in 
March, 1881. He practiced at Pierson, Montcalm 
County, until his removal to Howard City. 

The home of Dr. Totten is presided over by a 
genial and intelligent lady who became his wife 
March 17, 1874. She bore the maiden name of 
Addie Welch and is a daughter of James Welch, a 
lawyer in Carey, Ohio. Doctor and Mrs. Totten 
have two sons — Ralph E. and Frank J. 

During his residence in Pierson Dr. Totten was 
a member of the Common Council eight years, 
President of the Village four years and Township 
Treasurer one year. He is now Village Clerk of 
Howard City and is a health oflicer. He was County 
Physician in 1890 and has been connected with the 
Board of Health for a number of years. He holds 
a commission as Notary Public. Politically, he is 
a Democrat, and socially a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic. 



EROY A. SCOVILLE, the Postmaster at 
^ Clarksville, Ionia County, is one of the 
/ALia^ most prominent men of that village and of 
Campbell Township. He was born in Montgomery 
Townshii), Marion County, Ohio, March 20, 1843, 
and is a son of Ashel A. and Mary (Lancaster) 
Scoville. The father was a native of Connecticut 
and of Scotch descent. The mother was of the 
same blood and born in Lancaster County, Pa. Fn 
1855 this worthy couple emigrated to Michigan and 
located on the farm wheie our subject now resides. 
The father died in March, 18G1, and his good wife 
had preceded him to the other world in November 
of the previous year. Of their four children two 



218 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



only remain, namely: Lcroy A., and Susannah 
Jane (Mrs. Cliailes Clark,) who resides in Califor- 
nia. 

Leroy A. Scoville was but twelve years of age 
when he came with his parents to Michigan. He 
was busy in the district school and on the farm until 
the death of liis father, when he took charge of the 
farm although he was only eigliteen years of age. 
lie did not remain long at liome, but soon went 
to Missouri where he worked in a blacksmith shop. 
The civil war had now broken out, and in Feb- 
ruary, 1862, the boy enlisted in Company F, First 
Missouri Cavalry, and vras soon called to endure 
hardships as a good soldier. He participated in 
the battles of Jefferson City, Mine Creek, Lexing- 
ton and took part in the Poindexter Raid. He also 
fought in the battle at Brunswick, Mo., which took 
place in a large blackberry patch. He met Quan- 
trell's band when they were on their raids. He 
was wounded at the battle of Mine Creek, and 
served his full three years and received his honor- 
able discharge at St. Louis, Mo., February 18, 
18G5. 

After his discharge our subject returned to Ionia 
County, Mich., and settled upon the old home farm, 
which he worked until 1870 when he decided to 
rent his farm and remove to California. He set- 
tled at Woodland, Cal., and engaged in farming 
until 1874, when he returned to Ionia County and 
made his home upon the old farm where he has 
ever since resided. He has now two hundred and 
fifty acres of land, having added largely to the 
oricrinal eighty acres, wliicli his father located. The 
farm is all in a good state of cultivation and has on 
it excellent grades of stock of all kinds. He keeps 
Lincolnsliire sheep, and is also breeding Percheron 
and Ilambletouian horses. He deals largely in 
buying and shi])ping stock and handles agricultu- 
ral implements and buggies and also lumber and 
hardware. 

Mr. Scoville's success in life is entirely due to his 
own exertions. He has been a hard worker and is 
now as always a public-spirited man, supporting 
public enterprises to the best of his ability. He 
owns four store buildings in Clarksville. He is a 
Republican in politics and is a member of the 
Republican County Committee, also the town- 



ship Committee. He was appointed Postmaster 
in 1889. He has been Justice of the Peace for 
twelve years and was Township Treasurer three 
terms. He has been a member of the Masonic 
Lodge for twenty-five years, and a member of the 
Grange for three years. His marriage withMai-tha J. 
Hogle February 10, 1868, has been blessed by the 
birth of five sons: James L., is assistant in the 
Post-office; Eugene, Claude, Glenn H. and Fred. 
Mr. and Mrs. Scoville are well-known in the 
county and are held in the highest esteem by all. 



YLVESTER K. WELCH. The late Syl- 
vester K. Welch was well-known in Ionia 
Count}', in whose prosperity he was a potent 
factor for many years. He was for some 
time interested in the mill at Portland, but his 
later years were spent upon a farm and he is per- 
haps as well known as an agriculturist as a miller. 
He left an estate of three hundred acres, upon 
which is one of the finest residences in Portland 
Township. The structure was built in 1871-72 
and contains many mod«rn conveniences, such as 
heating by furnace, etc. The fine property is now 
held by two sons — Aimer and Ira, who have bought 
the interest of the other heirs, and who with other 
members of the parental family reside upon it. It 
will doubtless be many years before it passes beyond 
the Welch family. 

Mr. Welch was born in Pawlet, Rutland County, 
Vt., May 3, 1821. His parents were Aimer and 
Buelah (Kent) AVeleh and hisearl^' home was on a 
farm. In 1843 he came to Portland, this State, 
with his uncle Ira Webster, with whom he remained 
until 1851 when he established a home of his own, 
being married February 8 to Miss Sarah L. Hamlin. 
For a number of years of his marriage he was con- 
nected with Mr. Newman in the milling business at 
Portland, but as the occujiaMon did not agree with 
Ids health, lie abandoned it and took up farming. 
He had bought one hundred and sixty acres in 
1849, and upon this he locatc><l, afterward adding to 
it until it became the large estate before noted. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



219 



Tbe wife of our subject was oue of tlie family 
of John and Phebe Hamlin of Portland, and was 
a lad}' of much intelligence who, jjrior to her mar- 
riage, was engaged in teaching. Husband and wife 
took much interest in the intellectual advancement 
of their children and taught them at home (luring 
the evening hours. The famil}- consists of five 
sons and daughters, named respectively. Aimer, 
Albina, Antoinette, Ira and Marion. All remain 
on the homestead except Albina, who is the wife 
of .lohn M. Gibbs, a farmer in the same township. 

He of whom this brief notice is commemorative, 
died March 8, 1880, and his wife survived until 
March 25, 1888. For many years Mr. Welch was 
Township .Supervisor and for a long period he 
served as School Director. To his efforts is largely 
due the fact that the district school was kej)! up to 
a high grade of work and became one of the best 
in the county. He left to his family what is better 
than their worldly inheritance — a name and mem- 
ory in which they can rejoice. 



^mi 



||/ UCH^S E. SUOWERMAN. This gentle- 
I Ij^ man has passed through all the experiences 
J lk^, of pioneer life, and well deserves a share in 
the credit due to the old settlers of Ionia County. 
He was brought here when a lad ten years oM, at 
which time there were but three families living in 
Sebewa Township, those of Charles W. Tngalls, 
John Tcrrill and John Brown. At that time .Se- 
bewa and Portland Townships were one, and when 
the former was set off the first election was held in 
the home of his father. It is not neccssarj' to en- 
large upon his youthful experiences, and they were 
such as are common to the families of all pioneers, 
and have become an "oft-told tale." Mr. Shower- 
man has been successful in his worldly affairs, and 
owns a fine property, his residence being on section 
23, of the townshi[) in which be has lived since boy- 
hootl. 

The Showerman family originated in Holland, 
and was established in America by the great-grand- 
father of our subject, who lived to the venerable 
age of ninety -six years. Jacob Showerman, father 



of Lucius E., was born in Genesee County, N. Y., 
June 14, 1804, and was one in a family of twelve 
children. They used the ancestral tongue until 
they were grown, and even in later years made 
much use of that form of speech. Jacob Shower- 
man was married in his native county, November 
28, 182G, to Desire Tinkham, who was born in 
Schoharie County, February 1, 1805, and was of 
English lineage. Her father v/aa an hotel-keeper. 
Mr. Showerman gave his attention exclusively to 
agriculture. In 1836 he camo to this Slate, selected 
a tract of land and paid the Government |il. 25 per 
.icre therefor. He returned to his home and con- 
tinued his labors there until late in the summer of 
1839, when he started to his new possession with 
his famil}', consisting of a wife and six children. 
From that time until his decease, he occupied a 
farm on section 22, Sebewa Township, Ionia County. 
He crossed the lake to Detroit, a trip that was very 
expensive in those days, though he brought only 
his household goods. Between the port and his 
destination be bought two yoke of oxen and two 
cows. 

In making his way to his new home, Mr. Show- 
erman traveled through by-roads that were some- 
times scarcely passable, and tbe last two miles was 
cut expressly for the trip. Tbe few cabins in this 
section were of the pioneer type, and it was four 
years ere there w.is a school in the neighborhood, 
although the Showerman children studied under 
the guidance of their aunt, Mrs. Melissa Brown, at 
her home in companj* with her family. Mr. Show- 
erman cleared his farm of underbrush and dragged 
logs off the ground, then sowed his seed, after which 
ho felled the timber. The crops raised in this way 
from tbe green were remarkably large, though of 
course in the windrows there was nothing. The 
wheat ground was prepared in the same way. As 
an instance of the success of the experiment, we 
may state that five hundred bushels of turnips were 
raised from one acre. The first year wheat w.as 
omitted from their sowing, but the next year it was 
raised in abundance, and they garnered about fif- 
teen bushels to the acre among the logs. I'>w men 
with the same opportunities, and no greater ad- 
vantages fared as well as Mr. Showerman. 

Tbe family of Jacob .Slinwoirnan consisted of 



220 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



eight children, four of whom grew to manhood and 
womanhood. These are Lucius E., the subject of 
this biographical sketch; Eugenia E., wife of Will- 
iam Benschoter, and living in Nebraska; Deborah 
J., now deceased, and formerly the wife of Benja- 
min Probaseo; and Orlando V., who is represented 
elsewhere in this Album. The father entered into 
rest August 15, 1875, leaving to his children the 
heritage of a good name. The mother died August 
15, 1858. 

Our subject was born in Genesee County, N. Y., 
February 4, 1829, and had only fairly begun his 
preparation for life's work when brought to the 
western wilds. His education was necessarily lim- 
ited, but by means already mentioned and atten- 
dance in the district school when it was possible, 
he gained the rudiments of knowledge. He has 
never allowed his faculties to lie dormant, but by 
the use of the learning he had he has improved so 
that he has been well qualified to transact business, 
and has done much, both public and private. He 
has, however, always felt the need of a belter edu- 
cation, and has been careful to bestow upon his 
children greater privileges than were possible to 
himself. 

For a birthday present when he became of age 
Mr. Sliowennan received from his father the deed 
to forty acres of land on which he still lives. He 
afterward bought a forty of his sister, and later 
purchased his father's eight}'. In 1885 he bought 
forty acres more, located a mile south in section 27. 
One hundred and fort}'-five acres of the property 
is well cleared, and on the home farm sixty acres 
was reclaimed from the forest by his personal efforts. 
Mr. Showerman has put up all the buildings on the 
land, and has a complete set, substantially built, and 
ample to accommodate stock and crops. He occu- 
pies the front rank among the farmers of this sec- 
lion of country, being equal to any in every par- 
ticular, and in advance of the most in many ways. 
He has always kept good grades of stock, giving 
his preference to sheei)-raising above all other stock 
work. 

On New Year's Day, 1857, Mr. Showerman was 
married to Miss Matilda Steers, who shared his for- 
tunes until June 28, 18G5, when she closed her eyes 
in death. She had borne three children, but all died 



in infancy. Mr. Showerman was again married 
September 26, 18G6, his bride on this occasion be- 
ing Miss Louise (5ranl)j% daughter of Chancy S. and 
Dolly (Sommers) Granby. Mr. and Mrs. Granby 
began their wedded life in Genesee County, N. Y , 
but came to Michigan about 1837, and settled on 
section 22, Portland Township, Ionia County. 
There their daughter Louise was born January 19, 
1849, and there the father <lied five years after lo- 
cating. The mother died at the home of her daugh- 
ter August 15, 1878. Of the five children compris- 
ing the Granby family, but two are now living. 
John and Louise. The present wife of our subject 
has borne him three children, whose record is as 
follows: Frank J., born August 9,1867: Ezzle M., 
Junes, 1874; Hugh D., September 24, 1881. Ezzie 
has been attending school in Portland. All show 
musical talent, and make their home pleasant to 
friends and strangers by their use of the organ and 
other instruments. The daughter plays the organ 
and the sons accompany her upon the harp, or re- 
lieve her on the organ. 

When but twenty-two years old, Mr. Sbowerinan 
was elected Township Treasurer, and for seven 
years he held the position. He was Supervisor six 
terms, and for four years he was Postmaster at Se- 
bewa, being the second appointed to the position. 
He has been quite active in political matters, fre- 
quently serving as a delegate, and it is well-known 
to all his acquaintances that he is a supporter of 
Democratic policy. He and his wife are on good 
terms with all about them, manifesting the hospit- 
able and cordial spirit which ensures friendshii). 



i^ ETER VAN VLECK, a prosperous farmer 
of Ionia County, resides on section 2, 
Ronald Township. He was born in Del- 
aware County, N. Y., near Middleton, 
October 22, 1824. His father, Mathew Van Vleck, 
was born in Ulster County, N. Y., May 18, 1794. His 
parents, John and Sarah Van Vleck, wore natives of 
the same State. Upon the death of his father the 
care of the family devolved upon the widowed 
mother. October 10, 1816, when Mathew had 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



S21 



arrived at the age of twenty-two 3'ear8, he married 
Miss Deborah North, who was born in Ulster 
County, N. Y., January IT), 1797, and soon after- 
ward the couple settled in that county. A few 
years later they removed to Delaware, and in 1838 
the}' came to Michigan .ind settled on three hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land in Ionia (now 
Roland) Township, Ionia County, which had been 
purchased in 1837. The journey occupied four- 
teen days' time from Detroit, os-tearas being em- 
ployed and roads having to bo cut in places. At 
that time there were but two families in the town- 
ship. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Van Vleck were born five chil- 
dren, as follows: John, February 26, 1818; Cath- 
erine, November 10, 1819; Sar.ah, April 22, 1822; 
Peter, October 22, 1824; Albert, October 1, 182G. 
Mr. Van A'leck lived to .see the wilderness in which 
he had settled changed to fine, fruitful farms, and 
his children settled all around and within sight of 
him. The first death in the family was that of Mr. 
Van Vleck, which occurred April 2t, 1880, and in 
July of the same year the death of the eldest son, 
John, occurreil. Mr. Van Vleck made farming a 
business until 18;>4, when he retired from active 
labor an<l turned the care of tlie farm over to hit 
youngest son, Albert. He remained upon the old 
homestead until his death, his only removal during 
his life in Michigan being "out of the old house 
into the new," — from the log cabin to the more 
tasty frame dwelling. Ilis widow still resides on 
the old pl.ace. Mr. Van Vleck voted for Andrew 
Jackson for President, and was subsequently a 
Whig anil a Republican. I'or a number of years 
lie held the i)osition of Supervisor in his township, 
and was also the recipient of numerous smaller 
otlicial favors. Both ho and his wife were mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church, and in church affairs 
he always took much interest. He was greatly 
res[>octed for his manly fharacter and his generous 
qualities of heart, especially by those in inferior 
circumstances who partook of his bounty. His 
early educational advantages were those of the 
common schools of the time, and were somewhat 
limited. His memory and all his mental faculties 
were retained until the last, which, considering his 
age (eighty-six years), was a matter of wonder to 



many. His life had been an even one, and he 
passed away quietly as he had lived. His father 
was both a farmer and a tanner. 

The subject of this sketch obtained his first and 
onl}' schooling in New York State. He wsis thir- 
teen j'ears old when he came with his parents to 
Michigan, and from that time until he reached his 
majority he freely gave his help in working the 
home farm. In 1845 he purchased the place where 
he now resides, and worked the farm four years 
before his marriage. That happy event took place 
December 13, 1849. His bride was Mirah A. Red- 
ington, who was born near Amherst, Ohio, April 
22, 1832. When twelve years old she accompan- 
led her parents, Nathaniel and Caroline (Salmon) 
Redington, to Michigan. They were natives of 
M.issaehusetts and spent the last days of their life 
in Michigan. Mr. Van Vleck was bereaved of her 
father January 20, 1854, but her mother lived 
until .September 12, 1888, when she departed at the 
ripe old ago of eighty-two years. 

The subject of this sketch took his young wife 
homo, to the place where he now resides, to a new 
house which he had just built. They have been 
blessed with three children: Mary, born Decem- 
ber 17, 1851, now deceased; Rector, born Feb- 
ruary 8, 1853; and Cassius M., September 5, 18C0. 
Rector married Betsey Swarthoui; they reside in 
Ronald Township, and have three sons — Earl, 
Lavern and Leo. Cassius was married to Nellie 
Baker, who did not live long. His second wife 
bore the maiden name of Anna Huggins. The 
third wife was Julia Do<lson, and the present Mrs. 
C. M. Van Vleck was in her girlhood known as 
Eslella Dodson. 

Mr. Van Vleck is the possessor of four hundred 
and forty acres of land in Ronald Township, and 
eighty acres in Montcalm Count}'. He is still 
actively eng.aged in the farm work and carries on 
the business himself. He has given each of his 
sons eighty acres and has built houses and barns on 
their [)laces for them. He has been longer in this 
township than any other man, and is consi<lered 
the patriarch here. Here he has reared his famil}", 
and since his first coming here he has never been 
out of the township for more than four weeks at a 
time. His present residence was erected in 1869, 



222 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



at a cost of 12,500. He is a Republican in politics 
and active in all public matters. He was a famous 
huntsman in tiie early days, and once killed a bear 
within a mile of his house. Wild turke3's and other 
game were plentiful. His eldest brother, John, was 
a Baptist minister, and was for many years pastor 
of the Palo Church, which he was instrumental in 
organizing. Mrs. Van Vieck is a member of the 
Baptist Church of Palo. 



ii,ETER 1). SNEATHEN is one of the old 
settlers of Ionia County who, through 
trials and discouragements, has perse- 
vered until he has made himself a home 
and a reputation in his community. He is a gen- 
eral farmer and stock-raiser, and resides on section 
19, Boston Township. He was born in Onondaga 
County, N. Y., March 20, 1821, and is a son of 
John I. and Mary (Dumas) Sneatlien, both natives 
of New York State, the father being of Holland 
descent and the mother of French blood. The 
father was by trade a cooper, which business he fol- 
lowed in the earlier part of his life. Later he 
entered upon farming in Onondaga County, N. Y., 
until his death, which occurred in 1860, at the 
very advanced age of ninety-one years. The 
mother survived him until 1872. They were both 
highly respected and useful members of the Chris- 
tian Ciuirch. Of their six children, four are liv- 
ing, namely: Peter D., our subject, who was reared 
in New York on a farm, receiving a common- 
school education; Susannah, Caroline and Mary. 
Peter continued residing with his i)arents on the 
farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when 
he concluded to try his fortune in the West, so 
in 1843 he came to Michigan. 

Our subject first located in Jackson County, 
this State, where he arrived in time to take part 
in harvesting, which was then going on. After 
this he worked through the winter at $20 per 
month, and in the following January he came to 
Ionia County and purchased eighty acres of land 
in Keene Township. He then returned to Jackson 
County and worked out by the month in order to 



cam the money to complete the payment of his 
land. He worked in the pineries for four or 
five years. While there he entered into an arrange- 
ment with some other men which he hoped would 
result in a successful purchase of land. He arranged 
to purchase a quarter interest in about six hundred 
acres of pine land, also a sawmill which was situ- 
ated upon that land. He expected to pay his share 
from the lumber which he could cut from the 
land. He drew up the pa[)ers for this contract 
himself, and supposed that they were all right, but 
owing to the dishonesty of one of the men he was 
cheated out of his share of the lumber and suf- 
fered a serious set-back in making a start in life. 
While in the pineries he traded the land he had pur- 
chased in Keene Township for other land in Boston 
Township. This he afterward traded for one hun- 
dred and sixty acres in Campbell Township. He has 
traded farms several times since his residence in 
the county. In 1 853 he purchased eighty acres of 
land and afterward .added twenty acres to it, 
where he now resides. Only four acres of this had 
been broken before he took it. On December 28, 
1853, he was married to Sarepta A. Train, after 
which he moved into a log house on his place and 
commenced the work of improvement. 

Shortly after his marriage he left his farm to 
work on the railroad which was then being built. 
He worked two teams and built a shanty near the 
work. His good wife, anxious to help along in 
getting a start in life, left her own home and came 
hero to board the men who were working on the 
road. She cooked for thirty men for three months. 
At the expiration of that time the contractor went 
away without making any settlement with Mr. 
Sneathen and he was never able to collect the 
money which was due them. They thus lost the 
board money of these men for all this time, which 
crippled them very much. They went back to the 
farm and went to hard work, and after awhile were 
able to pay for the groceries which the}' had 
bought for their boarders. He has continued to 
reside on his farm ever since, and by hard work 
and economy he has paid for his home and got it 
into a good state of cultivation. Some years ago 
he added forty acres more to his land. This he 
has given to his son. In 1870 he erected a large 





7X-^yi-^<r7^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



223 



and commodious two-story brick dwelling, and he 
has on his farm good outbuildings for the accom- 
madation of his fine stock, of which he carries good 
grades of all kinds. AVhen Mr. Sneathen came lo 
this county it contained but two stores and one 
grist-raill. Saranac contained one log house and 
a board shanty. The whole countj' has been 
cleared and im|)roved, and he has seen it, 3'ear by 
yea/, growing in population, wealth and prosperity. 
Populous cities now stand on what was once the 
home of wild animals and Indians. Mr. Sneathen 
started in life empty-handetl anil with no help 
from others. lie has succeeded in building up a 
good property and is so comfortably situated as to 
be able to retire from active service. He is by 
political principles a Republican. 

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Sneathen, five of whom are living, namely : Fred 
B., a farmer in Charlevoix County, Mich.; Frank 
L., in the same county; Hatlie, wife of Truman 
Parson, resides in Boston Township; Mark D. re- 
sides at home and works the farm. The youngest 
daughter, Luella, also resides at home. Mr. and 
Mrs. Sneathen are members of the Baptist Church. 
He alwaj's takes an interest in school matters and 
hfts I)een a member of the School Board. 



-^ 



UDGE VERNON H. SMITH. This honored 
son of Michigan has been a resident of Ionia 
since 1858. He was born in the Province 
of Ontario, Canada, December 29, 1838, and 
is one of eleven sons and daughters comprising the 
family of Ansel and Pliebe (Cross) Smith. His 
parents, who were natives of New York, emigrated 
to Ionia County during the year 18(J0 and located 
in Orleans Township, the father bei.ig a farmer. 
He died there in 1873 and was survived b^' liis 
widow five years. 

The subject of this biographical notice was edu- 
cated in the public schools and in 18G0 entered the 
office of Registrar of Deeds in Ionia as Deputy. 
He proved .so crticient in his discharge of his duties 
that he was elected Registrar for two terms. At 
the conclusion of that period of oHicial life lie 



began the study of law under the tutelage of Hon. 
Lemuel Clute and in 1872 was admitted to the bar. 
A partnership under the style of Clute it Smith 
was formed and was in force until 1875, when Mr. 
Smith became Circuit Court Commissioner and had 
charge of the Count3^ Clerk's office .as Deputy. In 
1877 the firm of Smith & Sessions w.as established, 
which was dissolved by the election of the senior 
partner to the judgeship in 18S1. 

The opposing candidates for the position of Cir- 
cuit Judge were Mr. Smith and Judge Lovell; the 
latter had been filling the position for nearly a 
quarter of a century.. The career of Judge Smith 
on the bench was so successful that in 1887 he was 
re-elected in a strongly Republican circuit, al- 
though himself an outspoken Democrat. His cir- 
cuit now comprises the counties of Ionia and 
Montcalm. He has presiiled during some of the 
most noted criminal trials ever held in this State, 
notably the Hall and Millard murder trials. In 
his official capacity he is incorrui)tible; no bribe or 
weight of influence being sufficient to cause him to 
swerve from a decision founded upon his knowl- 
edge of legal principles and the verities of justice. 
Judge Smith is regarded as one of the best circuit 
judges in the State, and manages his official dutifs 
with the same s.agacity that characterizes his con- 
duct of private business. 

The residence of Judge Smith is an elegant one, 
built in 1877 on a plot of two acres, and the 
grounds tastefully laid out and adorned. Here he 
enjoys life, giving much time to reading, as he is 
a man of fine literary tastes and high mental cul- 
ture. The lady who presides with gr.ace and dig- 
nity over the affairs of the household was known 
in her maidenhood as Miss Rachel AVorthington 
and became Mrs. Smith .January C, 18t)!). The 
children born of the happy union are Hal H., 
Arthur, Lawrence and Jessie. The present Mrs. 
Smith is the second wife of our subject, he having 
been married January 10, 1866, to Miss Lizzie 
Wright, who lived but a year. 

The private character of .Judge Smith is spotless 
and adds weight to his influence. He [wssesses 
fine social qualities and his home is frequently vis- 
ited 1)^ the frien<ls of himself and wife, who are 
numbered among the most cultured people of the 



226 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



State. While in practice tlie Judge was an earnest 
and eloquent advocate, and was often called upon 
by his party during political campaigns, for he 
was recognized as one of tlie ablest political speak- 
ers in the county and made many effective 
speeches. He is a typical self-made man, who by 
the quiet force of persistent effort and the strengtii 
of an indomitable will, directed by business tact of 
a high order and sound discretion, has accumulated 
a handsome property and has gained the respect of 
all with whom he has been associated. His por- 
trait appears in connection with this biographical 
sketch and will be considered by his many friends 
a valuable addition to tliis volume. 



LARK A. PRESTON. It has been several 
decades since this gentleman became a resi- 
dent of Ionia County and quite a number 
of years since he took up his abode in the count}-- 
seat. Here he still makes his home, although for 
some time past his principal business enterprise has 
been conducted in Dakota, wliere he and a son 
have nine hundred acres of improved farming land, 
which they operate. Their agricultural and stock- 
raising interests are extensive and require the 
exercise of rare good judgment and persistent in- 
dustry. 

The parents of our subject were Amiirose and 
Orilla (Harris) Preston, natives of Vermont, in 
which State the Prestous had lived several genera- 
tions. The father was a soldier in the War of 
1812 and fought at Sackett's Harbor. His occu- 
pation was that of a brickmason. He died in 1835, 
and in 1844 the widow with her 3'ounger children 
came to Ionia County, Mich., where her son Ben- 
jamin H. had located a year previously. Our sub- 
ject was born in Buffalo, N. Y., May 11, 1833, and 
was scarcely more than an infant when his father 
died. He was as well schooled .as possible, both in 
the East and in Ionia County, to which he accom- 
panied his mother. When but sixteen years old 
he began teaching in Kiddville and he then clerked 
four years for James M. Kidd. 

In 1851 young Preston went to Missouri, where 



he spent two years in professional work, teaching 
at Union, Richmond and Independence, respect- 
ively. Returning to this State he again accepted 
a clerkship with Mr. Kidd, in whose employ he 
remained eighteen months. His next move was to 
engage in the manufacture of saleratus at Saranac 
— a laborious process, as it was made from ashes 
by a method long since abandoned. During that 
time he was connected with Wesley Young in the 
dry-goods business, the firm being known as Pres- 
ton & Young. The business was carried on by Mr. 
Preston two j'cars, and the ensuing six months 
were devoted to teaching in the village of Lyons. 
In 1858 he was elected County Clerk and held the 
position four years, during which period he enlisted 
in Company I, Seventh Kansas Cavalr}', the date 
of his enrollment being January, 1862. 

Mr. Preston went out under command of John 
Brown, Jr., son of John Brown of Harper's Ferry 
fame, but after four months of army life was dis- 
abled by rheumatism and obliged to return home. 
During the year 1863 he was appointed Count}' 
Treasurer to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
death of George Elsworth, and the next 3'ear was 
elected to the office. In 1866 he entered upon a 
mercantile career in Ionia, which he continued until 
1879, when he changed his occupation to that of 
lumbering. The mercantile firm was first known 
as Stephenson, Preston & Co., later as Preston, 
Benton & Brooks and afterward as Preston & 
Merriara. He carried on lumbering until 1882, 
his home during two years of that period being on a 
farm in Sebewa Township. He next gave his 
attention to a Dakota ranch and has not ceased his 
labors in the new State, although retaining his resi- 
dence in Ionia and spending the winters princi- 
pally here. 

The lad}' who became the wife of Mr. Preston 
on New Year's Day, 1855, bore the maiden name 
of Sarah A. Cunningham. Her father, Joseph 
Cunningham, was a New England man who lived 
in Ogle County, III., for many. years. Her mother 
died when she was quite small and she was taken 
into the family of her father's cousin, John De 
Lany. That gentleman is numbered among the 
first settlers of Ionia, to which he came in 1836 
from the Mohawk Valle}'. Father DeLany is still 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



227 



living, making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Pres- 
ton. He W!is born September 20, 1793, .ind is 
therefore in his ninetj'-second year. Mr. and Mrs. 
Preston are the parents of seven children: Aubrey, 
who (lied in inf.ancy; Minnie, wlio died in cliihl- 
liood ; Hassle, a teacher; Thad 15., manager of the 
Michigan Overall Company; Thcdc, who died Au- 
gust 3, 1885, at the age of twenty-two years; Bert, 
who died in infancy; and Nina, a teacher in tiie 
public scliools. 

The political alliliation of Mr. Preston is with 
the Republican party, although he has free tr.ide 
proclivities. He is a member of the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen and the Grand Army 
of the Republic. In 1859 he united with the 
Church of Christ, he and his wife becoming charter 
members of the organization in Ionia and he has 
ever taken an active interest in its workings. 
He is a well-respected citizen, and his wife and 
children likewise have good standing in society 
and number their friends by the score. 



, ICHARD WALLINGTOX, although in ad- 
vanced years is still an active member of 
^\\\ society and Is much beloved and venerated 
as one of the pioneers of loni.i County. 
"Uncle Richard," as he Is called by his neighbors, 
resides on section 5, Keene Township. He is a na- 
tive of MoniEouthshiro, England, where he was 
born .September 8, 1819. His parents, John and 
Sophia (Pick) Wallingtou, emigrated to America 
in 18.31, taking passage at Bristol on a sailing 
vessel called the "Ontario." After an ocean voj'- 
ngeof eight weeks they landed in Montreal, Canada. 
At the end of a year's residence in Canada both 
parents died there. Three of their children now 
survive — Richard, James and Edwin. 

Young Richard was reared upon the farm an<l 
trained In the practical work of agriculture. When 
fifteen years old he began working by the month 
and worked in this wa}- for several years, the most 
of the time on farms. Ills education had been re- 
ceived in England In what are known there as pay 
schools, corresponding to our private schools. 



Mr. Walllngton chose as his partner for life 
Catherine, daughter of John G. and Catherine 
Meyers. Their marriage took place in Canada, 
in October, 184G. By this union there were born 
three children — John, Lafayette and Charles E. In 
the fall of 1817 our subject emigrated with his 
wife to Ionia County, Mich., and made his new 
iiome on section .16, Keene Township, where he re- 
sided for many years. He bought there about 
eighty acres of land iu company with an uncle of 
his wife, .lames W. Meyers, who now resides in Pe- 
toskey, Mich. The farm had a few .acres partla'ly 
cleared when he settled on it but its condition called 
for a vast amount of pioneer labor. 

Our subject has served as Justice of the Peace 
and has also held school offices in his district. He 
has steadfastly labored for the upbuilding of the 
township in every worthy waj'. He is Republican 
in politics and has been ever fully alive to the prog- 
ress of his party in the county. His success in 
life is largely due to the earnest and wise co-oper- 
ation of his devoted wife. She was called from 
earth July 20, 1883, and left behind her a void 
which can never be filled. Her loss is mourned 
not only bj- her husband and children but by her 
friends and the whole community. 

Lafayette Walllngton married Martha Meyers 
and by this union there were born three children, 
KInley, Charley and Maud. He as well .is his father 
is a Republican in politics. John Walllngton, an- 
other son married Clarissa Beattle. They have 
three living children — James, Richard and Waller. 
This son es|)ouses the princi()les of the Democratic 
party. The third son, Charles E. married Carrie 
E. Rose. He like his father and older brothers, 
adhered to the platform of the Re|)ublican party. 

Our subject Richard Walllngton, is a representa- 
tive pioneer of Keene Township, and now in his 
ripe old age Is enjoying the fruits of a life spent in 
doing good and in following out the principles of 
industry and frugality. He is universally beloved 
in the community where he lives and all wish for 
him a long life and comfort in old age. He has 
been an eye witness of the gradual growth of the 
township from a wild land to a prosperous com- 
munity and can recall many an interesting and 
stirring incident of pioneer (hiys. It is with pleas- 



228 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ure that we represent Mr. Wallington as one of the 
noble men now rapidly passing away, who in their 
prime converted what wag a wilderness into fine 
farming lands and comfortable homes. Long after 
his form will be seen no more will his memory be 
green in the hearts of those who love and honor 
him. He is an example of tiiat honesty, industry 
and integrity which have made the people of this 
land and the people of his mother countr3- the fore- 
most people of modern history. May "Uncle 
Richard" live to see the return of many summers. 



lODFRKT II. HUTCIIINS has been doing 
good work among the citizens of Ionia 
County for more than a quarter of a cen- 
tury and is the well-known possessor of one of the 
best pieces of property in Odessa Township. It is 
pleasantly located on section 33, and is so arranged 
and kept up that even those who are not partial to 
rural life must admire it. Among the many farms 
in this section, whereon good buildings are to be 
found, this is conspicuous for the size and number 
of the outbuildings and the evident care tiiat has 
been taken to cater to the convenience of those 
who occupy and operate it. Mr. Hutchins is ex- 
tensively engaged in stock-raising, and among the 
improvements of his farm are two stock barns, 
one 28x50 and the other 30x40 feet, and a sheep 
shed 16x30 feet. The commodious frame bouse is 
twenty-seven feel square in the main, with a wing 
16x2! feet and a wood house 12x20 feet. 

The first of the Hutciiins family known in Amer- 
ica were five brothers, who emigrated from Eng- 
land many years ago. The father of our subject 
was Lawson Hutchins, who was born in New York. 
While living with his parents he was a farmer, 
but he afterward engaged in buleliering, and con- 
tinued in that trade until his death, wiiieli took 
place in 1847, at the early age of twenty-eight 
years. He had married Tressa Hess, who was of 
German and English stock, and who survived him 
and is now living in Odessa Township, at the age 
of seventy-four 3'ears. She made a second mar- 



riage, becoming the wife of John Swarthout. She 
and her husband belonged to the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. By iier first marriage the mother of 
our subject had tliree children, he being the eldest. 
The youngest, William L., is deceased and the sec- 
ond, Elizabeth, is the wife of Henry Root, a 
farmer in Odessa Townsliip. By her second mar- 
riage Mrs. Swarthout had three children, but only 
one survives — Thomas, who is witii his parents. 

The subject of tliis biographical notice was born 
at .Seneca Falls, N. Y., February 9, 1840, and was 
two years old when his parents removed to Wayne 
County. They had lived there five years when the 
husband and father died, and the widowed mother 
returned to her parents in Seneca County. There 
she remained until her second marriage two years 
later, when the family came to Lenawee County, 
Mich. During the next six years young Hutchins 
aided his stepfather in carrying on a farm and in 
the winter attended the district school. He was 
fifteen years old when he left his mother and made 
his home witli an uncle in tlie same count3', with 
wliom he remained six 3'ears. 

Upon starting out in life for himself our subject 
engaged to take charge of a part of tiie work in 
a general store and mill in Addison, Lenawee 
County, where he remained more than a twelve- 
month. He then hired out on a farm by the 
month until 1864, when he came to Ionia Count3'. 
Upon coming hither he bought one hundred and 
twenty acres of land, forty of which were im- 
proved, tlie remainder being heavily timbered. 
The only building on the tract was a barn, which 
is claimed to be the first building in Odessa Town- 
ship. Mr. Hutchins rented his land and himself 
worked at brickmaking in Ionia one summer. He 
then married, and putting up a small frame house 
on the farm, commenced housekeeping therein and 
also took up the work of development of the sur- 
rounding acres. He now has eighty acres cleared 
and under tillage, and all in excellent condition. 

In 1888 Mr. Hutchins platted seventeen acres 
of his land into town lots adjoining the vil- 
lage of Lake Odessa, and he has since sold seven- 
teen acres more. He now owns a farm of eighty- 
six acres, wheron he makes a specialt3' of raising 
blooded stock, such as Holstein and Jersey cattle, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



229 



Sbropshire and Merino sheep, thorougli-bred Po- 
laiui-Cliiua hogs anil lioi'ses of good grades. He 
has about thirty acres of tiiuhor, in whicii is a 
sngar-biisli of five oi' six hundred trees and lie taps 
about three hundred maples each year. From these 
he averages eight hundred pounds of sugar per 
annum. In March, 1891, he put up a Champion 
pjVaporator in the bush and he expects to market 
finer sugar than ever before. 

Commencing his career at the foot of tlie ladder, 
Mr. llutchiiis has reached a plane where he is en- 
abled to live in comfort, and could do so were he 
forced to quit work. In his efforts he has been 
ably seconded by a good wife who joined her fate 
December 17, 1865. She bore the maiden name 
of Ilannali 1'. Pearson. Her many estimable quali- 
ties have endeared her to a large number of friends 
and her Christian character gives her the resi)ectof 
every acquaintance. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins have 
bad one child, a sou, Loren D., who is now de- 
ceased. Botli husband and wife belong to the 
Methodist E|)iscopal Church and are quite active 
in work connected therewith. Mr. Hutchins is now 
Steward and has been Trustee and Treasurer. He 
voted the Republican ticket until 1890, when he 
cast his ballot for Prohibition candidates. So- 
cially he is a Mason and Odd Fellow. 



m.^HILIP DODSON. The life of this worthy 
Jl) citizen of Ionia County has been devoted to 
f^ industrious efforts and he has probably done 
/ \ as much hard work as any man of his years. 
When he came hither and took possession of a tract 
of land on section 4, Ronald Township, he made a 
home in the midst of the forest, wliere the lirush 
was so thick that he could not see the road from 
his doorwa}-. He removed the dense thickets and 
the heavy timber, built fences and erectetl build- 
ings, and brought his properly up to a high valua- 
tion. He has no waste land on his estate and but 
thirteen acres that is not devoted to tillage. Con- 
spicuous among the buildings is one of the finest 
barns in the county, which cost *2,000 and he 
hauled all the lumber himself. It is 10x80 feet. 



with nine-foot beams and a basement, and is 
twenty feet above. There were twelve hundred 
pounds of nails used in its construction. 

Mr. Dodsou was born in Indiana County, Pa., 
May 14, 1826, and is a son of James and Jane 
(Cribbs) Dodson. His paternal grandfather, 
Miciiael Dodson, is believed to have been born in 
Maryland, and liis maternal grandfather, George 
Cribbs, was a native of Germany. The parents 
were born in the same Pennsylvania county and 
look ui) their residence there after their marriage. 
The father died about 1885 and the mother some 
thirty-five years before. They had fourteen chil- 
dren, thirteen of whom grew to maturity and ten 
are still living. Philip is the third iu order of 
birth and the eldest son. He remained in his 
native place until he was about sixteen years old 
and during his boyhood pursued ids studies in the 
common school. He then entered the race of life 
for himself and going to Ohio found work as a 
farm hand, remaining in the liuckeye State twelve 
years. 

Thence Mr. Dodson went to Noble County', Ind., 
where he bought a farm located southwest of Ken- 
dalville. He cleared thirty-five acres of the land 
and made several improvements, there being but 
a small log house on the place when he bought it. 
He lived there nine years, then came to Michigan 
in 1863 and located where he has remained. His 
first purchase here was of eight3--two and a half 
acres and he has since added eighty acres. Al- 
though it has taken much hard work to bring his 
property to its present condition he is well satisfied 
witii the result, and had he his life to live over 
again would not be less industrious llian lie has 
been. 

In Wayne County, Ohio, December 21, 1844, 
the marriage of Mr. Dodson and Miss Emeline Nye 
was solemnized. 'J'lie bride was born in Vermont 
January 7, 1827, but her parents removed to the 
Buckeye Slate when she was but five years old and 
her education and training were received there. 
She has nobi}' borne her |)art in the affairs of life, 
devoting herself to the interests of her loved ones. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dodson have seven living children 
and have been bereft of three. The survivors are: 
Carrie, wife of George Trowbridge, whose home is 



230 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



^ 



in Belding; Harriet, wife of Hiram Miner, whose 
liorae is in Palo; Alma, now Mrs. Edward Rork, 
also living in Palo; Harmon B. and J. Edward, 
who arc residents of Palo: WillardP., whose home 
is in Hubbardston ; and George D., who lives in 
Palo. 

Mr. Dodson has made quite a study of political 
issues and is fully persuaded that the principles 
underlying the Republican party are the just ones 
and he therefore casts his vote in that direction. 
For the part he has had in promoting the growth 
of the county by developing her agricultural re- 
sources and elevating the standard of her citizen- 
ship Mr. Dodson is entitled to commendation and 
we are pleased to represent him in this Album. 



=^^- 
^)^^~ 



lAY J. TOWER. This name is well known 
in various parts of the Union to which 
machinery of special designs and for spec- 
)ial purposes has been shipped. Mr. Tower 
is a mlinufacturer of machinery, including engines, 
drao--saws and Newton's patent log turner, and he 
has a large establisiiment in Greenville, Montcalm 
County. The plant is situated near the Detroit, 
Lansin" tfc Northern Railroad and the works are 
run by steam. It is the only machine shop and 
foundry combined in the city and affords busy 
occupation to from twelve to fifteen men. Mr. 
Tower is a [iractieal man with a thorough under- 
standing of machinery jind mechanical principles, 
together with a capacity for managing men that 
makes bis work run smoothly along and gives him 
the control of an excellent trade. 

The parents of our subject were fSamucl and 
Edilha (Newton) Tower, who were natives of Ver- 
mont and Canada resjiectively. The father was a 
moldcr by trade and followed his occupation in the 
Green Mountain State prior to coming to Michigan 
in 1843. He stopped at Jackson for a time, build- 
ino' a scow, and then came down the Grand River 
to Grand Rapids, where he worked at his trade and 
later bought a machine shop and foundry. He car- 
ried on the establishment, employing a number of 
men until just before the Civil War. He then 



removed to Grattan Township, Kent County, 
was the first settler of that township, and took up 
land upon which he built a log house that was his 
home a short time. He then removed to the "Tower 
Homestead," which had been instituted by his father 
in Oakland Township, and which was known all 
over the county. There he remained until 1873, 
when he went South and spent a year in East Ten- 
nessee. Returning to this State he came to Green- 
ville and bought the business now carried on by 
his son. He had a large run of custom and was 
financially prosperous. His character was excellent 
and his friends were many; he died in 1888, twenty- 
five years after his wife had been borne to the 
tomb. They had six children but only two sons 
— Isaac L. and Ray J., are living. 

The Towers trace their ancestry b.ack to En- 
gland, whence the original American settler of the 
name came in the ''Mayflower." Isaac Tower, 
grandfather of Ray J., a native of the Green Moun- 
tain State, came to Michigan before his son Sam- 
uel and was one of the first settlers in Oakfield 
Township, Keut County. He built the first frame 
barn in the township and it was a landmark for 
years, while the farm became widely known as the 
"Tower Homestead." Grandfather Tower was a 
man of active business habits and strict integrity. 
On the old homestead in Kent County, Ra}' J. 
Tower was born February 1, 1851), and thence he 
removed with his father during his early youth. 
After he attained his majority his father turned his 
business over to him and his brother Isaac, and 
they continued in partnership until 1882. Our 
subject then bought his brother's interest and has 
since had the entire business in his hands. Mr. 
Tower has just bought the creamery near La Faj-ette 
Street, which has a capacity of from six hundred 
to eight hundred pounds of butter per day and 
gives employment to from six to eight men and 
from four to five teams per day, and he is inter- 
ested in lands in the county and own two residences 
in town. 

In 1888 Mr. Tower had the Christmas present of 
a wife, formerly Miss Linnie Baker, daughter of 
Charles L. and Sarah Baker, of Greenville. BIrs. 
Tower is a j'Oung lady of fine character, much in- 
telligence and pleasing social qualities. She is a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



231 



member of the Baptist Cburcb, with which her bus- 
baiul is also identifieiL Mr. Tower always votes 
the Uepublicau ticket, anil allhougli not a politician 
in the ordinary acceptation of that term, he keeps 
well inforined regarding the issues that are before 
the people and is able to give a reason for his polit- 
ical faith. His fund of general information is 
extensive, his business honor and tact unqnoslioiicd, 
and his reputation of the best. 



eLARK L. DEMOREST. The farmers of 
Ionia County number among them this 
gentleman, who has been a resident of 
Otisco 'I'ownship since Sepleuiber, 1840. His orig- 
inal estate here consisted of eighty acres of land 
entered from the Government, and to this he has 
added until the farm now includes one hundred 
and thirty acres. He camped with the Indians 
until he could put up a shanty of his own and he 
has a personal knowledge that belongs to few men 
in this part of the country, of the traits of the red 
man's character. In 1843 Mr. Demoicst cut the 
first tree where Greenville now stands. 

Lucas Deraorest, grandfather of our sul)ject, was 
driven from Holland on account of his religious 
belief, and with two brothers left so suddenly that 
their kettles remained on the fire. He located in 
the Em|)ire State where his son Samuel, the direct 
progenitor of ovir subject was born in 179G. That 
son grew to manhood in Montgomery County and 
there married Annie Clark, daughter of Asa and 
Debbie (Perkins) Clark. Her eldest brother was 
Archie Clark, a soldier in the ^Var of 1812, and 
one of her sisters married John Green, who was the 
founder of Greenville, Mich. 

Samuel Demorest, upon coming to Michigan 
located in Lenawee, then removed to Washtenaw 
and two years later established himself in Ionia 
County. He here lived to celebrate his golden 
wedding. From his farm in Otisco Township he 
removed to Greenville and 18C8, went to Missouri 
where he died in Marcli of the following year, at 
the age of seventy-three. He was for many j'ears 
a De.icon hi the Baptist Church. He held all the 



township oflSces except Supervisor. In 1849 he 
made a trip to California, driving through with an 
ox-team and being three months en route. In the 
company was a man who rolled a wheelbarrow 
through to the coast. To Samuel Demorest and 
his wife four sons and four daughters were born, 
viz: Clark L., Samuel L., Lyman, Valentine, De- 
borah, Angeline, Adeline and Frances. All are liv- 
ing, and all except Valentine, who is unmarried, 
and Samuel, are grand [)arents. Samuel was a Cap- 
tain in the Union army and was promoted to 
be Major. 

The birth |)Iace of the gentleman whose name 
introduces these paragraphs was Prattstown, Steu- 
ben County, N. Y., and his natal day November 
25, 1819. In his youth he may have been said to 
have become a farmer, although his efforts were 
put forth from under the parental roof until lie was 
twenty-three years ol 1. A few years after his ar- 
rival in this State lie took to himself a wife, having 
won tlie hand of Miss Sallie A.Thompson, to whom 
he was united December 29, 1840. This lady is a 
daughter of Allen and Sally (Kimball) Thompson, 
who were born respectively in New York and Ver- 
mont, and whose other children are Joseph and 
Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson belonged to the 
Disciple Church. 

Mrs. Demorest began writing her school compo- 
sitions in poetry about the lime she entered her 
teens and she has continued to indulge in poetical 
compensation, writing for various occasions. Sev- 
eral of her poems have bei'n published in papers, 
among those entitled "One Hundred Years ago," 
"Thirty years ago," ''Two Lost Lambs," "The Lost 
Alphena," etc. The following was written by her 
for the pioneer meeting at Gratlan, Kent County, 
June 2, 1880: 

WiiKN TiiK CoiNTUv Was Ne>v. 

llo, all ye old settlers, the brave and the true. 
Come tell of the times when the country was new, 
How you fared in your cabin soliumble juid mean. 
Toiling early and late, without aid of machine; 

How you labored for bread by sweat of your brow. 
How the wardrobe of tiien would be hooted at now 
By these sons and daughters enjoying the homes 
Made by pioneer hiuids where the Indian roamed. 



232 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



But no poet can paint all the ills we endured, 
When shaking willi ague and couldn't be cured, 
With none of your dainties to tempt us as now, 
With the appetite poor, and the work all to do; 

When at night we would rest, the tinkling cow- 
bells 

Chimed in with the notes of the shrill whippoor- 
will. 

And then the mosquitoes, tlie worst of all things, 

Who, seeking his prey, exultingly sings. 

Half starved, like tlie owl had been resting all day, 
And at night roamed about in searcli of his prey; 
Now with netting, screen doors, and houses secure, 
You never can known wiiat we liad to endure. 

But those times are past, and many have gone; 
Tlicy bore many bui'dons, but comforts had none; 
And" some of tliem i)ined for their eastern homes 
And the kindred they left when West they had 
come; 

And several died within tlie first j'ear — 

Their lives were too frail for the hardshi|)s here — 

Then in a pine coffin we laid them avvaj', 

Witli no hearse or fine casket to make a display. 

But our tears were as sacred and our hearts as true 
And we missed them the more with our numbers so 

few; 
And their children who came here so j'oung and 

fair 
Are grandparents now with silvery hair. 

Then honor the old settlers, for honor is due, 
Wlio tilled these broad fields now waiting for j'ou, 
AV^ho felled the great oaks that towered so high. 
That the green waving grain might look to the sky, 

Who built these nice dwellings and painted them 

white. 
Then burned up the log one away out of sight. 
How fare the}', these fathers and mothers so dear. 
Do they sit by their firesides enjoying good cheer .^ 

Do their children revere them and praise them 

when old 
For braving all danger, the heat and the cold.'' 
No, those who are left are still toiling away. 
And trying to help all their children to-day; 

But the oldest have left us; they went one by one 
We hope to a country where weary are none; 
And when all our pioneer meetings are o'er, 
IM.ay we meet, ne'er to part, on the evergreen shore. 

Mrs. S. a. T. D. 



The familj' of Mr. and Mrs. Demorest includes 
three sons and two daughters, of whom we note 
the following: Adelno W. lives on his grandfather 
Thompson's farm in Otisco Township; Allen T., 
occupies a farm at Wood's Corners, Orlean Town- 
ship; Milon J. is farming near home; Clara M. 
remains under the parental roof; May N., who is 
married and has two children, lives near Woodard 
Lake. All are identified with the Christian Church, 
with which their parents have been connected for 
many years. 

Mr. Demorest has held the office of Road Com- 
missioner and Township Assessor and discharged 
the duties belonging thereto in a creditable and sat- 
isfactory manner. He was formerly a member of 
the Grange. In politics he is a Republican. He 
keeps himself well informed regarding affairs that 
are transpiring in the nation and in other coun- 
tries, and continues to manifest a lively interest in 
that which promises to advance the welfare of the 
people. He and his wife are held in high respect 
and have many friends. 



\f OSKPII WATSON COLTRTER, who resides 
in Sidney Township, Montcalm County, was 

tborn in Essex County-, N. J., July 18, 1852. 
IJ He is the son of H. and Allis (Bowden) 
Courter, both being born and bred in Essex 
County. Here this boy spent his early life until 
his seventeenth year taking advantage of the edu- 
cational advantages offered in the common schools, 
thus obtaining a good business education. His 
father then removed to Sidney Township, Mont- 
calm County, Mich., and engaged in the lumber 
business, having his son's assistance in this work 
until the latter reached his majority, when he 
began working for Clark <fe Rhinsmith, who were 
engaged in lumbering. In 1877 he established a 
home for himself, and going back to Newark, N. J., 
for "the girl he left behind him," he was joined in 
marriage February 22 to Alice Crane. They have 
become the [larents of three children : Arthur E., 
born October 16, 1878; Anna M., July 22, 1881; 
Frank H., May 19, 1884. The eldest son, Arthur, 





i 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



235 



was snatched away by death when only four years 
old. 

The place where Mr. Coiiitcr now resides is liie 
same to which he broiijjht his briilc iimuediately 
after their marriage. He at that time purchased 
one hundred and twenty acres, something less than 
one hundred of which was then unimproved. He 
has completed his house and built good barns ui)on 
the farm. In his early manhood he had large 
responsibilities in connection with. his fatiier's fam- 
ily, as first ills mother and afterward his stei)- 
motlier died leaving quite a family of little ones to 
be cared for b>- him. This trust he discharged 
faithfully and has proved a true elder brother to 
the j'ounger members of the family. In politics 
he is a conservative Republican and voles for the 
best man who is nominated. He has served two 
terras as Supervisor by election, besides filling out 
one unexpired term by api)ointmcnt. He takes an 
active interest in educational matters, has been 
School Trustee and has worked hard to get a new 
district set off from the Sheridan district. He 
finally succeeded with the help of citizens and 
neighbors in this endeavor by taking the matter 
before the Legislature of the State. He is a man 
wiio is resolute and determined in carrying out 
plans which his better judgment dictates and is a 
reliable and honored member of socielj'. 

■ • — ^ "^ * W' ^ 

J)OSIAH E. JUST. In the business circles 
I of Ionia Mr. Just is, by universal consent, 
j accorded a high place. Eminently success. 
' ful in a financial sense, he has throughout 
bis entire career exhibited clearness of percei)tion 
and soundness of ju(lgment,and moreover enjoys an 
enviable reputation for moral worth and integrity' 
of character. He possesses true public spirit and 
uses his influence to enhance the best interests of 
the city and count}', and all worthy enterprises 
for their development meet with his hearty aj)- 
proval and cordial support. It is the united testi- 
mony of the people among whom he has passed his 
entire life that his course is such as to reflect credit 
upon the citizenship of Ionia County. As a 



representative citizen, therefore, we present to our 
readers his portrait and the principal events in a 
life of more than usual interest. 

A native of Ionia Count}', Mr. Just was born 
December 20, 1817, and is the son of James and 
Ann Jane (McClure) Just, natives of Ireland. The 
father and mother were married in the land of 
their birth and for their wedding tour crossed the 
ocean to America, landing in New York City. They 
went first to Orange County, N. Y., and engaged 
in farming, but after a short sojourn there removed 
to Michigan, stoi)ping (irst in Jackson County, and 
finally in 1847 settling in Ionia County where they 
resided until their death. Mr. Just died April .3, 
1883, and Mrs. Just passed away January 26, 
1890. To them have been born six children : Rutli 
Ann, wife of Levi Broas, of Belden; William .1., 
a lumberman in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Margaret J., 
wife of Prof. P. A. Latta, of Allegan; Dr. John 
G., praoticing in Coral, Montcalm Count}', this 
State; J. E., our subject; and Isaac N., of South 
Lyon, Oakland County, Mich., man.ager of the 
banking house of J. E. Just & Co. 

Josiah E. Just lived at home on the farm until 
he was eighteen years of age, when he entered the 
Lowell National Bank as a clerk. In 1870 he en- 
tered the banking house of S. W. Webber & Co., 
at Muir, .is clerk and cashier, and remained there 
until 1872. He then became cashier of the Na- 
tional Bank at Lyons until the removal of that 
bank to Ionia in 1873. Then Mr. Just became 
cashier of the First National Bank at Muir until 
it was succeeded by the banking house of Webber, 
Just & Co. in 1878. He was connected continu- 
ously with Mr. Webber for twenty-one years as 
clerk, cashier and partner. At South L3'on they 
have a bank under the jirm name of Josiah E. 
Just & Co., which was established in 1883. Mr. 
Just came to Ionia and organized the Ionia 
County Savings Bank in 1886. 

Oa July 29, 1875, Mr. Just was united in mar- 
riage with Ella V. Pox, the daughter of M. II. 
Fox, of Muir. Mr. and Mrs. Just have one chilil 
— Nellie. They belong to the Presbyterian Church 
and are active promotors of all church interests. 
Mr. Just is a member of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, the Royal Arcanum, Knights of 



236 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Pythias and National Union. He is always inter- 
ested in public affairs and polilically votes with 
the Republican party. He filled the office of 
County Treasurer for four years, from 1881 to 
1884. A gentleman of pleasing address, unexcep- 
tionable manners and fine appearance, he is ever 
interested in the welfare of the community and 
bears his share in all good works. 



ILLIAM H. MATTISON is a well-known 
./ll citizen of Ionia County and is closely iden- 

%i tified with the interests of the people of 
Ronald Township, in which he has lived nearly a 
quarter of a century. His farm on section 28, is 
one of the finest in the county, comprising two 
hundred and forty acres of laud, and hearing build- 
ings which include every structure necessary for 
carrying on his extensive farming and stock-raising 
enterprises. The barns are ample and substantial 
and the residence is a model of convenience anil 
good workmansiiip. The latter was erected at a 
cost of *1,400. Mr. Matteson has no incumbrance 
on his land, and all that he now owns has been se- 
cured by hard work, good management and frugal 
living wlien it was necessary. When he came to 
Michigan early in the 'GOs he had but $22, and $20 
of tiiis he immediately deposited in a bank, so as to 
draw interest and have something in store should 
accident befall him or other emergency arise. 

Tlie paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Allen Mattison, a native of Connecticut and a 
Revolutionary soldier utider Gens. Sullivan and 
Spencer. Tlie father was Allen J. Mattison, who 
was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y.,and married 
Lucy Thomas, who was born in the same neighbor- 
hood. That worthy couple lived in their native 
county until 1870, then came to this State to spend 
the remnant of their days. They located on section 
35, Ronald Township, Ionia County, ami there the 
father died. Tlie mother is still living on the home- 
stead with her youngest son — Daniel ,1. ; she is now 
ninety-five years old. The parental family comprised 
three daughters and four sons, one of whom has been 
already mentioned. The first-born, Jefferey T., died 



in California many years ago; Sarah, who is unmar- 
ried, is with her mother; Hamilton A. is a lawyer 
in Evansville, Ind.; Lucy P., wife of D. J.Greene, 
lives in Ionia; Rilla P., who married Julius Tib- 
betls, lives in Lyons Township. The next to the 
youngest child is our subject. 

The birtli of AVilliam H. Mattison took place in 
Renssel.aer County ,September 20,1837. He received 
his schooling in the home district and when he was 
grown to maniiood learned the trade of acarpenter. 
He taught two terras of school his native county, 
whence he came to Michigan in May, 1861. For 
four years he worked on a farm during the summer 
rnontlisand taught school in the winter. He bought 
a part of the farm he now lives upon and where he 
located before his marriage. There was but little im- 
provement on it and he liad much to do to make it 
valuable and |)roductive. He has reclaimed twenty 
acres of swamp land, besides clearing and develop- 
ing the higher ground. One of his most successful 
ventures has been sheep-raising, but he has shown 
a mastery of all the details of general farming and 
stock-raising. 

November 14, 1866, is a date recalled with much 
interest by Mr. Mattison. as on that day he gained 
a wife. He married Miss Zilpah A. Van Wormer, 
who was born in Steuben County, N. Y., August 
10, 1840, and grew to maturity tliere. She is the 
oldest of seven children born to Valentine and 
Anna (Cleveland) Van Wormer, natives and still 
residents of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Mattison 
have never been blessed with any cliildren. 

The first Presidential ballot cast by Mr. Matti- 
son was for Abraham Lincoln and he has never 
voted other than a Republican ticket. He is a 
member of the County Committee of the party and 
was the candidate for Representative from the 
eastern district of Ionia County in the fall of 1890, 
but was defeated by one hundred and sixty votes. 
The first office he held in the township was tliat of 
School Inspector and he has also been Highway- 
Commissioner, Treasurer and Supervisor, as well as 
Sheriff of the county. To the last-named oflice he 
was elected in 1876 and he held the place four 
years. He was chosen Township Supervisor in 
1887 and is still the incumbent of the position. 
Mr. Mattison is quite interested in Masonry, belongs 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



237 



to Ionia Lodge, No. 36, and Ionia C'onimandery 
No. 11, K. T. lie is also idenlilied with the Pa- 
trons of Ilusbaiidry, in whicii organization lie has 
held the uflice of Sul)ordiiuite Master, and he was 
recently elected Master of the County Grange. 



■•o*o.-^y^^^^-o4o- 



RS. JANE FOULKS.an aged and venerable 
pioneer lady of Kecne Township, Ionia 
Countjs on section 21, is a native of St. 
Lawrence County, N. Y., where she was 
born July 29, 1819. Her father, Thomas Renwick, 
was a native of Scotland, and her mother, Jane 
(Tuinbuli) Renwick, was born in the same land. 
Her parents emigrate<l to America immediately 
after marriage, and made their home in St. Law- 
rence Count}', N. Y. When she was eighteen years 
old her parents decided to remove to Brant Count}', 
Ontario, Canada, and in 1855 they removed thence 
to Ionia County, Mich., where they botli died. 
They were the parents of eight children, four of 
whom are still living, namely: Mrs. Foulks, Wal- 
ter, John T. and William. 

The marriage of Jane Renwick and Williaiu 
Foulks took place in Ontario. March 17, 1841. 
Mr. Foulks was an Englishman, the son of Thomas 
and .Sarah Foulks. He was born in England, May 
22, 1816. When sixteen years old the lad emi- 
grated with his parents to Ontario, Canada, and 
settled in Brant County. The union of this couple 
resulted in nine children, three of whom are living: 
John, William, and Adelaide, who is the wife of 
Emory Bowen. 

Mr. Foulks brought his family to Ionia County, 
Mich., in 1856, and then settled upon the farm 
now occupietl by his widow. A log cabin formed 
their first home in the new land. Here they made 
a happy home for several years, until he erected 
the handsome residence which now adorns the farm. 
He de|)arted this life October 2, 1889, respected by 
all who knew him. In his death the county lost one 
of her best citizens and his family a loving husband 
and father. In politics he held to the Democratic 
party, and in local affairs was in favor of all pro- 
gressive movements. In every relation in life he 



made his mark as an upright and successful man. 
He was a man of sterling integrity and principle, 
and he believe<l in treating others as he desired 
himself to be treated. His widow is now residing 
on the home farm, and she is esteemed as one of 
the venerable pioneers and true Christian women 
of Keene Townshii). None know her but to love 
her. 

Mr. Foulks at his death left a line estate of one 
hundred and twenty acres, the result of a life of 
labor and industry. He was a man of extensive 
general information, well known for his liberality 
to all good and charitable enterprises and an oblig- 
ing neighbor. He had a keen sense of honor and 
his integrity w.as never questioned. Although his 
form is now seen no more yet his memory is green 
among those who loved :ind honored him. That 
'•Grandma Foulks," as his widow is famililariy 
called, may yet survive the snows of many winters 
is the .sincere wish of her numerous friends. 



EMORY A. RICHARDS. In every village, 
however small, the handling of drugs is an 
, '■ important business and the number of drug 

stores in.ay often be taken as an indication of the 
growth of the town. The leading dealer in this 
line in Saranac, Ionia County, is the gentleman 
above named, who carries a well-selected stock, and 
makes it his constant aim to have the best drugs 
and comi)ound them carefully. He was born in 
Van Buren County, February 26, 1845, and is the 
second child of David A. and Eliza A. (Finch) 
Richards. The other members of the parental 
family are Amelia, Albert, Celia, Otis and Frank. 
Amelia is the wife of Benjamin Coller a farmer in 
Boston Township, and Celia is the widow of Benja- 
min Spencer, of Oakland, Cal. 

The parents of our subject were born in New 
York; one is of English and the other German 
ancestry. The father has been a minister of the 
Wesleyan Methodist Church for over forty years 
and during that time has had but five different 
charges. He has now reached the age of seventy 
two years and is living in retirement at Saranac. 



238 



PORTRAIT AND BIO'GRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



He spent two 5'ears in California as an agent of the 
Conference und served in the Union Army one year. 
He came to Ionia County in 186.5 and has resided 
here most of tiie time since, rolilically he is a Pro- 
iiibitionist. 

Our subject resided witii his parents until he was 
twenty-two years of age, going witli them from 
Van Buren to Kalamazoo and later to Kent County. 
In the last named place he completed his studies in 
tlie High School, and before he left the parental 
roof he had taught Ave terms. He afterward taught 
tlirce wiutei- terms and worked on the farm in the 
summer. In 1870 he came to Saranac and for 
about nine montiis he was engaged in the grocery 
business. One side of the room was occupied by a 
drug stock, which he and J. A. .Sprague purchased. 
The two gentlemen carried on the drug trade about 
two years when Mr. Sprague retired and W. H. Cush- 
ing became the partner of Mr. Richards. In 1873 the 
firm put up a brick building into which the}' moved 
their stock and wliich was the seat of tlieir business 
about tluee years. William AVIiitney then bought 
the interest of Mr. Cashing. In 1885 Mr. Kiciiards 
sold out and opened a drug store of his own and in 
M.a3-, 1890, removed to his present location. 

Mr. Iticiiards was married to Mary M. Findla^' 
March 15, 1870. The wife is a daugliter of John 
and Ann (Sijenee) Findlaj', natives of Scotland, 
who came to America with their family in 1840. 
They lived in New York four years, then made 
tlieir home in Kent County, this State. Mr. Find- 
lay was a ship-carpenter and in his own country 
carried on his trade on thfe Clyde RiVer. After 
coming to this State he turned his attention to 
farming. His death occnrred December 15, 1889, 
a few months after his wife had passed away, she 
having breathed her last May 10, of that year. 
Both belonged to the Wesleyan Methodist Church. 
Tiie living members of their family are Emily A., 
William, Margaret A., Mary M. and Ilatlie I. The 
family of Mr. and Mrs. Richards consists of tlie 
following named children: Fred A., Elon A., Kate 
E., May E. and Glenn E. 

In exorcising the right of suffrage Mr. Richards 
is a Prohibitionist. Socially, he belongs to the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Royal 
Temperance Legion and the Knights of Pythias. 



He has been Treasurer of Saranac, and has been 
Superintendent of Schools for two terms. He and 
his wife belong to the Congregational Church in 
which he is a Deacon and Sunday-school Superin- 
tendent, as well as chorister. Mv. and Mrs. Rich- 
ards have an extended acquaintance in the county 
and are classed among the best citizens. 



-ism" 



I? EVI WATERS. The training of pioneer 
I (^ ^'^^ encouraged the sterner virtues and de- 
jlL^, veloped characters which were courageous 
to meet the trials and discouragements which came 
with the daily life of the pioneer. Such a charac- 
ter is that of Levi Waters, and he has hail indeed 
more than his share of the hard side of life, but he 
has met it in a way to insure the respect of all who 
know him. He was born in Steuben County, 
N. Y., April 7, 1827, and is the son of Ste])lien and 
Hannah (Malatt) Waters, both of New York. His 
fiist great and serious affliction was the loss of both 
l)arents when he was a little lad of eight years resid- 
ing in Indiana. The little orphan was put to 
service as an apprentice at the tanner's trade, at 
which he worked for six years. His schooling 
amounted to almost nothing, and the education he 
has, has been gained since he reached his majority. 
He resides on his farm in Sidney Township, Mont- 
calm County. 

Mr. Waters' parents were living in Canada at 
tlie time of the Canadian Rebellion, after which 
the}' removed to Indiana and there were taken sick 
and as before said died within a short time. Two 
sisters also followed their parents to the graves, all 
being stricken down within six months. His a[)- 
prenticeship was with a Mr. Pancake, near Wolf 
Lake, Ind., whom he served only a few weeks when 
his brother came and took him back to New York 
where he served six years to learn the tanner's 
trade. When he came to this State ho found work 
in Kent County and remained there until twenty- 
five years of age. For nine years he operated his 
brother's sawmill, and spent considerable time in 
Grand Rapids working at his trade before remov- 
ing to Montcalm County in 1865. Here he took a 



PORTRAIT AND RiOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



'239 



farm of forty acres, cleared and improved it, build- 
ing a house and stables. 

DectMiiber 30, 1818, the subject of this sketch 
married Adeline Abel, of Grand Rapids. Three 
children hare blessed their home: David Leroy, 
born January 8, 18o0; Luesa J., born January 7, 
1852, is dece.ised; and Frances Addella, born Feb- 
ruary' 18,185.5. This daughter is now the wife 
of John FermaD, of this county. It would seem 
that his early afflictions had been his full share for 
life, but more trials were to come soon after he set- 
tled in his new home, and while his son was quite 
young this child met with a serious accident. A 
little later our subject was struck down b^- a falling 
tree and his skull was broken by the blow. lie lay 
as if dead for many hours, but the next da^' 
revived and recovered. He was also struck by a 
falling bucket in a well. His patriotic impulses 
prompted him to offer his services to his country 
in the iiour of need, and he enlisted in a Michigan 
regiment but was rejected on account of ill health. 
He is connected with the order of the I'atrons of 
Industry and also that of the Free and Accepted 
Masons. He has been Pathmaster and School Di- 
rector and is now Moderator of the scliool board. 



/p^EOUGE PETTIT. The biograplier has 
III ^-. given us the record of Mr. Pcttit as that of 
^^jl an honorable man, one whose fidelity to the 
right is unswerving and whose outspoken senti- 
ments against wrong are known to all. Though 
perhaps not the master of many sciences and lan- 
guages, lie is an intelligent and well-informed 
blacksmith and merits the esteem and confidence 
of the citizens of Ionia County. Mr. Pettit is a 
citizen of Easton Township, and a native of Orleans 
County, N. Y., his natal day being July 17, 1833. 
Ills father is Reuben Pettit and his mother's name 
is Sarah, the former a native of New York and the 
latter of Vermont. Our subject w.as reared to man- 
hood in his native .State until about fifteen years old 
when he began to learn the trade of a shoemaker 



and followed this until he was nineteen years of 
age. 

Mr. Pettit received his education in the district 
schools of Orleans County and although he did not 
have the advantages which are now offtu-cd, he has 
by his perseverance acquired a fair education. In 
the fall of 1852 he came to Michigan by the way 
of the lakes to Detroit and from there to Ionia by 
stage. He had been in Ionia County about a year 
when he Ijcgan to learn the blacksmith's trade and 
worked for Mr. .Jones, one of the early blacksmiths 
and pioneers of Ionia City. For a number of years 
Mr. Pettit carried on a blacksmith shop of his 
own in Ionia City, and a portion of the time he 
employed one workman. 

Our subject married for his first wife Melissa 
Lockman. December 10, 1880, he was united in 
marriage to Adeline Phillips, his second wife, who 
was born in Rochester, N. Y., September 15, 1843. 
She was a daughter of Wescott and Hannah (Ben- 
nett) Phillii)S. Her parents were of English de- 
scent and in the year 1856 they emigrated to Ionia 
County, Mich., and settled a short time in Berlin 
Township. They then removed to Saranac, where 
tlie father died in his ninety-fifth year. The par- 
ents of Mrs. Pettit were blessed with a family of 
five children: George, residing in Gratiot County; 
Gardner, living near Clarkesville, Mich.; Mury, 
Mrs. Stevens, now a widow, living in Berlin Town- 
ship; Mrs. Adelia Smith, also a widow, of Penn- 
sylvania; and Mrs. Pettit. 

The father of our subject was married three 
times and of the children born to him the following 
survive: Simon, residing in Kent County, Mich.; 
EInora, wife of John McFarland living in the 
same county; Lewis, residing in Grand Rapids, 
Mich., Francelia, wife of Lorenzo Fields, also living 
in Grand Rapids, and George. 

Our subject enlisted September 12, 180 1, in 
Company F, Second Michigan Cavalry aixl was 
under Polk and Sherman for a time. He partici- 
pated in the battles of New Madrid and Island No. 
10, and was honorably discharged July 10, 1802. 
After the service in the army be returned to Ionia 
County and settled in Ionia Township, where he 
followeil for a number of years the trade of a 
blacksmith. .Several years since our subject settled 



Hid 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBCTM. 



on the farm which he owns at the present time, 
consisting of forty acres of fertile and productive 
land. As he was not started out in life under the 
beneficial influences of education and culture he 
consequently is not classically educated, but is in- 
tellif^ent and well informed. He is a strong advo- 
cate of the Democratic party and is public-spirited 
and enterprising. He is identified with the Grand 
Army of the Republic at Ionia City. His record, 
both civil and military, is honorable and it is with 
pride he recalls his past liistory. 

Among the many intelligent and self-made men 
of Ionia County we take pleasure in representing 
our subject in this work. His business integrity 
and honesty are above reproach as all will testify 
who know him, and his word is considered as good 
as his bond. The biographer finds him to be an 
intelligent and progressive citizen and well versed 
in political and other topics of the day. He and 
his wife are highly resjiected members of society 
and are hospitable and entertaining. 



JAMKS L. WICKES. Among the stockmen 
of this State and particularlj' of the Central 
portion, Mr. Wickes is widely known as a 
member of the firm of J. L. Wickes & Co., 
breeders of Galloway cattle, Percheron horses and 
Kambouillet sheep. The address of the firm is 
Colby and they have one thousand five hundred 
acres of land which has been specially prepared for 
the purpose to which it is put and is one of the 
finest stock farms. 

Mr. Wickes is the son of James H. and Maria 
(Tuthill) Wickes and was born in Now York in 1828. 
His parents were natives of the same State as him- 
self, and his father was a cabinetmaker and later a 
farmer. He of whom we write was educated at 
Eddy town (N. Y.) Seminary, and when ready to 
take up a man's duties gave his attention to farming. 
After a time he came to this State and engaged in 
the lumber business in S.aginaw, where he had a suc- 
cessful trade. Thence he went into the interior of 
the State and dealt extensively in lumber and also 
put up some of the largest mills in Michigan. 



After a varied experience he came Stanton, Mont- 
calm County, in 1881 and formed the firm which 
has been already mentioned. 

Mr. Wickes was married in New York to Miss 
Matilda Gutick and has one son, George AVillard, 
an enter[)rising and prosperous young business man 
located in San Francisco. Mr. Wickes is a stalwart 
Republican. He is an official member of the Con- 
gregational Church and active in all work projected 
by that society. A man of more than ordinary in- 
telligence, whose varied experiences have added to 
the keenness of his perception, he is a pleasant com- 
panion, and his character is such as to entitles him 
to the respect of his fellow-citizens, .and at this 
writing he is serving the people of the Citj' of Stan- 
ton as INIajor. 

J^^- 

/RANK TAFT. Nearly sixty years ago, a 
V boy of fifteen might have been seen going 
along the public highway with all his pos- 
sessions done up in a red pocket handkerchief. He 
would go wearily a little way and then sit down 
tired and discouraged. A kind man coming along 
that road met him and entered into conversation 
with the lad, learned that he was an orphan, and 
that he had boon making his home with his uncle, 
but bad now started out for himself and was seek- 
ing a home and employment. The good farmer 
took him home with him and gave iilm kmdly care 
and an opportunity to earn his living. After awhile 
he worked on phti Erie Canal, driving horses on the 
tow-path and then drifted into Canada. This lad, 
John W. Taft, became the father of our subject, 
Frank Taft, who resides on section 33, Ionia Town- 
ship, Ionia Count3\ 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Eliza Clark, and was a native of Rlonroe County, 
N. Y., where she was born in 1814. She was the 
granddaughter of Cephas Clark, a hero in the War 
of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. John Taft, after their mar- 
riage in Canada, lived there for some two years 
and he came alone to Michigan in 1836, when it 
was still a territory, and located a farm where our 
subject now lives. He bought eighty acres of raw- 
land from Deacon William Babcock and split rails 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



241 



for biin to pay for it. At that time there was but 
one store at Ionia and it bore tlie higli sounding 
title of "The Grab Store." The roads to and from 
this primitive home were marlted by lilazed trees. 

Mr. Tafl worked for I'iiilo Hates by the month, 
and after .iwhile went back to the East and lirought 
liis family here, l)cin{j six weeks on tlie road with 
team and wagon. He continued working for Mr. 
Bates and Deacon Babcock througli the summers. 
He and liis wife ii.ad no wealth, hut the earnest pur- 
pose and the willing hands which have made pros- 
perous farmers from the poor pioneers. His brave 
wife took in sewing for her more wealthy neighbors 
to help along the family income. The work on his 
own place had to lie done at early morning and late 
at night, so it would not interfere with his day's 
work for others. His good garden was attractive 
to his Indian neighbors, who were not as honest as 
they might have been, hut used to sometimes avail 
themselves of the results of his industry. 

All tliis brave effort and perseverance resulted 
in prosperity. At one time the father of our sub- 
ject owned fully four hundred acres of good land. 
He built a frame house and was worth nearly 
$50,000. They were members of the Free Will 
Baptist Church in which in early times he took 
great interest and held office, but in later 3'ears he 
became somewhat estranged from his church people. 
He was well informed on political questions and 
voted the Democratic ticket. Among other offices 
he held that of Township Treasurer and was also 
Supervisor and School Director, and was always 
enthusiastic in the promotion of educational inter- 
ests. His death was sad and tr.igie. He left home 
November .'31, 18G6, on horseback to go to Ionia, 
where he intended leaving his horse and taking the 
train for New York. He reached Ionia, but beyond 
that point was never heard from alive, and it is sup- 
posed he was murdered at Ionia. His faithful wife 
survived until April f), 188G. Of their nine chil- 
dren six are now living: George L., Riley, Sophia, 
(Mrs. Whiting), Arminda (Mrs. Dr. Gates), and 
I'hilinda (Mrs. Henr^' Corwell), twins, and our 
subject. 

Frank Taft, of whom this is a life history, was 
born .lannary 2, 18.')(J, on the farm where he makes 
his home. After taking his early education in the 



district schools he attended the Ionia High School 
for three years. After liis father's death the family 
rented the farm until this son had finished school, 
when he took charge of it. He has two hundred 
and sixty-five acres of good land, two hundred and 
forty of which are under the |)Iow. He built his 
house in 187G, and the largo barn, 40x100 feet in 
1881. He carries on mixed farming and gives his 
largest attention to the raising of slock. His fav- 
orite breeds are .Shro|)shire sheep and Short- horn 
cattle. Since 1876 he has interested himself in 
Percheron horses. His first |)air were bought 
from Zachary Chandler's farm. 

The subject of this sketch was married Decem- 
ber 25, 1880, to Mary .1. Adgate, daughter of 
AVilliam Adgate, whose sketch will be found in this 
volume. She was born September 9, 1861. Mr. 
and Mrs. Taft are the happy parents of four chil- 
dren, namely: Luetta S., born July 14, 1882; Jessie 
R., August 19, 1884; Myrtle M., September 2G, 
1886; and Leolin, December 10, 1890. They are 
both valued and conscientious members of the 
church and workers in the Sunday-school. Mr. 
Taft is always interested in educational matters and 
has been School Inspector and a member of the 
School Board. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum 
of Ionia and the Patrons of Industry. He is well 
informed on all political matters and votes the 
straight Republican ticket. He has been made a 
delegate to district and county conventions. Both 
he and his wife are deei)ly interested in temperance 
movements and he always has been strictly temper- 
ate in all his habits. 



^^HKSTERA.^ 
II tive-born citix 

^^y carrj'ing on 



HKSTER A. SEARING. Among the na- 
izens of Ionia County who are 
the work of agriculture, 
is Mr. Searing who was born in Lyons Town- 
ship, October 27, 1848, and is now living 
on section 22. His father, Nathaniel Searing, 
was born at Saratoga Springs, State of New 
York, February 17, 1814, and comes of the old 
tjuaker stock. His mother, Louisa C. (Martin) 
Searing, was born in Ontario, Canada, December 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



22, 1813. This worthy couple came to this State 
in 1838, and located in Ionia County, where they 
are still living. They built a log house on section 
27, Lyons Township, improved the land around it 
and now have a fair and fruitful farm. They have 
had nine children, the names of those now living 
being Henry, Melvin, Chester A., .Tames A. and 
Laura L. 

Mr. Searing began his studies in tiie district 
school and continued the pursuit of knowledge 
there, alternating it witli various labors upon the 
farm, and remained with his parents until he was 
twenty years old. He then established a home on 
the property he still occupies, taking possession of 
a log house that was the only improvement on the 
I)lace. His farm includes one hundred and twenty 
acres which is in fine condition, with all necessary 
buildings, well made and kept in good repair, the 
the chief of them being a fine two-story farm 
house. Mr. Searing now makes a speciaU3- of rais- 
ing fine swine, the breed he prefers being Chester- 
White. He also pays considerable attention to 
raising Oxford-Down sheep and Brahma chickens, 
and as he attends all the fairs, generally sells out 
quite closely in the fall, shipping to all parts of the 
State. 

The lady who presides ia the home of Mr. Sear- 
ing bore the maiden name of Harriet Madison, and 
became his wife November 4, 1868. She was born 
in Easton Township, Ionia Couiily, November 4, 
1848, and is the youngest of three children making 
up the family of Granville and Anna M. (Bishop) 
Madison. Her father was born in New Haiiipshire, 
but came West when about fifteen years old, his 
father, Charles Madison, being one of the earliest 
settlers in this part of Michigan and one of the first 
in Oakland County. Mrs. Madison, mother of 
Mrs. Searing, was born in New York. Mr. and 
Mrs. Searing have two sons — Emmet, born July 
26, 1871, and Guy F., born December 10, 1878. 
Both are at home aiding their father in operating 
the farm. 

Although Mr. Seariiig believes in most of tiie 
principles that underlie the Republican platform 
and is a member of the party, he does not ahvavs 
cast a straight ticket, but votes for the man he con- 
siders most capable of serving the people. His life- 



long residence in the township has given him an 
extended acquaintance and he has many friends far 
and near. Mrs. Searing is a consistent member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and is ever ready 
to perform good deeds. 



-s»i^M^;>j^ 



<5*^ •"*««-» 



\i^.ORMAN AV. MATHER. One of the first 
I );] steps taken by an intended locator in a 
lii,^ town is to ascertain the banking facilities, 
a reliable institution of that nature being indispen- 
sable to one who expects to do a good business. 
Howard City, Montcalm County, is supplied with 
ample accommodations for all who wish to deposit 
or borrow funds, and it is of the proprietor of the 
establishment we propose to make brief mention. 
The banking house of N. W. Mather is a safe and 
flourishing one, that enters into no questionable 
ventures but is conducted on sound financial 
principles and backed by the almost twenty years' 
ex[)erience of its manager as a financier. The 
bank is fitted up with all the modern conveniences 
and improvements, including fire and burglar 
proof vaults and treasure chest, time locks, etc. 

Mr. iNIather was born in Livingston County, 
N. Y., October 30, 1840, and is a son of John C. 
and Betsey (Kellogg) Mather, who were born at 
Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and Hartford, Conn., re- 
spectively. Their marriage took place March 9, 
1831, when the groom was about twenty-four 
years old, he having been born April 9, 1807. To 
them were born nine children, seven of whom are 
living, namely: Mary, wife of Horace Armstrong, 
lives in Geneseo, N. Y. ; Eliza A., widow of Dennis 
Burnes, residing in the same city; Julia A., widow 
of O. W. T)Ay, her home being in Dansville, N. Y.; 
Amos R., a banker at Lake View, this State; Sarah, 
wife of Edward Hawle3', at South Avon, N. Y. ; 
Frances J., wife of A. H. Ayers of Howard City, 
this State; and Norman W., of whom these para- 
graphs treat. Tlie father died December 1, 1877, 
and the mother is living at Geneseo, N. Y. 

The school d.-ij-s of Norman Mather were passed 
at Lima, Rochester and Geneseo, N. Y., and at 
Rochester he took a commercial coui'se. He gave 




cc 



(2^CAyy^\JZi.(n^ 'jt<^oyh/ 



PORTRAIT AND BfOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



248 



his attention to farming until he was twent^'-nine 
years old and then entered a bank in tlie city tliat 
had been the scene of liis business training. Tlicnec 
he came to Micliigan, locating in Howard City in 
1872 and opening a private bank in February of 
the ensuing j-ear. He docs a general banking 
business in deposits, loans, collections and ex- 
change, and also carries on a real-estate and insur- 
ance trade and the sale of ocean sleanisliip tickets. 
The marriage of Mr. Mather and Miss Mai'y 
Swem was solemnized September 4, 1878. Tiie 
bride is a daughter of M. L. Swem, a farmer living 
at Coral but originally from Indiana. Mr. and 
Mrs. Mather are blessed with one son, Carl, a 
bright lad in whose future the3- find cause for glow- 
ing hopes. Mr. Mather is a member of the 
Masonic order and is a Trustee in the Jl.isonic 
Insurance Company of Grand Rapids. He is a 
Republican in politics. He has held some local 
odices, among them that of a member of the Town 
Council and Treasurer of the Vill.ige several terms, 
and to public duties brings the same business 
qualities that win success in his private ventures. 
He is highly regarded by his fellow-men and 
looked upon as one of the public-si)irited and pro- 
gressive citizens of tlie vicinilv. 



-^-*^ 



ON. HAMPTON RICH. The gentleman 
whose portrait appears on the opposite page 
is one of those whose knowledge of events 
in Ionia County extends back to pioneer 
limes and covers a period of more than half a cen- 
tury. He came here in 1837 when a young man, 
led to this locality by a previous acquaintance with 
Lawson S. Warner. For several decades he was 
prominently connected with the civic affairs of the 
vicinity and with its financial interests, together 
with all the enterprises which promise to furtiier 
the general good, such as schools, railroads, etc. 

Mr. Rich was born in Shorcham, Vt., December 
I, ISl."), and is one of the ten children comprising 
the family of Samuel and Mar^' (liailey) Ivicli. 
His parents were natives of the Green Mounljuh 



States, and his father was a carpenter and served 
in the War of 1812 under Gen. Wade Hampton, 
for whom he named his son. Four members of the 
parental family died in childhood and two only are 
now living; he of whom we write and Gustavus V., 
whose home is in Canton, N. Y. The others died 
in various parts of the country, one Christiana 
Cad well, in Ionia. Our subject was taken by 
his parents to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and 
thence to Prcscolt, Canada, where he was reared 
from the age of four 5'ear8. In .lune, 1837, he 
turned his footsteps toward this State and reached 
Ionia July 7. He became clerk in a general store 
kept by Parks & Warner and remained in the em- 
ploy of those gentlemen about three and a half 
years. 

In 1839 Mr. Rich became Township Clerk and 
in 1843-14 he was Deputy County Clerk and Sup- 
ervisor. He was then elected County Clerk, served 
two terms and afterward became clerk in the 
United States land oflice. In 1846 he entered 
upon his business career in connection with Kdward 
Stephenson, the Arm dealing in boots and shoes. A 
stock of clothing was soon added and finally the 
establishment was converted into one for the sale 
of general merchandise. The partnership was dis- 
solved in May, 18,)3, and Mr. Rich carried on the 
business alone two or three 3'ears, then took in as 
partners W. B. Arnold and A. C. Cadwell. The 
latter soon retired but Mr. Arnold remained in the 
firm until the business was closed out in 1875. 

In 1860, .against his earnest protestations Mr. 
Mr. Rich was elected to the State Senate and re- 
elected in 1868. He had taken an active part in 
preparing for the construction of the railroad from 
Ionia to Lansing, and as Senator he succeeded in 
securing the passage of an act authorizing its builil- 
ing. Upon the organization of the railroad com- 
pany' he became President and retained the position 
sever.al years, likewise discharging the duties of 
Treasurer. He was President when the road, which 
was organized as the Detroit & Lake Michigan, was 
built from Lansing to Greenville. He sold out his 
stock to the syndicate in 1871, when the roail be- 
caKC the Detroit, Lansing it Northern Railroad. 

For several years Mr. Rich was a member of the 
School Board and he served as President of that 



246 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



body for a considerable length of time. He adopted 
the plans for school buildings and personally 
superintended the construction of the High School, 
which is recognized .is one of the ornaments of the 
city and is beautifully located on the hill over- 
looking tlie valley. Gov. Bagley appointed him in 
1885 on the Commission to locale the State House 
of Correction and prepare plans therefor, and he 
succeeded in securing its location in Ionia. He was 
appointed on a new board to superintend the erec- 
tion of tlic buildings and seivc<l continuously until 
during the administration of Gov. Jerome, and 
after an interim of three ye.irs he was again given 
aplaceand is still a Commissioner. Mr. Rich has a 
decided talent for architectural designing and in 
addition to the buildings before mentioned he was 
designer of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
superintended Ihe erection of that edifice. He and 
his wife belong to this society and since 1840 Mr. 
Rich has been active in church work. In his early 
manhood he was a Democrat, but he was opposed 
to carrying slavery into the Territories or new 
States and the attitude of bis party led him to 
abandon it and give his allegiance to the Repub- 
lican parl3', since which he h.is been one of its 
stanch and prominent supporters in the State. 

The marriage of Mr. Rich and^Miss Jessie M. 
Stevenson was solemnized November 12, 1840, at 
the bride's home in Ionia. Her father, Jesse Stev- 
enson, who was born in England, subsequently 
removed to Montreal and afterward came to Ionia 
in 1836. He was a shoemaker by trade. Tbe mar- 
riage of our subject to Miss Stevenson was blessed 
by the birth of eight children, four of whom are 
now living, viz: Mrs, Emma M. Lowe and Mrs. 
Jenny A. Ilurd, in Chicago; Edward A. in Ionia, 
and Hattie B. under her father's roof. The mother 
of this family passed away July 14, 18G0. Mr. 
Rich w.as again married August 14, 1802, his bride 
on this occasion being Mrs. Charlotte Dygert, who 
was born in Utica, N. Y. To this union but one 
child has been born — Jessie, who died in infancy. 

The respect given to Mr. Rich by those who 
know him is that due to a man who has been active 
in promoting tlie industries and interests of the 
city from tbe time it was a vilLige of a few strag- 
gling houses with the land office as a nucleus. He 



has expended time, talent and money for the gen- 
eral good, and has set the example of one dili- 
gent in business, pronounced in religious convic- 
tions and upright in life. 



'JAMES JOURDAN, like many other promi- 

I nent farmers in Ionia County, came from 

I . J' 

one of the old farming families of Monroe 
' County, N. Y. His father, George Jourdan, 
a native of that county, was the captain of a com- 
pany of State militia. His mother, Eliza (Stotts) 
Jourdan, a native of New York, was from a famil}' 
of German descent. After their marriage they 
resided for a short time in New York then, in 1839, 
came to Michigan and settled in Ionia Township 
until they could build their own home on section 
13. He used to go to Pontiac with a grist, as this 
was their nearest mill. Upon this raw farm lie had 
difficulty in procuring sufficient feed for his cattle, 
and was obliged to cut down trees so that they 
might browse upon tbe branches. In addition to 
these the family' beds were robbed of their straw 
to help make a cud. 

Mr. Jourdan built a log house and cleared all his 
one hundred and sixty acres of timber land before 
beginning to erect his frame house and put up 
other improvements. Capt. Jourdan's wife died 
the same year in which they came to Michigan. 
His second marriage united him with Ann Lester, 
a native of Canada, who died fifteen years ago. 
During his later years he resided in Portland, 
where he died in 1878, at the age of sixty-two 
years. By his first marriage he had two children, 
our subject and Mrs. Elida L. Baldwin. By his 
second marriage he had eight children, seven of 
whom are now living. His third wife w.is Mrs. 
Jane Miller. They had no children; she still sur- 
vives him. Capt. .Tourdan and his first wife were 
members of the Methodist Church. 

James Jourdan came with his parents to Mich- 
igan when he was two years old, from his native 
home in Monroe County, N. Y., where he w.as born 
March 17, 1837. He attended school in one of the 
first log schoolbouses in this vicinity. Until his 



PORTRAIT AND UIOGRAPHICAL AL15UM. 



247 



majority he worked at home, and after that he was 
in the employ of John Probert, in Porlhind Town- 
ship, for six months, at 814 n. nionlii. In the spring 
of 1859 he visited New York State, but returned 
tiie same fall to Michigan. Taking a farm in I'ort- 
land Townsiiip, on shares for a year, he put in a 
crop of wiieat in the fall of 18G1, but wiliiin a 
short time his patriotic feelings got the better of 
his ambition as a farmer, and he left the wheat in 
the ground and September 5, enlisted in. Company 
U, Ninth Micliigan Infantry as a private, and join- 
ing ids regiment at Ft. Waj^ne went with them at 
once to West Point, Ky. After serving a year in 
the ranks he became a brig.ide teamster, and while 
thus engaged he drew supplies from .Stevenson to 
Chattanooga. He then went back to Ids camp, and 
again i)ecame teamster at Gen. G. II. Tlioinas' 
hejidquarters. He took part in the battle near 
McMinnville, Tenn., against Gen. Forrest's cav- 
alry, and was also in the battles of Stone Kiver and 
Chickaniauga. He served the three years for 
which lie had enlisted, and at one time suffered 
greatly from a broken collar bone. He receiveil 
his discharge at the expiration of his term of 
service, October 14, 18C4, .at Atlanta, Ga. He 
relurnetl to his father's home and went to work on 
the farm. 

,Iuly 21, 1866, our subject was united in marriage 
with Miss Lydia Price, of Ohio, and a daughter of 
the Uev. William and Anna ((ian.iga) Price. Mrs. 
Jourdan's mother was a native of Pennsylvania, 
and her father of Maryland. They had married 
in Ohio and resided there for awhile and then came 
to Michigan in 1860, wliei'c they settled for two 
years upon a rented farm in Ionia Township. 
Thence they went to Pewamo for one year, return- 
ing to Ionia where they lived for one year, and 
finally settled on section 11, Orange Township, on 
a farm of eight}' acres. Soon after Mrs. Price's 
death, in 1876, Mr. Price sold out and removed to 
Montcalm County and settled u[)(>n a farm there. 
His second marriage was with Miss Lucinda Frost, 
who still survives him. He died in October, 1888, 
aged seventy-three years. By his first marriage he 
liad eight children. His .second marriage w.as 
blessed with two cinldren. 

James Jourdan's wife was liorn March 28, 1845, 



in Wayne County, Ohio. She had received in 
Oliio a common-school education, which she im- 
proved to its full extent. Her parents were mem- 
bers of tiic United Hrethren Church, and for over 
twenty-five years her father had been a prominent 
minister in that denomination. He was also a 
strong Ilei)ubliean. 

After marriage our subject settled upon the farm 
he now occupies on section 13, Orange Township. 
It was all unbroken tiiore, no roads, no houses, no 
conveniences of any kind. He built a small frame 
house and cultivated his farm of twenty acres. He 
now has eighty acres, sixty of which are under the 
plow. He has cleared it all himself and in many 
ways lias aided his neighbors. In his early days of 
farming he had an ox-team, and had the proud 
distinction of being the only one among the neigh- 
bors who had this convenient though slow means 
of conveyance. Mr. and Mrs. Jourdan are tlie 
parents of five children: George L., who was born 
April 27, 1867, and is engaged in teaching; Flor- 
ence R. was born April 8, 186',); Chauncey I., 
March 25, 1873; Artie A., September 29, 1875; 
and Veda M., August 1, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. 
.lourdan have given to these children an excellent 
education. The eldest is a graduate of the Ionia 
High School, in the class of 1888. Mrs. Jourdan 
is a memlier of the United Brethren Church. Mr. 
.lourdan takes an interest in politics, is a member 
of the (Jrand Army of the Republic at Portland, 
also of the Royal Arcanum at the same town, and 
supports tiie Reiiublican ticket. He is a temperate 
man in all his liabils and stands well in the com- 
nnuiity. 



JUDSOX I'.IIKJGS. A prominent posi- 
*2ZLJi tion among the residents of Edmere, 
ii Montcalm County, and especially her 
dealers, is that held by Mr. Briggs who 
has been engaged in the sale of merchandise here 
longer than any other merchant. He handles dry- 
goods, clothing, boots and shoes, and furnishing 
goods and has been very successful in building up 
trade and catering to the needs of the citizens. His 



248 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



nbility nsa business man lias oft been flemonstratefl 
and his forethovight and care have been rewarded 
by gains that arc sufficient to give his family all 
the comforts that heart can wish and many of the 
luxuries of advanced civilization. Better than this 
Mr. Briggs commands the respect of his acquaint- 
ance? as .1 man of business integrity and irreproach- 
able private character. 

Before giving the chief incidents in the life of 
Mr. Briggs it will be well to speak of his parents, 
Noaj i and Sarah (Kenyon) Brigg^s. His father was 
born and reared on a farm in Rutland County, Vt., 
but learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner and 
worked at it in Genesee County, N. Y. In 1836 he 
came to this State bringing a wife and five chil- 
dren, and journeying through Canada with a one- 
horse wagon. He located in Allegan, then a village 
just beginning its existance, and engaged in con- 
tracting and building. He was the principal builder 
there six years, after which period he settled on a 
farm in Monterey Township, Allegan County. The 
country was so little developed that he had to make 
a road four miles to reach the Government tract he 
entered and on which he put up a log house. He 
worked at his trade and hired his farm labor done, 
and in process of time had a well cultivated farm 
of two hundred acres. In 1865 Mr. Briggs moved 
to Kalamazoo County and settled on a farm two 
miles from the county-seat, where his son H. C. 
was living. That son was a leading lawyer, and 
Prosecuting Attorney and Probate Judge, each 
eight years. Blr. Briggs was an active member of 
the Baptist Church and was Deacon for years prior 
to his death in 1874. He held the oflice of Justice 
of the Peace and Supervisor, being the first in the 
latter station in his township. Mrs. Briggs died in 
that township; she was born in Genesee County, 
N. Y. Their children were seven in number and 
all sons. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Monterey^ Township, Allegan County, this State, 
November 4, 1845, and lived on a farm there 
until he was nineteen years old. During his 
early life he conned his books in a log school- 
house with slab benches and a desk around the wall 
and learned how to do many things belonging to 
farm life, even when quite small having some part 



in the home work. He went to Kalamazoo with 
his father and making his home under the parental 
roof he studied in the Union School in the city 
until he was of age. He then became clerk for his 
brother in Allegan and sold dry-goods two years. 
The next employment of Mr. Briggs was as book- 
keeper for the grain and milling firiij of Merrill & 
McCorty, of ivalamazoo, with which he remained 
some three years. Returning to Allegan he next 
became book-keeper and assistant cashier in the 
First National Bank of that place, holding the po- 
sition two years. 

Mr. Briggs then entered upon a business career 
as a principal, engaging in the sale of general mer- 
chandise at Sand Lake, Kent County, including 
groceries and mill supplies. After a year he sold 
out and rented a mill at Allegan that he ran two 
years, at the ex|)iration of which period he con- 
cluded to resume the occupation of a merchant. In 
the fall of 1871) Mr. Briggs came to Edmore and 
established himself in l)usines3 and by his straight- 
forward and honorable dealings and careful con- 
sideration of the wants of the people soon built up 
a fine trade. lie has always a well-selected stock 
and occupies a central location, on which he built 
his store building, which is twenty-two feet wide 
and eighty deep. Besides this property he owns 
four acres on a hill, from which his residence com- 
mands a pleasing view. 

The marriage of Jlr. Briggs was solemnized in 
Brockport, N. Y., in 1873, his bride being Susie 
R. Fisk. This lady was born in Hamlin, Monroe 
County, N. Y., received a good education and other 
instruction which fitted her for the duties of life; 
she was a graduate of the St.ite Normal School. 
Mr. and Mrs. Briggs were the happy parents of six 
children — Louie A., Virgic M., Clayton R., BurrB. ; 
and Nathan F. and Glenn F., deceased. 

Mr. Briggs was Village Trustee eiglit years and 
is now Treasurer. For years he has been School 
Inspector and School Director and was a mem- 
ber of the Board when the new schoolhouse was 
finished. He was a member of the committee in 
whose hands w.as placed the putting in of the water 
works and he has also been connected with the fire 
department as Superintendent. Politically, he is 
a true-hearted Republican and has served as a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



249 



meniber of tbe County Ccnlral Commillee and a 

delegate to llie county and Stale conveutious. His 
religious faith led liim to become a member of the 
15:ii>tist Church, and he is now Trustee, Treasurer 
and Clerk, as well as Deacon of the organization in 
Edmore. lie was a member of the building commit- 
tee who had in charge the erection of the house of 
worship and he contributed liberally toward the 
building fund. He has been .Sunday-school Superin- 
tendent for years and is active in every work con- 
nected with the good of society. Ilis inlluence is 
felt throughout the entire community and his efforts 
are always expended on the side of elevation, moral 
and social. 



E WITT C. Hl'NTER. This worthy rep- 
resentative of one of the old families of 
Ionia Count}' is widely known throughout 
the Grand River Valley as a successful 
farmer and stookraiscr. He is located on section 
33, Keene Townslu'i), on land that has been his 
home since 185G. It was taken possession of by 
his father tiiat year, and the son grew to manhood 
here, gradually bearing a greater part in the farm 
work and eventually becoming thoroughl}' quali- 
fied to carry on the estate. He was born in Oak- 
land Count}', March '27, 1847, and his parents were 
William G. and Sarah (Porter) Hunter. The 
father was born in Orange County, N. Y., and was 
of Irish and English ancestry. He came to this 
State June 3, 1826, and made Oakland County his 
home until the fall of 185G, when he removed with 
his famil}' to the farm now owned by our subject, 
wiiere he lived until his de.ath which occurred 
March 25, 1886, in tlie seventy-fourth year of his 
life. He was a Democrat in politics and a Pres- 
byterian in religion. He was twice married, the 
children of his first wife being James I., deceased; 
Charles P., De Witt C, and Sarah, wife of II. A. 
Cutler, sheriff of Lake County. 

Our subject's mother was born in Ireland and 
came to this State when a small girl, Oakland 
County being her home from the time she came 
until her death. She died April G, 1849, being in 



her twenty-ninth year. With the exception of two 
years spent as a clerk in Lowell, De Witt C. Hunter 
has been engaged in farming since his boyhood. 
He received a common-school education, and since 
he became a man has kept himself well informed 
regarding subjects that are of general interest. He 
was married September 3, 1872, to Jennie Cheyne, 
daughter of Andrew and Agnes Chevne, and a 
native of Northern Michigan. Her father is ile- 
ceased and her mother is living in Ottawa County. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have one son. Earl, who was 
born August 11, 1873. 

The farm of Mr. Hunter consists of eiglity acres, 
every rod of which is made useful or beautiful by- 
careful cultivation or judicious management. He 
has had the opportunity of accepting the nomina- 
tions of Supervisor or Clerk on his ticket, a number 
of times but has always declined the honors. He is 
a Democrat in politics, but in local elections casts 
his vote for the man and not the party. He is a 
member of the Grange, and is found taking a part 
in various projects in which the neighborhoo'l is 
is interested. As an agriculturist he is progressive 
and intelligent, as a business man he is honest, and 
and as a citizen law-abiding. Among the leading 
families of Keene Township none are more worthy 
of a place in this Albu.m than the Hunters, who are 
respected members of society. Probably' no fam- 
ily in the State know more of the hardsliips of 
pioneer life than the}'. 

W EVI W. LOVELAND, a prominent farmer 
{I (® ^^ Ionia County and now a resident on sec- 
JLv^ Ijoii 10, Otisco Township, is a lifelong 
resident of the county. He was born here March 
25, 1863, and was educated in the public schools 
prior to his fourteenth year. He was then attend- 
ing the Ionia High School, but on account of the 
financial circumstances of the family he was obliged 
to abandon his studies and set about the work of 
life. His father had died six j-ears prior to this 
time. Upon leaving school the la<l entered the em- 
ploy of C. E. Rust, proprietor of the Rust Fruit 
Farm, and during the three years \a which he 



250 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



worked for that gentleman he lost but three days' 
time aud was never late but once. At home lie 
aiflcd his mother to raise garden truck, which she 
marketed, and within the three years a debt of 
$1,000, with interest at 10 per cent., had been paid 
off. 

After this purpose was accomplished young 
Loveland engaged in small fruit growing and gar- 
dening for himself, cultivating five and one-fourth 
acres for three years. lie was very successful in 
this work and was able to make some progress in 
the aecnmulation of funds. At the expiration of 
the period mentioned he located on the farm three- 
fourths of a mile from Belding, which is still his 
place of residence. He now has one hundred and 
twenty-one acres of good land, and has i>latted ten 
acres as an addition to the town. His property is 
well improved and his home abounds in creature 
comforts. 

The lady who is the presiding genius in the 
dwelling of Mr. Loveland became his wife Novem- 
ber 4, 1885, prior to which time she was known as 
Miss Eliza Horrigan. Her father, Michael Horrigan, 
was born in New York and was married in that 
State to Susan Clements, a native of England. 
Their family includes Mrs. Loveland; Henry J., a 
lawyer in Ionia; Laura E., a teacher in the same 
place; and Edgar A., who is still attending school. 
Mr. Horrigan has been Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Oil 
Inspector, and Justice of the Peace in Ionia County. 
He is now living in the county seat and is proprie- 
tor of a music store there. 

The parents of our subject were Levi and Betsey 
(Lamson) Loveland, who were born in the Empire 
State and resided in Ohio for some time. They 
removed from that State to this Svbout 1850, mak- 
ing their journey with an ox-team. The husband 
bought two hundred acres of land here. Mrs. 
Betsey Loveland belonged to the Methodist Church, 
They afterward both joined the Disciple Church, 
of which they were members at their decease. The 
husband was a Master Mason, enrolled in the Ionia 
lodge. The members of their family were Levi 
W., the subject of this notice; Carrilla, who now 
lives on a farm in Berlin Township; and Julia, 
deceased. The parents of our subject were born in 
Counecticut, removed to New York, thence to 



Huron County, Ohio and thence to Michigan, as 
stated above, where Grandfather Loveland died 
July 27, 1872. Mrs. Loveland subsequently came 
to Belding with our subject, and breathed her last 
here January 27, 1887. 

The office of Township Treasurer is now held by 
the subject of this biogr.aphical notice, and he has 
already served in that position one year, and was 
also re-elected for a second term with a large ma- 
jority. He belongs to Belding Lodge No. 68, 
I. O. O. F., and is also identified with the Inde- 
pendent Order of Foresters, in which he has been 
Recording Secretary. He is a believer in the prin- 
ciples laid down in the Democratic platform, and 
always deposits his vote in its interest. He is a 
young man of good judgment, general intelligence 
and honorable character, and as such is correspond- 
ingly esteemed. 



\ti^ ENRY FRACE. This gentleman is one of 
Ifjll the leading business men of Ionia Couotj', 
/^^^ the center of his mercantile pursuits being 
(^) Saranac. He has always been a close appli- 
cant to business aud has steadily climbed the ladder, 
never flagging in his efforts to obtain good results 
and reach a position where competence would be 
secured. He has been in the AVcst a quarter of a cen- 
tury ; during much of that time his home has been 
in Saranac. He has done much to build up the 
town and has shown a degree of public spirit and 
liberality in giving, that, commends him to the 
people. In the spring of 1889 he introduced into 
this State the Dutch Belted cattle, of which there 
but five hundred and twenty-seven registered ani- 
mals in the United States. The breed was first im- 
ported from Holland about fifty years ago, but only 
the above number have been kept pure blood. 

Mr. Frace was born in Northampton County, Pa., 
in August 1845. His parents, Peter and Mary 
(Messenger) Frace, were also born in the Keystone 
State and both were of German descent, the 
father died in 1859 and the mother followed hira 
to the tomb in 1863. They were members of the 
Dutch Reformed Church, Their children were but 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



251 



two — our subject, and Alice now the wife of D. G. 
llubn of Saranac. The father was a farmer and 
amid the associations of rural life our subject [)assed 
his early years. He first studied in the district 
schools and later attended the academy at Easton 
v¥hicli was not far from his home, and also tlie La- 
fayette College. In the latter institution he studied 
the lanj;uagcs and became quite conversant with 
several tongues. He made his home upon the farm 
until after the death of his mother, which took place 
when he was eighteen years old. 

Young Frace began his real work in life as assis- 
tant teacher in Easton (Pa.) Collegiate Institute, 
where he remained until June, 1865, and to which 
he returned after taking a thorough commercial 
course in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. In the si)ring of 
18GC he made a i)crmanent removal from his native 
State and took up his abode in Saranac. His first 
business here was clerking for J. J. Young, in whose 
employ he remained until August 1868, when he 
established himself in tlie clothing business. After 
carrying on the establishment three years he sold 
out and within a few months was located in Detroit, 
working for Allen Sheldon & Co. In Sei)tember, 
1873, he returned to Saranac and engaged in the 
dry-goods trade. The ensuing year he erected a 
brick store forty-five feet deep, and his trade 
increasing so that still more room was required for 
his stock, he built on thirty-five feet more in 1876. 

Mr. Frace carried a stock of general merchandise 
until 1880 when he formed a partnership with D. 
G. Huhu and in 1883 they bought another store 
and put in a stock of groceries. The two depart- 
ments were carried on separately- until 1886, when 
the firm bought the large two story brick building 
now occu|)ied bj' Mr. Frace. In this is now to be 
found as large and complete an assortment of goo<ls 
as in any store in the county. Mr. Frace was one 
of two men that put in the rolling-mill plant of 
Sarauac but he has dis[)oscd of his stock. 

In 1878 Mr. Frace i>ut up one of the finest resi- 
dences in the county, wherein he and his family cn- 
jo3' all the comforts and many luxuries of life. 
The lady who graciously receives visitors there is 
a native of Ionia County and bore the maiden name 
of Mary A. Shaw. She became the wife of Mr. 
Frace in August, 1870. To them there have come 



four sons, who have been named; Claude, Gny, 
Howard and Ray. Mr. Frace has always supported 
the principles of the Democratic party. He is a 
charter member of the Odd Fellows lodge in Saranac, 
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and als(> 
the Knights of Pythias. 

^ ^— -^^— ^— 

EV. A. J. COMDEN. a minister of the Gos- 
pel and an active farmer, resides in Doug- 
las Township, Montcalm County. He is 
British by both blood and birth, having 
opened his eyes on this world November 2, 1841, 
in Devonshire, England, within two miles of Tor- 
(juay. His parents were Thomas S. and Jane 
Tucker Comden. His brothers and sisters were 
Thomas S., Mary, Sarah, Maria and Eliza. They 
all lived in England until the subject of this sketch 
was about thirteen years old, when they removed to 
Canada and in 1855 settled on a farm which is now 
in the region known as the consolidated counties 
of Durham and Northumberland. 

This boy hud early been inured to hardsliip and 
severe labor, as he had worked out on wages ever 
since he was nine years old. He worked on the 
new farm in Canada until he reached his 24tli year 
when he struck out for himself and started in life 
in Oakland County, Mich. He went there in Oc- 
tober, 1868, and industriously and perseveringly 
labored in that county until 1880, when he removed 
to Montcalm County and settled in Douglas Tc>wn- 
ship. 

While still living in Canada Mr. Comden took 
to himself a wife, being in 1866 united for life to 
Sarah Widdess, whose birthplace was Cartwright, 
Canada. His children are as follows: Fliza J. born 
October 21, 1866; Lizzie S.,. January 16, 1868; 
Mary M., July 25, 1869; George F., May 1, 1872; 
Samuel J., 1874; Lillie A., November 11, 1879; 
Martha E., July 25, 1881; Charles T., July 23, 
1884 .and Fred A., April 23, 1887. 

This gentleman has pursued a double avocation, 
cultivating the land and being also engaged in the 
ministry of the Gospel. lie has been pastor of 
Langston Circuit, Ionia District, Michigan Con- 



252 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
wiiose ministry he has served for ten years. He 
talies an intense interest in nil educational matters 
and ap[)reciates the superior advantages which 
are now offered to the young. He tells how he 
acquired his own education. After workng hard 
all day he would sit up at night and study in the 
wee small hours. Mr. Comden has been Assessor 
of his district for nine years. He is an earnest 
worker in the Sunday-school and has organized a 
number of schools. His fine farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres attests his industry and enterprise. 



'jfjOHN W. FORTUNE. One of the hand- 
I somcst homes in the rural districts of Ionia 
County is that of the above-named gentle- 
(|^|#/ man, located on section 2, Ionia Township. 
The dwelling was erected in 1883 at a cost of 
12,500, and is a tasteful and convenient structure, 
whose furnishing accords with its design and con- 
struction. Attractive as the residence is, the most 
conspicuous building upon the land is a large barn, 
which is probably not excelled in the State. It 
was built in the most substantial way, and arranged 
to afford the utmost convenience to those who use 
it, and the best possible accommodations for stock 
and fodder. It was planned by Mr. Fortune him- 
self and built some live years since. 

Mr. Fortune is of Scotch blood in the i)aternal 
line and comes of a line of men who devoted 
themselves to farming. His grandfather, John 
Fortune, brought his family to America in 1818, 
and settling in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., did 
pioneer work there, lie lived to the venerable age 
of ninety years, for twenty-five of which he was 
obliged to go on crutches. In his family was a son 
George, who was born in Scotland in 1809, and 
after growing to manhood married Susan Wright, 
who was born in New York in 1808. This lady 
was the daughter of Timothy A. Wright, a native 
of the Empire State and a farmer by occupation, 
who died at a good old age. 

la 1836 George Fortune first came to Michigan. 



He took up a farm in North Plains Township, 
Ionia County, cleared twenty acres, and built a 
log shanty in which he lived two years. He then 
sold his claim, returned to New York, married .nnd 
remained there a number of years. In 1854 he 
returned to this State, bringing with him his family 
and setting up his home on section 3, Ionia Town- 
ship and county. He rented a farm four years, 
then changed to another rented tract, but on the 
latter he remained but a year. His next removal 
was to the farm now occupied by his son, our sub- 
ject, and here as on the others, he occupied a log 
house. He returned to section 3, and remained 
there until he came to make his home with his son 
sixteen years before his decease, wiiich occurred in 
1886. For manj' years be was a sufferer from in- 
flammatory rheumatism. The mother of our sub- 
ject died in 1869. 

The parental famil}- consisted of five children, 
John W. being the fourth in order of birth, who 
opened his eyes to the light in Orleans County, 
N. Y., November 9, 1847, and was a lad of seven 
years when he came West. Here he attended 
school in a frame house on section 3, which lias 
since burned down. When eighteen years old he 
began the battle of life empty-handed, and fiis 
first effort was to pay off a mortgage for his father. 
He worked by the month seven years, during which 
time he was prudent and economical, as well as 
industrious and faithful. He finally bargained for 
a farm, incurring an indebtedness of •J2,300. Tliis 
he paid off as fast as possible, and he now stands 
upon a firm financial basis, with a beautiful home 
and all the conveniences necessary to carry on suc- 
cessfully the work of general agriculture. He has 
fifty-six acres in the home place and eight3' in Ron- 
ald Township, one hundred and sixteen of the 
entire tract being under the plow. 

The efforts of Mr. Fortune have been ably sec- 
onded by his wife since their wedding day, Decem- 
ber 5, 1870. The marriage took place at the bride's 
home in the Empire State. She was born in Niag- 
ara County, February 23, 1848, bore the maiden 
name of Corlie Elvira Pike and is a daughter of 
P^mory E. and Sally Elvira (Wright) Pike. She 
received a good education, taking the higiier 
branches in an academy, and taught five terms in 




^^^a^t^L^-t^) 



y^ 7-i'i.aA: 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



255 



ber native State. Her parents were natives of 
Massachusetts and Vermont respectively', but were 
inarrie'l in New Yorlc, where they subsequently 
lived. Mr. Pike was a farmer and cooper; lie died 
in 1887 at the ripe age of eighty j'ears. Mrs. Pike 
also lived to be quite aged, dying in 1885 when 
seventy-nine years old. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Fortune seven children have 
been born, but two have been taken from them by 
death. The record of the living is as follows: 
Augustus Emerson, born April 9, 1873; Susan 
Elvira, September 30, 1875; Victor F., November 
28, 1880; George W., June 4, 1886; Sarah Adelaide, 
November 4, 1890. They are receiving excellent 
school privileges and the two eldest are making 
good progress in their studies at Ionia. These two 
belong to the Christian Church. 

As is indicated in his linancial progress, Mr. 
Fortune has been a hard-working man and one 
whose habits have been thrifty and careful. .Strong 
in body and mind, he has so conducted himself as 
to be able to give his family every comfort and 
many privileges, and take a part in whatever 
benevolent work will be for the good of the coui- 
munity. His habits are exemplary, his character 
honorable and his standing high. lie has alw.ays 
been interested in politics and is an unfailing sup- 
porter of the Ilcpublicaii party. 



ON. ALEXANDER F. BELL. It is alw.-iys 
a pleasure to note the incidents in the 
career of a man who has won that which is 
better than silver or gold — the honest ad- 
miration and esteem of all who know him, either 
personally or by reputation, and who, in his declin- 
ing years, can look back over a long life well 
spent. Such an one is the Hon. Mr. Bell, who 
stands as the Nestor of the bar of Ionia, and who, 
although his work at the bar is ended, gives mucli 
aid to the younger members of the legal profession, 
who go to him for sympathy or seek his counsel in 
intricate cases. He is living in retirement, as far 
as an active participation in business affairs is con- 



cerned, but his interest in his fellow-men is as deep 
as ever and his knowledge of affairs as extended. 

Mr. Bell traces his line.igc, both in the paternal 
and maternal lines to Scotland, from which coun- 
try his grandparents emigrated prior to the Revo- 
lution. Both families located in New York, and in 
the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys their families 
lived for many years. James Bell, father of our 
subject, became a farmer and operated the liome- 
stead that had been entered by Cirandfather Bell 
and which is still in the family. To him and his 
wife, formerly Anna Ferguson, eight children were 
born. Three are now living, Colin F. being a res- 
ident of McGregor, Iowa; John F. remaining on 
ihe homestead, and Alexander F. living at Ionia. 
The middle name of each of these gentlemen is Fer- 
guson, the mother's maiden name. Their father 
died in 1839 and their mother in 1826. 

In Saratoga County, N. Y., August 5, 1812, the 
subject of this biographical notice was born. He 
remained on the farm until he was nineteen years 
old, gaining some knowledge of practical studies 
and a good understanding of farming. He then 
entered Johnstown Academy where he remained a 
}-ear, after which he took his place in tiie Sopho- 
more class in Union College. After a year of 
study in that institution his health was so impaired 
that he gave up his studies, went South and became 
assistant teacher in Lownsboro Academj-, near 
Montgomery, Ala. A year later he returned to 
his native State and resumed his college course 
among the Juniors. He was graduated in the 
class of 1835, among his associates being a number 
of men who attained to eminence. 

Mr. ]5ell became assistant teacher in Lawrence- 
ville (N. J.) Academy, but retained the position 
only a year, after which he entered a law ollice in 
Canajoharie, N. Y. In 183G he came to this State 
and located for practice in Lj'ons, becoming a part- 
ner of Adam L. Roof. The partnership continued 
until 1840, when Mr. Bell came to Ionia and 
opened an oflite. Although he had been engaged 
in professional work he was not admitted to the 
bar until after his arrival here. He became known 
as one of the ablest lawyers of Michigan and was 
engaged in his full share of notable cases. The 
Hon. C. W. Whipple once said of him that he pos- 



256 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sessed one of the most logical minds in the State, 
and thai in the examination of legal questions and in 
the preparation of iiui)ortant cases for trial, he had 
few equals. Before a jury his talents were not con- 
spicuous, but in the discussion of a legal question 
before the court he performed his part with rare tact 
and signal abilit3', having a well-founded confidence 
in himself. Me is uncommonly familiar with the 
railroad legislation of the State and with tlie lead- 
ing English and American railroad cases, and few 
lawyers are liis peers in that branch. 

In 18-17 Mr. Bell was elected to the Legislature 
and among the law-makers of the Slate he was one 
of the most active and influential. He watched 
carefully over the interests of his constituency and 
accomplished much in theii behalf. To him be- 
longs the credit of accomplishing an object which 
seemed very foolish to the masses, that of the re- 
moval of the Capital from Detroit to Lansing. His 
proposal to locate the State House "in the woods" 
on a school section, was thought by some to be 
chimerical, wiiile others treated it a huge joke. 
Many have lived to see the wisdom of his policy 
vindicated. 

In 1851 Mr. Bell w.is candidate for Ciieuit 
Judge, but was defeated. Two years later he was 
appointed Registrar of the United States Land ollice 
at Ionia under President Pierce and retained the 
place four years. The same year he became As- 
sistant Attorney for the Detroit & Milwaukee 
Railroad of which he was also a Director prior to 
its transfer to Canadian control. In 1858 he was 
an unsuccessful candidate for Senator. lie was 
President of the Board of Ionia in 18G5-66. He 
has had consideral)le business at Washington, D. C. 
having been a member of the ''Third House," sent 
there in the interests of railroads. He was a pro- 
nounced, outspoken Douglas man in the exciting 
days before the Civil War, was a member of the 
Charleston Convention of 18G0 and also a delegate 
to the adjourned convention at Baltimore. He has 
been public-spirited in a broad sense, his interest 
including schools, churches and moral efforts, as 
well as railways, street improvements and public 
buildings. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. As a friend he is strong and reliable, and 
his disposition leads him to as sincere a dislike to 



his enemies. In the last Presiilential election he 
voted for President Harrison, being in favor of pro- 
tection. 

At the bride's home in Portland, this State, Sep- 
tember 12, 1839, Mr. Bell was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Boyer. Mrs. Bell was a lady of rare 
native talent and goodness of heart and had a 
strong social influence. She died in Ionia July 11, 
188G, at the age of sixty-three years. She had borne 
her husband seven children, two of whom died in 
infancy; Mrs. Ellen Yates in 1887, at Cleveland, 
Ohio, and James, March 21, 1891, at Petoskey. 
Mrs. Yates was the wife of Col. John B. Yates, 
who, with his regiment participated in Sherman's 
march to the sea. The surviving members of 
the family are Mary, the wife of James C. Jen- 
nings, who is connected with the State House 
of Correction; Annie, wife of Frank C. Sibley, 
Water Commissioner in Ionia; and Lizzie, wife of 
Seymour B. Gorham, a lumberman of Ionia. In 
connection with this biographical notice ap[)ears a 
lithographic portrait of the Hon. Mr. Bell. 



^^EOKGE A. 
Ill (— , which is ov 
■\^5J Saranac, lo 



^p^EOKGE A. PUTTS. The Saranac Local, 
)wned and edited by Mr. Potts, in 
[onia County, is enjoying a better 
patronage than is usual in towns of the size of that 
in which it is published. It has been brought to a 
prosperous outlook by good management in its 
business relations and the exercise of intellectual 
force and tact in its columns. Its pages are well 
supplied with such news of the day as are of general 
intei-est, its local items are carefully selected, and 
its utterances on the issues that are before the peo- 
ple are calm, deliberate and logical. 

The parents of our subject were John and Mary 
Potts, who emigrated from County Kent, England, 
where he had been born April 26, 184G. during his 
childhood. They settled in Lenawee County, this 
State, and proceeded in the attempt to gain a home, 
but before their hopes were realized they were 
drowned while crossing Devil's Lake on the ice, in 
.Tanuary, 1858. This sad event left their son, and 
a daughter but three years old, orphans in quite 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



257 



<iestitute circumstances. For a time the cliildrcn 
made their home wilii rchilives who were scarcely 
able to supiiort their own families, but eventually 
both succeeded in getting homes where tliej- were 
well fell and comfortably clothed. 

The history of the boyhood and early youth of 
Mr. Potts is not a pleasant one to contemplate, and 
we pass it b}-, onlj' remarking that the lessons he 
then learned enabled him belter to fight his own 
way than if ho had been reared in luxury. His 
education was mainly obtained in the district 
school and during the winter months, but for a 
couple of terms he was a student in Oak Grove 
Academy, at Medina. In September, 1863, when 
but seventeen years old he enlisted, going to the 
front as a member of Company M, First Michigan 
Engineers and Mechanics. He served faithfully 
and elliciently until the war was over, and was dis- 
charged at .lackson, October 1, 1865. 

Mr. Potts took up farm work after the war, work- 
ing by the month in the summer and attending 
or teaching school during the winters until 1870, 
when he bought a farm in Medina Township, 
Lenawee County. In March of that year he was 
married to Miss Ellen A. Negus, of that township, 
who aided and sympathized with him during a few 
years and w.as then called hence, leaving him with 
one daughter, Mary M., who is still living. In 
May, 1876, he contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance, wedding Miss Cele8tiaCorporon,of Grand 
Ra[)idg, by whom he has one daughter, Edith M. 

Mr. Potts occupied his farm until the fall of 
1874 when, having obtained a situation with the 
Hudson Post he moved into the town. It was 
during his residence in Hudson that he suffered the 
loss of his first wife, antl sometime later secured 
the companionship of another estimable lady. In 
1877 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff for Lenawee 
Count}-, and discharged the duties of that ollice 
without neglecting those connected with the news- 
pajjcr. In 1881 he removed to a new farm in Hop- 
kins Township, Allegan County. However mucli 
romance there may be in clearing up an undevel- 
oped tract, it was not appreciated b}' Mr. Potts, 
and in the fall of the same year he acceijtcd 
a situation as the traveling salesman for A. D. 
Plumb, of Grand Rapids. This work involved 



long journeys and necessitated prolonged absences 
from home, and was therefore abandoned by Mr. 
Potts when, in July, 1883, he found himself able 
to purchase the Saranac Local. The paper had but 
a limited circulation, but the new proprietor 
thought he saw the promise of better times for the 
sheet, and the passing years have proved the cor- 
rectness of his belief. 



AMU EL LO(.)MIS. Throughout Ionia 
County are to be seen the homes of men 
who have done much hard work here and 
are rewarded by gathering about them 
more and more of the comforts of life and the 
evidences of prosperity. One who is a factor in the 
financial growth of Ronald Township is Mr. Loomis, 
whose pleasant home is on section 29. He was 
born in New York, near the town of Auburn, July 
15, 1824, and was but a boy when he came to this 
State with his parents, Ezra and Sally (Kennedy) 
Loomis. They settled in Macomb County, and 
there they p.issed t!ie remnant of their days. They 
had seven children, but two only are now living 
— Daniel, the first-born, and Samuel, the fourth. 

The first school privileges of Samuel Loomis 
were enjoyed iu his native county, and he con- 
tinued his studies in this State, spending the inter- 
vals of school life in aiding his father on the farm. 
He was eighteen years old when his father died 
and he then started out in the world by working 
on a farm at |10 per month. He continued the 
work until his marriage, then located in Orleans 
Township, Ionia County, and afterward bought a 
farm there. In 1865 he sold the property and 
bought forty acres where he now lives. There 
was nothing on the tract but a lude log cabin, and 
Mr. Loomis cleared and improved it. As he was 
prospered in his undertakings, he added to his 
landed estate, and he now has one hundred and 
twent}' acres all under fence and nearly all under 
tillage. Mr. Loomis keeps good stock and has a 
flock of fift^'-three sheep. 

The wife of Mr. Loomis was known in her 
maidenhood as Miss Barbara Robinson. She was 



258 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



born in Scotland and resided there until she was 
twenty years old, when she came to America with 
her parents. In 1861 she became the wife of our 
subject, and she has given him the closest sym- 
pathy in every worthy efifort he has made, either 
to build up their own fortune, aid others to a 
nobler life, or become better informed regarding 
wliat is going on in tiie world. 

Both husband and wife belong to the Christian 
Church and work earnestly for the advancement 
of the cause of Christianity. Mr. Loomis always 
deposits a Republican ticket on election day. He 
was at one time a mcmljer of the Grange and his 
wife is still a member of the same. Toward his 
neighbors and associates he manifests a cordial, 
kindly spirit, and in t!ie prosecution of the work 
to which he has devoted himself he is painstaking 
and persevering. He is regarded with respect by 
all to whom he is known and his estimable wife 
shares in the esteem of their acquaintances. 



• « • S^ 



^^ 



^,,'UGU.STUS W. MAYNARD, one of the 
%M oldest residents of Eureka Township, 
(ft Montcalm County, Mich., living on sec- 
tion 14, was born in Washington County, 
N. Y., ISIay 3, 1822. His father was Xurey iind 
his grandfather, Elisha Maynard. The father, who 
was a member of the Congregational Church and a 
Whig in politics, married Polly Townsend. They 
both died in early life, leaving two young chil- 
dren, Augustus W. and Sallie. The mother died 
when our subject was but three years old and 
after a few years the father who had married a 
second time was also called away. The boy lived 
with his step-mother until he arrived at his ma- 
jority. In the winter of 1844 he started West. 

The first Western home of this young man was 
in Jackson, Mich. He worked there for two sum- 
mers and in the winter of 1845 he walked from 
Marshall to Montcalm County, having come as far 
as that town on the Michigan Central Railroad, 
Marshall being then the terminus of that road. 
He bought two hundred acres of land here. He was 
one of the first settlers, and having no family then 



to share and lighten his burdens he had rather a 
dismal and hard time of it for the first few years. 
His first shelter was made by standing up rough 
slabs around a big oak tree, thus forming a very 
durable wigwam, under which he cooked and slept. 
Soon after his coming to this place he made a jour- 
ney on foot to Napoleon, Jackson and Battle 
Creek to obtain farm implements and there pur-' 
chased a yoke of oxen, a wagon and other com- 
modities, having to pick his way through the 
woods and ford the rivers and creeks to get back. 
His market was at Grand Rapids, thirty miles away, 
and thither he and his ox-team must wend their 
way when in need of provisions. He built himself 
a log house on his present farm near where the city 
of Greenville, with its four thousand inhabitants, 
now stands. Here he kept bachelor's hall for over 
a year. Two or three rude cabins and one sawmill 
formed the village. His fortune with which to 
bu}^ his land and support himself was |!400. 

Indians were plentiful in that region and the}' 
frequently came to the lone cabin of Mr. Maynard 
to beg. He was usually generous to them but on 
one occasion he refused what an insolent Indian 
asked for and shut the door in his face. The Indian 
picked up a stone and shaking it at him made dire 
threats of vengeance. Our young settler walked 
boldly out and taking the savage by the throat 
led him a short distance from the cabin and told 
him never to come there again. The cowed Indian 
obeyed him. 

Our subject now has one hundred and thirty 
acres of fine arable and highly cultivated land. He 
has been a hard worker and has cleared and im- 
proved it nearly all himself. He built his main 
barn in 1848 and his present large frame residence 
in 1883. His marriage in 1847 to Fidelia A. Wil- 
son was an event of importance in his life and was 
the beginning of a very happy married life. This 
lovely and amiable woman died in 1873. She 
was the mother of nine children, five of whom are 
now living, namely George, Joseph, Mary, Betsey, 
and Sarah. The Congregational Church was the 
religious home of this family. Mr. Maynard was 
a strong Abolitionist in the days before the war and 
is a member of the Republican party. He lias 
served as Treasurer of Eureka Township, and is a 



BOETBAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL ALBUM. 



'iJM 




man that is universally liked and possessei unusual 
intelligence. He deserves great credit for the for- 
titude with whieii he endured llic hardships of pio- 
neer life and the aid he has given in the deveh)p- 
inent of the county. Our subject and his family 
are now uienihers of the Seventh D.ay Advcntist 
Church, located in Greenville. 



AMUEL .STOWELL. It aflfords the pub- 
lishers of this Ai.nuM pleasure to be able to 
present to its readers the principal facts in 
the life of the gentleman above-named, who 
is a prominent and influential citizen of loni.i 
County and is closely connected with the progress 
of Easton Township. He is one of those old sol- 
(liers whom all true jiatriots delight to honor, and 
his record while in the army of his country proved 
him to be possessed of intense loyalty and moral 
and physical courage. He is a descendant of the 
old Revolutionary stock and it is not strange that 
he made a good record, adding to the lustre of the 
name that had been borne bj' heroic ancestors 
during the long struggle for independence. As a 
citizen Mr. Stowell has been upright and enterpris- 
ing, thus adding to the respect which was felt for 
him on account of his military record. 

In Seneca County, N. Y., September 12, 1840, he 
of whom we write was born. His parents were 
Samuel and Anne (Goff) Stowell, the former of 
whom was the representative of an old Vermont 
family, (irandfather Stowell fought in the Revo- 
lution and our subject now has in his possession the 
gun carried bj- that patriot. It was origin.ally a 
flint-lock rifle, was of the old Queen Anne pattern 
and carried an ounce ball. The stock was broken 
off and the barrel alone remains, carefully pre- 
served as a relic and heirloom. The father of our 
subject died when be was but three years old and 
under his mother's care he grew to the age of ten 
years. He then went to live with a brother Ira, 
with whom he came to this .State in IS.OG, their 
home being made in Woodland Township, Barry 
County, where the brother still resides. 

Samuel Stowell received a common-school edu- 



cation in New York and Michigan, and learned 
lessons of life that are not to be acquired in the 
school room. He enlisted August 26, 1861, in 
Conii)any R, Eighth Michigan Infantry, and be- 
came an integral part of the Ninth Army Cori)s. 
His fust general commander was Thomas AV. Sher- 
man, of Mexican Hatter}' notoriety, under whose 
leadership the command sailed from Annapo- 
lis, Md., to Hilton Head, S. C, in November. 
Thence the bo3's returned to Virginia to serve 
under Burnside in the corps before mentioned. Mr. 
.Stowell took part in the capture of Fts. Walker 
and Beauregard at Hilton Head and fought at Co- 
saw River and James Island. At the last-named 
point over half the regiment was lost in one charge. 
The next heavy engagement in which he took part 
was the battle of Ft. Pulaski, Ga., and following 
this was a reconnoissance on Wilmington Island 
near Savannah. After these engagements in the 
South Mr. Stowell participated in the disastrous 
battles which fell to the lot of General Rope's com- 
mand, incluiling the last Bull Run and Chantilly, 
in the latter of which Gens. Stevens and Kearney 
lost their lives. The regiment was re-organized 
and participated in the battles of South Rlountain 
and Antietam under the leadership of Gen. McC'lel- 
lan. In May, 1863, Mr. Stowell was discharged 
for disabilit}' and returned to his former home to 
resume the arts of peace. 

The marriage of Mr. Stowell and Miss Melissa 
Jordan was solemnized at the bride's home in Wood- 
land Township, Barry Countj', September 21, 1865. 
Mrs. Stowell was born there and is a daughter of 
Orrin and Cynthia (Lee) Jordan, who are among 
the oldest settlers in that vicinity, having lived 
there over half a century. Her father is now 
eighty-five years old. Besides I^Irs. Stowell the 
surviving members of the Jordan family arc Mai-y, 
wife of Thomas Taylor, of Easton Township; Cyn- 
thia, who married Frank Roberts, of Barry County; 
Orrin, William, Willard and Dayton, who are living 
in Barry County. Mr. and Mrs. Stowell are the 
hai)py parents of four living children — AVilliam, 
Samuel B., Alanson and Anne — and mourn the loss 
of one child. 

Mr. Stowell took possession of his present home 
in the fall of 1872. At that time there were twenty 



Z60 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



acres of partially improved land on the farm and 
an old bouse. There are now one hundred and 
eighteen acres under thorough cultivation, with 
large numbers of apple, pear, plum and cherr}' 
trees and many stands of grapes. Mr. Stowell 
takes much interest in fruit culture and succeeds 
as those who love tiieir work generally do. He is 
a self-made man, financially speaking, and since his 
marriage has been given valuable assistance by his 
wife, who is economical without being parsimoni- 
ous, and manifests good judgment in the control 
of affairs that come under her supervision. 

Mr. Stowell has been Clerk of Easton Township 
one terra and filled a similar odice in Woodland 
Townsiiip, Barry County, two terms. He was 
Deputy AV^arden at the Ionia House of Correction 
two j"ears. In Januar}', 1891, he was appointed 
State Land Examiner, his chief duty being to pre- 
vent trespass on State Lands. He was appointed by 
Gen. George T. Siiaffer, Commissioner of the Land 
Office and the appointment was approved by Gov. 
Winans. Mr. Stowell is a member of AVilliam H. 
Borden Post, G. A. R., at Ionia, and also belongs 
to the Masonic fraternity and the Patrons of In- 
dustry. He is unusually public spirited and enter- 
prising, is well-informed on political and social 
topics, and is an hospitable and courteous gentle- 
man. Having read extensively and having a re- 
tentive memory, he proves an entertaining com- 
panion, and his fine character entitles him to the 
esteem of all who know him. 



ORREN STEBBINS was one of those highly- 
respected men whose loss is felt throughout 
an entire community, causing a feeling of 
deep regret when the news of their decease reaches 
the people. He was for some years a resident of 
Scbewa Township, Ionia County, and by reason of 
his industrious habits, business honor and public 
spirit, had become one of the inQuential citizens of 
this section. He was born in the Empire State in 
1824, and was seven years old when his parents, 
Roswell and Maria Stebbins, removed to Huron 



County, Ohio. He gained a fair education in his 
youth and was ever a great reader, thus extending 
his knowledge into fields before untrodden and 
better fitting himself for man's duties. 

Mr. Stebbins was first married to Sophia Taylor, 
daughter of George and Julia Taylor, and a native 
of Pennsylvania, allhougli at the time of her mar- 
riage a resident of Huron County, Ohio. The 
union resulted in the birth of tliree children — 
Ellen, who died in childhood ; Addie M., wife of 
Alexander Morgan; and Locey J., who died when 
two years old. The second marriage of Mr. Steb- 
bins was solemnized August 30, 1868, at the resi- 
dence of the bride's sister, Mrs. Melissa C. Wor- 
den, in Charlotte, Eaton County. The bride on 
this occasion was Mary Jane Probasco, daughter of 
Jacob and Mary (Shay) Probasco. She was born 
in Sherman, Huron County, Ohio, July 22, 1833, 
and was for a time engaged in teaching. 

The parents of Mrs. Mary J. Stebbins were na- 
tives of New Jersey whence they removed to the 
Buckeye .State when Huron County was very new. 
Mr. Probasco was a blacksmith and a farmer, work- 
ing at the forge while keeping his farm running. 
He bought a goodly tract of land on which was an 
orchard that had been planted by the Indian occu- 
pants of the country. Thinly settled as the coun- 
try was the schools were quite good and the family 
obtained practical educations. Mrs. Stebbins, who 
is next to the youngest in a band numbering 
eleven, not only became well informed in book 
knowledge, but skilled in domestic arts as well. A 
brother and sister became teachers, and a brother, 
Uzel II., was admitted to the bar at Columbus, but 
is latterly' numbered among the successful farmers 
near Vernon, Tex. Another brother, George, was 
attending school at Republic, Ohio, when the Mex- 
ican War began, and entering the service, died at 
Matamoras, Mexico, and is buried there. Mr. Pro- 
basco was a musician in the War of 1812. He died 
in Ohio when forty-seven years old. His widow 
survived a number of years and died at the home 
of her daughter, Mrs. Stebbins, May 29, 1879. 

Mr. Stebbens was an excellent business man and 
left his family well provided for, among his pos- 
sessions being the improved farm on whicli his 
widow still resides. He was of cheerful disposition, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AL15UM. 



a lover of bis borne and cordial in bis associations 
with neighbors find acquaintances. He belonged 
to the Masonic Lodge in Portland, being a Master 
Mason, and his funeral was conducted by iiis breth- 
ren, with tlie iinjiressivc and beautiful ceremony 
which contains so much that is comforting to the 
bereaved. The date of the removal of Mr. Stel)- 
bins from scenes of time and sense was September 
10, 1885. 

iHOMAS DANIELS. A traveler in Ionia 
County will see many attractive farms 
^p^ wbore the indications of prosperity and 
home comfort are numerous, and will be led to 
believe that the owners are men of enterprise and 
good judgment. On section 29, Keene Township, 
is such a farm, consisting of one hundred and 
eighteen acres of land tliat even to one unac- 
quainted with farm life will be seen to be well 
cultivated and intelligently ordered. This prop- 
erly belongs to Thomas Daniels, who is one of the 
prominent citizens of the vicinity, and has a wide 
acquaintance in the county. He was for some time 
engaged iu mercantile pursuits in the town of 
Lowell, but in 1865 took possession of a tract of 
partially improved land, on which he has since 
lived, carrying on his occupation with zeal and 
marked success. 

The parents of our subject were George and 
Ann (Twiddle) Daniels, of Yorkshire, England, 
where the son was born February 21, 1824. He is 
the oldest of the surviving members of a family 
that comprised eleven sons and daughters, the 
others now living being Ann, wife of Daniel Gal- 
latin; Henry and Robert. In 1831 tlie family 
crossed the Atlantic on the sailing-vessel "May 
Day," being five weeks and one day from Hull to 
New York. They then came direct to Wayne 
County, this State, which was their home seven 
years, after which they removed to Jackson County. 
Our subject received a common-school education 
in the district in whi<-li bis home was, and has 
added to the knowledge there obtained by care- 
ful reading an<l acute observation. He carried on 
bis work in another part of the State until 1855, 



when he established himself in Lowell for a de- 
cade, and then became one of the farmers of 
Keene Township. 

At the bride's home in Lenawee Count}', Feb- 
ruary 6, 1850, Mr. Daniels was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Lewin. This lady was born in Roches- 
ter, N. Y., and her i)arcnts, Thomas and Ellen 
Lewin, were natives of the Isle of Man. Mr. and 
Mrs. Daniel are the happy parents of three living 
children — Charles, Nellie and Frank, and mourn 
the loss of their first-born, Adelbert. Their daugh- 
ter is now ha[)pily married, being the wife of J. 
Mark Brown. Charles L. took for his bride Jennie 
Joseph, of Boston Township. He is general man- 
ager for E. F. Daniels & Co., coal dealers of Chi- 
cago. Mrs. Daniels is an hospitable, kind-hearted 
woman, and her beautiful home gives evidence of 
her refined taste and housewifely skill. She greatly 
enjo3S dispensing good cheer to those who enter 
her doors and heartily seconds her husband's in- 
vitations to their friends and acquaintance, who 
frequently visit them. 

In his political beliefs Mr. Daniels is a firm Re- 
pidilican. He and his wife find their religious 
home in the Methodist Episcoprd Church. Mr. 
Daniels is identilied with Lowell Lodge, No. 90, 
F. & A. M., and is one of its charter members. 
He served several j-ears as Master of the lodge. 
He has been Supervisor and for seven years was 
Townsiiip Clerk; he is now serving his third term 
as Justice of the Peace. His continuance in office 
proves his sturdy and stable characteristics. He is 
liberal, public-spirited, well-informed and courte- 
ous, and has a deservedly higli standing among 
the citizens. 



ILLIAM J. PERCIVAL. one of the five 
surviving sons of Jaboz C. and Polly 
(Brooks) Percival, joineil in celebrating a 
notable event and one somewhat rare in the Western 
country, the golden wedding of his parents. This 
interesting and deligiitful event took place Decem- 
ber 1, 1890. Our subject was born in Portville, 
Cattaraugus County, N. Y., April 9, 1857. The 



iiti 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



parents were both natives of the Empire State, the 
father being of Englisli descent and the mother of 
German lineage. The father is a carpenter by trade 
and has carried on this worlt all his life and still 
busies himself with it at Palo, Ionia County. His 
first emigration from his native State was in 1857, 
wlien he removed to Newtown, Forrest County, 
Pa., and resided there about eleven years; here ho 
operated a sawmill. In 1868 he made his final re- 
moval to Palo. 

Mr. Percival's political convictions are with the 
Republican party and he has always supported 
with his vote the principles and candidates of 
tiiat party. His first b.allot was cast in 1840 for 
William Henry Harrison and he had the ple.asure 
of voting in 1888 for the grandson of that illustri- 
ous man. He has held a number of township offices. 
Both he and his worthy wife are consistent and 
honored members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and they have brought up their sons to be 
enterprising and prosperous business men. The 
five sons are: James C, of Stanton, Mich., cash- 
ier of tlie Montcalm County Savings Bank; Fred- 
erick C, life insurance agent in New York City; 
George A., a banker at Ogden, Utah; Edward B., 
a book-keeper at Grand A^alley, and William J. 

The subject of this sketch was an emigrant at a 
very early age, removing to Pennsylvania with his 
parents when only one montli old. Here he re- 
ceived his first schooling and when eleven years 
old came with his parents to Palo; he continued in 
school and in the attendance upon home duties un- 
til he was fifteen years of age. He then began 
clerking in a store and for about eighteen months 
attended faithfully to the duties of that vocation. 
He decided to go West, and at Central City, Neb., 
became the assistant Postmaster. He remained 
there about eighteen months and returned home 
believing that he could do belter in business where 
he was best known. 

At the old home this young man now went into 
business, which was a store and bank combined. 
In 1883 he was engaged to act as book-keeper in 
the First National Bank at Stanton. This place he 
filled so acceptably that in May, 1888, his services 
were in requisition to fill the place of cashier in the 
Lake Odessa Savings Bank. Mr. Percival has 



proved himself a man of good business ability and 
of sterling integrity. His fine qualities have led 
his fellow-citizens to place him in positions of trust. 
During 1890 he was President of the village of 
Lake Odessa and is now a member of the Board of 
Trustees. His political preferences and vote are 
with the Republican party. His marriage with 
Corintha Pattison, May 13, 1885, has been a happy 
one, and has been blessed with two children. lie 
and his wife are both active and consistent mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are 
active in all good works, especially in the Sunday- 
school, of which Mr. Percival is the efficient Su- 
perintendent. 



1 



^^^ 






<ji^EWTON A. PORTER, Sheriff of Montcalm 
I )// County, was born in Stockbridge, Madison 
jl>M> County, N. Y., September 6, 1845. His 
parents, Samuel and Jerusha (Brewer) Porter, were 
also born in the Empire State. The mother died in 
New York State, the father came to Michigan a 
number of j'ears ago and makes his home with his 
children. The son had but fair educational advan- 
tages, but managed by close study and careful ap- 
plication whenever opportunity offered, to get a 
g-ood education. In 18G6 he began his personal 
career as a farmer following the line of life in 
which his father had walked and making of it a 
success. 

That year Mr. Porter located in Maple Valie}- 
Township, Montcalm Count}', on section 20, and 
during his long residence there was honored by the 
various offices that were in the gift of the people 
of the township. In 1888 he was elected Sheriff 
and proved so efficient that in 1890 he was re-nom- 
inated by acclamation in the Republican county 
convention. Notwithstanding the fact that all the 
opposition of three combined tickets were centered 
on him he was again elected. In the course of his 
official career he has had charge of many noted 
criminals and it has come to be understood that he 
is one of the safest officers in the State. The at- 
torney's prisoners as well as the people generallj-, 
understand that with Sheriff Porter duty is above 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



265 



all else, anil whatever he is called upon to do will 
be carried out if it is within the hounds of possi- 
bility. 

November 20, 1865," Mr. Torter was married to 
Miss Nancy Green, the ceremony taking place in 
Stockbridge, N. Y. The marriage was blest by the 
birth of a son, Francis N., and a daughter, Ida II. 
The son is married and has one child and his home 
is in Montcalm County. The daughter is unmar- 
ried and is still living under her father's roof. The 
wife and mother departed this life June 1, 188G, 
and in 1888 Mr. Porter made a .second marriage, 
wedding Miss Inez Wiseman. 

As has been indicated in mention of his nomina- 
tion to ollice, Mr. Porter is a Uc[)ublican and we 
may add that he is a stalwart indee<l. He is of a 
social oiicn-hearted nature, kintl in the various re- 
lations of life, and enterprising and straightforward 
in liusiness. He belongs to the Ancient Order of 
I 'niled Workmen and the Knights of the Macca- 
bee.s. 



ON. EDWIN R. WILLIAMS. An hon- 
orable position among the nien to whose 
efforts Ionia County is indebted for its 
present high state of material development 
is held by Mr. Williams, whose jjortiait is presented 
on the opposite page. One of the large landowners 
of the count\-, he maj- well be taken as the re|)re- 
sentative of the best agricultural clement in Orange 
Township. The present condition of his farm, 
to which he moved in 1880, attests to his ability 
as a financier and his judgment regarding farm 
life. As a citizen he is worthy of the trust and 
(^oMliilence that he has inspircil by iiis honoralile 
career as a farmer and in every other respect. Not 
only is he a man of note in his own community, 
but he ranks among the most intlnential residents 
of the county. Ilis success as a farmer has been 
unusual, but he has not limited himself to one lino 
of effort. He has engaged in large trans.ictions in 
various directions, and is well known as a business 
man of ability and integrity, and as a capable leg- 
islator'who has nccomi>lished much for the interests 
of his county. 



.lohn A. Williams, father of our subject, was 
born in 1779 in West Bloomfield Township, On- 
tario County, N. Y. He was a son of Job Williams, 
of Welsh descent, and a soldier in the War of 1812. 
A brother of Job Williams was killed at the battle 
of Lundy's Lane. The mother of our subject bore 
the maiden name of Patience Jenks, and was born 
in Oneida County, N. Y. The Jenks family were 
early pioneers of that county, having come there 
from \'ermont. They afterwards removed to Oak- 
land County, Mich., in the Territorial d.aj-s. They 
were of substantial New England stock, and Mr. 
Jenks was a very prominent Mason in Oakland 
County at the time of the Morgan troubles. 

John A. Williams came to Michigan about 182G 
and after his marriage removed to Ashtabula 
Count}', Ohio, settling on an unbroken farm. Four 
years later he sold and returned to this State, mak- 
ing his home upon another new farm in AVest 
Ijloomfiehl, Oakland County. In 185G he sold this 
farm, then well improved and came to North Plains 
Township, Ionia County. He lost his wife in 18G7, 
and he departed this life in 1879. Of their four 
children two survive them: John ()., who lives in 
North Plains Township, and our subject. The 
mother of our subject was a member of the Chris- 
tian Church and the father was a Spiritualist. His 
political preferences were with the Democratic 
party. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, 
first saw the light in Oakland County, Seiitcmber 
20, 183G. After l.aking what schooling could be 
procured in the district he went to Ypsilanti and 
graduated at the State Normal School. At twenty 
years of age he began life for himself, having 
taught school for nearly four years already. For a 
lime he ft>llowcd the profession of a teacher, but 
his desire to own a good farm led him to take land 
in North I'Uins Township, on section IG. Here he 
took possession of two hundred and seventy acres 
of well-limbered land. He cleared and fenced 
this and altogether he has cleared four himdred 
acres. He |)ut good buildings upon his farm and 
had a ?G,000 house which he lost bj' fire. He then 
bouglit and iir.proved a place on section 5, the same 
township, where William Bamborough now lives. 

Mr. Williams spent one 3-ear in California, and 



266 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



during the following winter made a tour of the 
South, spending some time in Florida. The next 
fall he went again to California where he remained 
until October, 1889. He was a contractor and 
builder in Los Angeles and erected for himself a 
splendid home there. He now owns two hundred 
and forty acres, all under cultivation. Tlie spirit 
of the flames has seemed to follow him, as he has 
lost by fire three beautiful homes; one was in Ionia, 
and on October 13, 1889, his *3,6C0 residence on 
the farm was burned, which he has rebuilt at a 
cost of *2,.500. He was engaged in shipping cattle 
to tiie Eastern States and was for two years a gen- 
eral agent for the sale of agricultural implements 
in Wisconsin and Western Michigan. 

Mr. Williams' marriage in 18C0 united him with 
Jennie Curtis, a daughter of AVilliam Curtis, for 
merly of Niagara County, N. Y., and now a prom- 
inent farmer in Winnebago County, Wis. Mrs. 
Williams was born in 1835 and was a professional 
school teacher, very successful in her calling. She 
died in May, 1870, leaving four children: Ella, 
wife of William Bamborough, living in North 
Plains and the mother of three children; Minnie, 
wife of George Dysinger of Ionia, and the mother 
of three children; Flora, Mrs. Arthur J. White, of 
Orange Township, has two children; Fred S., liv- 
ing in Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County, Cal. 
The mother of these children was an earnest and 
conscientious member of the Baptist Church. 

Our subject's second marriage was with Laura 
L. Higbee, a daughter of Benjamin and Laura 
(Goodwin) Higbee, pioneer farmers of Orleans 
Township, of which this daughter was a native. 
She w.as born in 1849 and having graduated at the 
Ionia High School became a successful teacher. She 
is the mother of four children: Grace A., Frank 
E., Earl R., and Ray C; the two eldest are attend- 
ing school at Ionia. 

Mr. Williams has been connected with the Chris- 
tian Church, but is now an advocate of liberal 
church doctrine. His wife is an efficient member 
of the Baptist Church. Our subject is an active 
member of the Blue Lodge, Masonic order; of the 
Grange, where he has been Master in both subor- 
dinate and county; of the Patrons of Industry, in 
which he has been President. He was Director in 



the School Board for twenty-eight years and has 
been Clerk of his township ever since he lived 
here. He is wide-awake on all political questions, 
having been successively a Democrat, a Green- 
backer and an Independent. He was a Repre- 
sentative from the Western district of Ionia County 
to the State Legislature in 1885-86, and has fre- 
quently been delegate to county and State conven- 
tions. He was a member of the Greenback State 
Central Committee. He has always been a tem- 
perate man having never swallowed ardent liquor 
in his life. 

Elsewhere in this volume appears a lithographic 
portrait of Mr. Williams. 

^ ^^ ^ 



JONATHAN ELLISON. The Grand River 
Valley has been the scene of as much hard 
work as any section of the United States, 
and its pioneers have endured as many pri- 
vations and passed through as many unpleasant 
experiences as those of any part of the country, 
unless it be that of the arid regions among the 
Rocky Mountains. Among those to whom Ionia 
County is indel)ted for its present development 
and civilization is Mr. Ellison, whose broad acres 
and comfortable home attest to his perseverance, 
industrious habits and indomitable energy. His 
grai)hic description of pioneer times stirs the soul 
of the listener and impresses, as no written account 
can, the peculiar conditions of affairs when this 
section of country was an almost unbroken wilder- 
ness. "Uncle Jonathan" is now surrounded by 
many comforts and enjoj'ing the results of his labors 
in his home on section 30, E.aston Township. 

Mr. Ellison was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., 
February 27, 1818, his parents being Eliab and 
Prudence (Adams) Ellison, both of whom were 
born in Massachusetts. His grandfather, Nehe- 
miah Adams, was a first cousin of the celebrated 
John Adams, one of the signers of the Declara- 
tion of Independence, and later one of the most 
noted statesmen of the young nation. The father 
of our subject died when the lad was fifteen years 
of age and the following spring the settlement 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



267 



of the estate devolved upon the youth. The busi- 
ness ability' be displayed in arranging the compli- 
cated affairs satisfactorily was rtMnarlcable for one 
so young. His education bail been but limited, 
compared with tlial which is, or can be, gained al 
this time, but sucli as it was, it w:is practical and 
liiorough. 

Karly thrown upon his own resources young 
Ellison turned his attention to farming and his life 
from his youth up has been that of a tiller of tin; 
soil. He came to this State in the spring of 1810, 
accompanied by a faithful helpmate who nobly 
shared in his fortunes, chccrfull}- enduring the dis- 
comforts of their early life here, and encour.aging 
him by her sympathy and counsel as well as aid- 
ing him bj' her prudent management. They settled 
in the woods and began clearing and developing a 
tract of land which is now one of the most pro- 
ductive in the neighborhood. They have remained 
on the original location and now have about two 
hundred acres, upon which is a complete line of 
substantial buildings, good stock and modern ma- 
chinery. 

Mrs. Kllison was known in her maidenhood as 
Julia A. Snyder. She was born in Montgomery 
County, N. Y., August 5, 18'28, and entered into 
the marriage relation in 1845. Her (larents were 
William and Maria Snyder, natives of the Kmpire 
State. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have had six sons and six 
daughters, named respectively: William V., Delia, 
John W., Warren, Helen, Addie B., James A., 
Napoleon B., Samuel, Annie, Nina and Esther. 
The deceased are Delia, John and Helen. The liv- 
ing daughters are married, Addie being the wife of 
Frederick C. Lee, Annie of Harvey Brown, Nina 
of Ercd Hunter, and Esther of (ieorge W. Potter. 

In the progress of education Mr. Ellison h.is 
always been dee|)ly interested and the country- 
does not contain a stancher friend of schoolhouscs 
than he. He has aided in building two, and has 
taken part in other work which promised to .advance 
the true welfare of the people. In 1831) he cast a 
vote with the Democrats anil gave his allegiance to 
the same party until 18G0, when the issues that led 
10 the Civil War made him a Republican. Mr 
Ellison keeps himself well informed of passing 



events and, had be been so fortunate as to have 
secured a liberal education, there is no question 
but that he would have been a prominent political 
factor, as even now he is able to hold his own against 
any ordinary opi)Onenl. He has the ambition and 
natural combativeness to overcome obstacles, as is 
evidenced by the place he has obtained in linancial 
circles. Honest and upright, lie is resi)ected and 
looked up to, and having long been a resident of 
this vicinity he is known for miles around. 



ALEN J. McINTOSH. A pleasant farm on 
section 20, Orleans Township, is the home 
of Mr. Mcintosh, who has lived in Ionia 
County since 1869. His estate consists of 
eighty broad acres, all under cultivation and so 
carefidly and intelligently managed as to produce 
large crops of excellent quality. Personal efforts of 
Mr. Mcintosh removed the forest growth from 
twenty acres of this land and under his oversight 
the substantial dwelling was built. Throughout 
the estate a careful observer will see indications of 
the character of the owner, and without enjoying his 
personal acquaintance it would be easy to determine 
the energy and capability of In's nature. 

The originator of this branch of the Mcintosh 
family in America was James, grandfather of our 
subject, who died in Wayne Count}', this State. 
In the family brought with him from Scotland was 
a son who bore his own name. The elder James 
Mcintosh w.is a stonemason and the younger be- 
came a bl.icksmith. The latter invested some money 
in farm lands and at ids death owned eight}' acres 
ill Wayne County. There he married Laura Raw- 
son and reared three children, named respectively, 
llalen J., Helen L. and James C. 

In the county above mentioned the subject of 
this notice was born September 28, 1838. He lost 
his mother when quite young and from that lime 
until he w.as sixteen years old he lived with his 
grandfather. He then went to Sidney Township, 
Montcalm County, and thence to Fair Plains, where 
he remained two years. His next ciiange of resi- 
dence was to Ionia County in which he has since 



268 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



remained. In Montcalm County lie cut the trees 
on forty-six acres of his land, and cleared away 
logs and brush, placing it in condition for improve- 
ment. Out- subject sold the first load of wheat 
that was ever sold in the township before it was 
organized. 

In Greenville, this Stale, Mr. jNIcInlosli was mar- 
ried to Mi.ss Mary L. Wise, and their wedded life 
has been a hai)py and prosperous one. She is a 
daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Nicl<erson) Wise, 
natives of New Jersey, who came to this State in 
quite an early day. Her father is still living in 
Montcalm County, where they settled upon com- 
ing hither and her mother is deceased. The chil- 
dren born to them were Sarah, William, Margaret, 
Jacob, Mary J., Beech and Esther. Mr. Wise is a 
farmer. His second wife bore the maiden name of 
Lydia Butler and their marriage was solemnized in 
Greenville. Our subject's union has been blest by 
the birth of two children — Ada M. and Floyd, 
both of wliom are at home. 

Mr. Mcintosh enlisted August 17, 1864, and 
served until June 9, 1865, in Company A, First 
Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. He was with 
Sherman on his famous marcii to the sea. In poli- 
tics he is and always has been a Democrat. He is 
a member of the Royal Arcanum and also of the 
Independent Order of Odd l''ellows lodge at Green- 
ville. 



HERMAN M. TOWNSEND lives on a 
farm on section 30, Ionia Township, Ionia 
County. He is the son of Abiel Town- 
send, a native of Massachusetts, also a 
faimer. His grandfather Townsend was a soldier in 
the War of 1812, his son Nathan, joining him in 
the same patriotic service. The mother of our sub- 
ject was Delia (Walkley) Townsend, a native of 
Connecticut and a daughter of Timothy Walkley, 
one of the old farmer residents of that State. In 
1834 he brought his famil}' into INIichigan and 
became one of the pioneers of Genesee County, 
making his permanent home there where he died 
in 1840. Abiel Townsend, came to Michigan and 
settled in Cass County, in 1836, on a raw farm. 



After living there a few years he removed to Gen- 
esee Count\'. where he met with Miss Walkley, and 
having married made his residence there until 
1856, when he removed to Ionia County, Ionia 
Township, on section 30, where he made his home 
until his death in 1887, his wife having died ten 
years before in 1877. They were the parents of 
five cliildren, three of whom are now living. 

Sherman M. Townsend was the second child of 
his parents and was born February 19, 1846, in 
Genesee Countj-, Mich , and received at their hands 
a good district school education. He remained 
with his parents until after reaching his majority, 
and has always pursued the business of a farmer. 
When he took his farm, it was fenced and some- 
what improved and some of the buildings were 
also upon it. He has now resided upon and worked 
his farm since 1877. He h.as one hundred and 
ninetj'-six acres, one hundred and sixty of which 
are under cultivation. In 1877 he married Miss 
Ellen McNeil, a daughter of David and Jane 
(Davidson) McNeil, who were old and respected 
settlers of Genesee County, Mich. David McNeil 
came to this State in 1839, and died in 1886, his 
wife having preceded him two 3'ears before to the 
otlier world. Mrs. Townsend's grandfather, Nor- 
man Davidson was an early settler of Michigan 
havingarrived here in 1832. He was .Judge of the 
Probate Court. David McNeil was a member of the 
Congregational Church. He also took an interest in 
politics and belonged to the Democratic [)art3'. He 
and his wife were the parents of five children, three 
of whom are now living. Mrs. Townsend was born 
April 12, 1846, in Genesee County. They gave 
her the best advantages at hand for an education, 
sending her to school where she also studied music. 

]\Ir. and Mrs. Townsend arc the parents of three 
children, two of whom are nosv living: Neil S., 
was born August 27, 1880; and J. Fred, October 3, 
1 8S1. This worth}' couple have the just respect of 
all their neighbors and are useful in every capacity, 
although more than usually modest and retiring in 
their lives. They are members of the Presbyterian 
Church at Ionia, of which church Mr. Town- 
send h.as been a member for fourteen years. They 
take an active part in Sunday-school work. Mr. 
Townsend is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHIIM. 



269 



IJliie Lodge, and as a Hepublicau takes an active 
interest in politics. He carries on mixed farming 
and gives his wliole attention to liis work. Tbc 
sister Maria and brotiier Jolin A. of our subject, 
boUilivein South Dakota. Mrs. Townsend's fam- 
ily are among the most honored in Southern Mich- 
igan. Her grandfather Davidson was a member of 
the lirst constitutional convention of ISIicbigan, 
and two of his sous have been in their day, mem- 
bers of the State Legislature. Grandfather David- 
son was the first settler in l^ayidsonville and built 
the saw and grist mills at tliat place. 



'^/USTIN 8PRAGUK. The death of the 
(gg/LJI late Mr. Sprague removed from Ionia 
(li County one of her reliable, steady-going 
citizens, a man of good character and ener- 
getic nature, and an expert tiller of the soil. Most 
of his years were passed within the limits of the 
county, and many of them on the farm in Orleans 
Townshii) on wiiicii he was born September 14, 
1813, and now owned b}- his widow. His early 
years were spent in the usual alternation of study, 
recreation and work, and he grew vigorous in body 
and mind and anxious to do a man's work in the 
worl(L 

In August, 1862, when in his eigliteenth year 
young Sprague decided to take up arms in the 
I'nion cause, convinced of its righteousness, and 
lilled with a loyal fervor that would give him no 
rest at home. He was enrolled in Company A, 
Twenty-first Michigan Infantry, and did his duty 
in the ranks until .lune 8, 1865, when, peace hav- 
ing been cleclared, he w.as discharged. He made 
one of the gallant sixty thousand that marched 
with Sherman to the Sea, and during his army life 
had the fortune to be present in maiiy famous 
battles, as well as skirmishes innumerable, and to 
suffer hardships and endure fatigue hard to realize 
from hearsay. Among the heavy engagements in 
which he fought are, Lookout Mountain, Chicka- 
mauga, and Mission Ridge. 

After the war Mr. Sprague returned to this State 
and engaged in the livery business in Stanton, 



Montcalm County, making that town his home 
until 1875. He then came to Orleans Township, 
and bought the Webster farm of one hundred and 
twenty acres which he cultivated during tlie re- 
mainder of his days. His demise occurred April 
•23, 1889, and by his untimely removal from the 
scenes of earth a wiilow and three children were 
left to mourn, and a large circle of friends as well. 
He was a member of the Republican party from 
the time he was lirst entitled to the right of suf- 
frage. After the organization of the Grand Army 
of the Republic he was identified therewith. 

The father of our subject was Loren Sprague, 
who accompanied his parents to Ionia County when 
a young man, they spending their days in Kcene 
Townsliip until the death of the husband. The 
widow [)assed away in the city of Ionia in 1887 at 
the venerable ago of ninety-seven 3-ears. Loren 
Sprague was twenty-seven years old when he re- 
moved from Iveene to Ronald Township and there 
he made his home until his decease, in .luly, 1888. 
He followed the trade of a carpenter. He was mar- 
ried in Orleans Township in 1843 to Lucretia Web- 
ster, daughter of Guy and Lucreiia (Mason) 
Webster. The union was blest by the birth of 
three children — Austin, Kusebia and Lucreiia. 

The maternal grandparents of Mr. S[)rague were 
natives of Connecticut and Grandfather Webster 
is numbered among the pioneers of Ionia County. 
He bought one hundred and sixty acres which was 
a part of the domain of Uncle Sam, and brought it 
under development. He died there, but Grand- 
mother Webster breathed her Inst in Ronald 
Township in 1875. The land bought from the 
Government by Mr. Webster is now jiarlly owned 
by the widow of our subject, her estate including 
one hundred acres. 

The marriage of Austin Sprague and Miss Ettie 
Meach took pl.ace at Stanton, September 6, 1871. 
The bride was born in New York in 1848 and ac- 
i companied her parents to this State in 1854. They 
located in Katon County, but in 1861 removed to 
Stanton, Montcalm Count3-, being one of the first 
families there. Mr. Meach was a lumber denier 
and millman for a number of years and also eng.agcd 
in the sale of merchandise while at Stanton. He 
owned eighty acres of land in Berlin Township, 



270 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



which he culUvated and upon which he died 
August 21, 1886. He was a M.aster Mason and a 
member of the Ionia Lodge. The wife of Lumau 
Meach was, lii<e himself, a native of New Yorlt. 
She bore the maiden name of Fidelia Betts. She 
is still living, lier age being sixty-five years. She 
carefully reared her children, who are five in num- 
ber, bearing tlie names of Martlia, Lavinia, Ettie, 
William and Walter. p:ttie, now Mrs. Sprague, 
was well qualified to discharge the duties which 
lay in her way as wife and mother. She has been 
devoted to the interest of her family and cordial in 
her associations with her neighbors. She has three 
children — Walter, Norah and Clellie, who are still 
with her, and in their society she finds her chief 
joy since the death of her liusband. 



.-^^4-^ 



— •-^*^'< 



„ ,, LVA McCORMICK, a pioneer of Ionia 
(I^zlJJI Countj', and a general farmer and stock- 
raiser, resides on section 10, Campbell 
Township. He was born in Niagara Coun- 
ty, N. Y., .lanuary 16, 18-37, and is a son of Alva 
and Ann (Brumly) McCormick, both natives of 
Seneca County, that State. The father was of Irish 
and German descent, and the grandfather was born 
on the ocean while his parents were crossing from 
the North of Ireland to America. The mother of 
our subject is of Mohawk-Dutch descent. Ills 
father was a farmer by occupation, but while he 
resided in New York he worked at various occupa- 
tions and also ran a butcher sho[) in Orangeport, 
Niagara County. 

In 1853 our sul)jecl's father came to Ionia 
County, Mich., and purchased one hundred and 
sixty acres of land in Campbell Township, where 
the former now resides. In moving his family he 
brought them by rail to Battle Creek, and then 
hired teams to transport them to the new honie, 
where a small log house received the family. He 
worked hard, clearing and improving the land, but 
did not live long enough to see it in perfect condi- 
dition. Both he and his wife left their young 
family without parental care at an early age. He 



died in November, 1864, his wife having preceded 
him in 1860. Of their thirteen children, Alva, our 
subject, is the seventh son. Three only of this 
large household are living: Jackson, a boatman 
who resides at Chicago; Alva; and Sarah, Mrs. 
David English. Both Mr. and Mrs. McCormick 
were well known among the pioneers and respected 
by all. Mr. McCormick was a member of the 
Univcrsalist Church. He belonged to the Repub- 
lican i)arty, and was at one time Postmaster by ap- 
pointment from President Lincoln. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch re- 
sided with his parents until he was seventeen years 
of age, receiving his early education in the district 
schools. As soon as he grew old enough to drive 
a team he drove on the Erie Canal between Buffalo 
and Albany during two summers, receiving the 
large salary of $15 per month. He came with his 
parents to Michigan and assisted his father in clear- 
ing the land. He helped to build the road from 
Stanton, Montcalm County, three miles south. At 
his father's death he took charge of the homestead, 
which had been deeded to him a short time before, 
upon the provision that he should if necessary pay 
the other heirs a certain amount, which provision 
he scrupulously carried out. 

Our subject liegan his lifeworkon the land where 
he now resides. He was a hard worker and perse- 
veringly continued the work of clearing and im- 
proving the land. In 1866 he moved out of the 
old log house into a large new frame building, his 
present residence, which cost him over $2,000. 
For j'cars he served as Postmaster until 1870. By 
hard work and enterprise he has succeeded in plac- 
ing under a good state of cultivation one hundred 
and seventy acres of his two hundred and twenty. 
The rest of the land is in excellent timber, and 
altogether is one of the most valuable farms in 
Campbell Township. He has a good sugar bush 
on the ))lace and makes between two and three 
hundred gallons of syrup. 

Half of the village of Clarksville stands on the 
land which Mr. McCormick jjlatted and laid out in 
town lots. The marriage of Alva McCormick with 
Caroline Derbj' was celebrated November 15, 1863. 
Five children weie born to them, three of whom 
are now living: Anna, Mrs. George Shaw, resides 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



271 



in Clarksville; Cliauncey is station agent for the 

Detroit, Lansing & Nortliern Railroad, at Wood- 
bury, in IJarrj' County; Cliarlie resides at lionie; 
IJurtii.' died at tlie age of fifteen years, of diplitiicria; 
.and :i daughter, wiio died unnamed, aged three 
weeks. 

Mrs. McCoraiick was born in Spoffurd 'l"()wnshi|), 
Onondaga County, N. Y. She is a daugliter of 
Truman and Diana (Babcock) Derby. Mr. Derby 
was a Connecticut farmer, and Mrs. l)crl)y was a 
Xew Yorker, of Englisli descent. Tiicy removed 
10 Ionia County, Midi., in 1854, and resided in a 
log house on section 9, Campbell Townshi|), until 
his death which occurred October 5, 18G1. His 
wife dirul at Viola, Minn., February 16, 1882. Of 
their eleven children six are now living: Lucy, 
Rebecca, Roswell, Truman, Edward H. and Caro- 
line, all of whom liave set uj) homes of llieir own 
in Jlinnesola and Michigan. 

Industry' and good business management and a 
reputation for integrity have brought to Mr. Mc- 
Cormick not only success and allluence but also the 
esteem of his neighbors. He is considered one of 
the leading men in the county, rolitically he is 
in sympathy with the Democratic party. 



r.RAHAM MILLER was born in Summit 
County, Ohio, March 3, 182'J, the son of 
Ik Henry and I'cggy Miller. His life before 
his majority was spent at home. While 
he was quite 3'oung his father removed to Medina 
County, Ohio, where he settled upon a farm and 
brought up his family. He was unable to give his 
children good opportunities for education, and 
Abraham began work on the farm very earl^' in 
life. He was twice married; the first time to Ilacliad 
Greenhoe, of Medina County. This marriage 
took place May 7, 1850. Six children were born to 
this couple: Mary, born December 13, 1851; Sarah 
Ann, November 3, 1853; William, July 2G, 1855; 
George, July 14, 1857; Lavina, July 23, 1851), and 
Harvey J., November 2(5, 1801. Lavina and Mary 
have been called from earth. The second marri:igc 
of Mr. Miller occurred March 2, 1871; he was then 



joined to Frances Small, who was born in Mary- 
land, November 7, 1834, and who came to Ohio 
when a little girl of eight years. Their two chil- 
dren were named Ella and Zella, the latter of whom 
is deceased, having died when only two years old. 

Mr. Miller served one year in the Union army as 
guard on Johnson Island, Ohio. He came to Mont- 
calm County, Mich., in the fall of 18G5 and settled 
on the place where he now makes his home. He 
bought eighty acres to which he added twenty 
more, all of which he cleared from the forest and 
improved. He has now one hundred and thirly 
acres of choice land. In 1879 he moved into Sher- 
idan and availed himself of the assistance of one of 
his sons in running the farm. For twelve years he 
continued to live in town but in April, 1890, re- 
turned to the farm. He has two fine orchards, one 
on either side of the road. In the hard times of 
his pioneer life he would work in the woods all day 
and in the evenings shave shingles, by the sale of 
which he would obtain the necessities of life. He 
has been Pathmaster. 

The parents of Mrs. Miller, James and Sarah 
(Gerrish) Small, were both natives of the State of 
Maine. This daughter was one of five sisters; two 
of them have died. The surviving ones are Mary, 
Lydia and the wife of our subject. Mr. Miller's 
two half-brothers, Marshall and Albert, both live 
in Minnesota. Mr. Miller has some fine pines trees 
standing in front of his house which were set out 
liy his son George, and the maple trees in his grove 
from which he is making sugar, were set out by his 
own hands. He is a Prohibitionist in politics and 
a man of undoubted integrity and an excellent 
reputation in every way. 



NijOHN KELLER, one of the foremost citizens 
I of Ionia County, is established on a well- 
regulated farm in Iveene Township. He is 
^^ successfully operating the eighty acres thtt 
comprise the estate, and in his comfortable home, 
surrounded by an interesting family and blessed 
by the society of many friends, he is pursuing the 
even tenor of his way with the industry that has 



272 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



characterized him since he became a man. Upon 
his farm may be seen an Mmplc and substantial 
barn and the granaries and sheds that are necessary 
for the convenient carrying on of liis work. Tliese 
are a monument to the good management of Mr. 
Keller, who has brought tlie place to its present 
condition and is reaping a due reward for his la- 
bors. 

In Wayne County, N. Y. April 21, 1817, Mr. 
Keller was born. His parents were Henry and 
Elizabeth (Flint) Keller, natives of the Empire 
State, and his paternal ancestors were of German 
stock. He was reared chiefly in Genesee County 
and there attained to years of manhood. ' His edu- 
cation was obtained in common schools, and with- 
out having liberal advantages he is well informed 
on topics of general interest. He left his native 
State in the s[)ring of 1851 to establish a home in 
Michigan and selected Wayne County as his place 
of abode. He remained there but a short time, 
however, then went to Ingham, and thence came to 
Ionia County in 1865. At that time he settled 
where he is still living and at once began to im- 
prove and thoroughly cultivate the soil. 

Mr. Keller was married, in New York, in 1840, 
to Miss Mary A. Vanalst, who died leaving one 
daughter, Ann .1., now the widow of Artemus 
Newman. In 1848 Mr. Keller was married to Miss 
Lauretta Wilson, daughter of William and Elmira 
(Austin) Wilson. She was born in New York Feb- 
ruary 4, 1829, and her parents were natives of New 
Hampshire and New York respectively'. This union 
has been blessed by tiio birtii of nine children 
named, Persis A.; William, who married Marj' 
Trowbridge; Almira J., Alice, Eva A., Ellen; 
George B., married Mary Condon; Eddie, who 
married Bella Ilawn, and Minnie. Persis married 
James Brown and is now a widow; Alice is tiie 
widow of R. K. Finch ; Eva married A. Rising ; Ellen 
is the wife of Thomas Renwick; Almira is de- 
ceased. 

No residents in Keene Township are more genu- 
inely interested in tlie general good than Mr. and 
Mrs. Keller, and few can claim to be better informed 
regarding the subjects that agitate the public mind. 
Mr. Keller enjoys the full confidence of the busi- 
ness community, and his word is considered as good 



as a bond. He casts his vote with the Democratic 
party. His many friends will be pleased to see this 
sketch of his life, brief though it is, and necessarily 
presenting but an outline of an honorable career. 




County since 1884, was born in the city of 
Henderson, Oswego County, N. Y., on the 1st of 
November, 1838. His father and mother, John and 
Betsey (Beach) Rice, removed from the old home 
in Henderson with their family, when Corydon was 
quite young, to Onondaga Count3', where his father 
was engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he car- 
ried on quite successfully. This journey was one 
marked by a sad affliction to the family, as the 
mother died before they reached their new home, 
leaving the young children witliout her care. 

When Corydon Rice had arrived at the age of 
ten years, his father was taken with the Western 
fever and decided to try his fortune in the new 
country. In the year 1848 he removed from On- 
ondaga County, N. Y., to Ionia County, this State. 
Here the family lived in comfort and in a fairly 
prosperous condition, until the father's death, 
which occurred on the 28th of March, 1862. Mr. 
Rice relates that when his father removed to the 
new countrj' he found nothing but an uninhabited 
wilderness of timber laud, and that money was so 
scarce that it could not be obtained except in ex- 
change for wheat, which tiien sold for fifty cents 
per bushel. 

After the death of his father, j'oung Rice took 
charge of the homestead, and operated it until he 
moved to Montcalm Countj', which w.as March 4, 
1884. On March 20, 1864, the subject of this re- 
view celebrated his marriage with Mary T. How- 
orth. This union was cheered by the advent of 
one child, a ilaughter, who was born November 15, 
1865, and who was named Letitia. She has grown 
to a beautiful young womanhood, and has united 
herself to Harvey Mulholiand, a prosperous farmer 
in Montcalm County. 

The beautiful farm of eighty' acres is of excel- 



X 






^ 



5y- 




O o 





Tt 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



275 



lent land and thoroughly worked. The bouse built 
upon it forms llie shelter for a houseliold of intelli- 
gence and good cheer. Mr. and Mrs. Hice are both 
consistent members of the Baptist Church, wliicli 
they joined some twenty years ago. Their daugli- 
tor was for four years a teacher in the county. In 
politics Mr. Kice holds earnestly to the Greenback 
policy, and has been for one year Sii|)ervisor of 
Douglas Township. 



^ATHAN B. HAYES, residing on section 
36, is not only one of the most prosperous 
'U farmers and stock-raisers in North Plains 
'I'ownship, Ionia County, but is a business man of 
wiile interests and large transactions. He was born 
in Bristol Township, Ontario County, N. Y., De- 
cember 13, 18:55. His father, Hector Hayes, was 
born in New York in July, 1801, and was by trade 
a carriage-maker, and also followed farming. In 
his tiade he followed the lead of his father, Pliny 
a native of Connecticut, who was also in the san)e 
line of manufacture. The wife of Hector Hayes 
bore the maiden name of Lucinda Warren and was 
born in Connecticut in September, 1805, but was 
reared to womanhood in the State of New York. 
Here she met and married Mr. Hayes and they lo- 
cated in Bristol. 

In 1830 this ^-oung coui)le came to Michigan, 
taking a boat to Detroit and going from there by 
ox-team to Ionia County, locating on section 31, 
North I'lains Township. They were the second 
family of whites in the township and u[)on their ar- 
rival found Indians and wild beasts numerous and 
neighborly. Their farm was entirely unimproved 
and their nearest mill was at Marshall, Calhoun 
County, where they had to haul all their grain to 
be ground. They are still living and reside in North 
Plains Township. They became the i)arents of 
six children: George J., .Jose|)h, (deceased), 
Nathan B., Mary A., Byron W. and Emma (de- 
ceased). 

Mr. Hayes was an infant of nine months when 
he was brought by his parents to Michigan. The 
education which he commenced in a log school- 



house was completed at Olivet College, Mich. Af- 
ter his graduation he returned home and worked 
(jn a farm with his father in the summer and taught 
school in the winter for five years. The first land 
lie ever purchased was forty acres on section 32. 
Here he built a little shanty and hired a family to 
lioard him while he was clearing up the place. He 
had a little barn on the place where he used to 
sleep until it became too cold. He added to his 
original purchase by buying forty additional acres, 
then twenty and then eighty and so on. He could 
talk with the Indians and made friends with many 
of them. 

In September, 1804, Mr. Hayes became the hus- 
band of Mary A., ilaughter of Jay and Anstrus 
(Case) Olmsted, who had come to Michigan from 
Onondaga County, N. Y. Mrs. Hayes was born 
September 'J, 184G, in Ionia County on section 30, 
North Plains Townshii), ami here she was reared 
to womanhood. She is a sister of Lewis Ney Olm- 
sted wiiose biograi)hical sketch appears elsewhere in 
this book. 

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Ibyes lo- 
cated on section 32, North Plains Township, but 
after remaining there a few years he moved to the 
place where he now resides and which he has stead- 
ily im[)roved ever since. His farm is remarkably 
well fitted \\\t with barns and outbuildings and if 
all the buildings upon the place were in a row it 
would be ninety rods long. He carries $50,000 
insurance on his farm alone. In North Plains and 
Lyons Township, he owns twenty-one hundred 
acres of land, and docs not really know how much 
he owns in Montcalm County, but altogether he 
pays between ^1,000 and *2,000 worth of taxes per 
year. 

The stock on the home f.irm is all of fine grades. 
There are one hundred and twenty-five head of 
horses; four are imported stallions, one Percheron, 
one French coach stallion, imported, one standard 
bred Ilambletonian, "Theo. Kean;" and seventy 
head of cattle. Mr. Hayes handles from five hun- 
dred to five thousand sheep annually and he ships 
large numbers. A sawmill at Bushnell, Mont- 
calm Countj', and one at Muir, Ionia County, are 
among the profitable possessions of this prosperous 
man. He is the head of the firm of Hayes <k 



276 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Spaulding who deal in agricultural implements at 
Ionia City and is also in the same business in Muir. 
He has telepiiones connecting his home with all his 
various lines of business, so that he can sit at home 
and converse with those in charge of all his business 
operations. He is one of the Directors in the Ionia 
County Savings Banli. 

Mr. Hayes voted in his early manhood for Fre- 
mont, and in 1877 lie was sent to the Legislature 
on the Republican ticket. He now votes the 
Democratic ticket. He was President of the First 
National Bank at Muir in 1867 and has been Presi- 
dent of the Ionia, Eaton and Barry County Farm- 
ers Insurance Company since its organization. This 
company has a capital stock of between |i4,000,000 
and $5,000,000. Since he was twenty-one years 
old lie has held the position of Moderator of the 
School Board continuously. His four sons arc en- 
terprising young men and those who are out of 
school are eng.aging in business with their father. 
George B. has charge of the office at Muir; Hector 
J. manages the mill at Bushnell, Mich ; Jerry C. 
attends school at Ionia and Austin C. is at homo. 
Their only daughter is an adopted one whom they 
call Nettie B., and whom tiiey took to their home 
when she was only four years old. A lithographic 
|>ortrait of Mr. Hayes is presented in connection 
with tliis l)iographical sketch. 

■-^ €-*-^ ^ 

^^HARLES C. WRIGHT. This gentleman is 
(if classed among tiie agriculturists of Ionia 

^^^Ji' County, where he lias lived since he was a 
babe nine montlis old. His present home is on 
section 4, Otisco Township, and his property here 
consists of one hundred and twenty acies of laud, 
upon whicli the usual improvements have been 
made wliich fit it for the dwelling place of an in- 
telligent family. Mr. Wright was born in Rensse- 
laer County, N. Y., October 19, 1842, and until he 
was of age assisted his father in such duties as 
were fitted for his increasing years and strength. 
Upon attaining his majority he took the control of 
his fatiier's farm, and a few years later the ori- 
ginal homestead was deeded to him. To this he 



has added forty acres. Mr. Wright pays con- 
siderable attention to breeding Cleveland-Bay 
horses. 

Mr. Wright is a giaudson of Ilezekiaii Wrigiit, 
wlio was born in the Green Mountain State and 
returned thither to spend his last years. Grand- 
motlier Wright died in this State about 1875, at 
the age of eighty-seven years. The father of our 
subject is Abner Wright, now living in Orleans 
Township. He was born in New York and came to 
this State in 1843, settling on the farm now occu- 
pied by his son Charles. He was a cooper by 
trade, but after coming hither followed farming. 
He retired from active life a few years since. He 
had no cash capital when he came to this State, but 
he possessed the faculty for making money and in 
the course of years accumulated considerable prop- 
erty. He has given each of his sons one hundred 
acres of land and his daughter money equivalent 
to that amount. His marriage took place in 1840 
in his native State, which was also the place of 
birth of his bride. This lady bore the maiden 
name of Ruth Anna Tallman and her father was 
James Tallman, a native of New York. The sub- 
ject of this biographical notice is the eldest of the 
children of Abner Wright and his wife, and the 
other members of the parental family are Joim A., 
Elizabeth E., George A., Preston G. and Ruth 
Anna. 

In Otisco Township in 1863 Charles C. Wright 
and Luretta Wicks, daughter of Hiram Wicks, 
were made husb.and and wife. To them were born 
three children, named respective!}' : Eva N., Cora 
E. and Claude C. Having been bereft of his first 
companion, Mr. Wright contracted a second matri- 
monial alliance in 1878, wedding Rosa M. Wright, 
daughter of Benjamin Wright, formerly of New 
York. In an early day Benjamin AVright came to 
Kent County, this State, where he died in 1885. 
His widow is still living and is now three-score 
3'ears old. The children born of the second union 
of Mr. Charles Wright are Harley C, John A. and 
Ona A., all of whom are at home. 

For a number of ^ears Mr. Wright was a mem- 
ber of the Republican party but he is now a Demo- 
crat. He is a member of thS Ancient Order of 
United Workmen. His days pass in the pursuit of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



277 



his vocation, in the social enjoyments common to 
residents in the rural districts and the pleasures of 
domestic life, aud his life is marked by no events 
except such as are common to the lot of man. 



^ 



eLARENCE L. HOUSEMAN is the youngest 
son of Jacob Houseman, a native of New 
York. He was a slioemaker by trade, but 
later in life became a farmer in Orleans County, 
N. Y., where he resided many years. He married 
Polly London, a native of the Keystone State and 
on her mother's side of German descent. In 1837 
they removed to Slichigaii and settled on a farm 
in Blaekman Townslii|), Jackson Count}'. It was 
all wild lan<I, oak openings, wiiich he took from 
the Government, lie cleared off sixty acres and 
cultivated it, building a log house and a log barn. 
There were plenty of Indians and wild animals 
there in that day. In 1847 they removed to Ionia 
County and settled on section 20, Orange Town- 
ship, not far from where our subject now resides 
on section 21. Eight acres of this heavy timber 
land of the new farm had been already cleared. 
Mr. Houseman built a log house here and after- 
ward a frame one. His latest residence was on 
section 16, where he was residing at the time of 
his death in ISGO, at the age of sixty-four years. 
His wife had died in 1845. During his last years 
he was very active in the Wesleyan Metliodist 
Church; his wife was a member of the Free-Will 
Baptist. They were the parent of eleven chil- 
dren, eight of whom are living: Jane, Mrs. Steele; 
Mary, Mrs. Grant; Hannah, Mrs. Wood; Sallie, 
Mrs. Morrill; Ada, Mrs. Reese; Thomas; John 
Alonzo and our subject. 

The subject of this sketch was born December 
5, 1835, in Orleans County, N. Y., and received a 
common-school education, partly in Jackson and 
partly in this county. At the age of seventeen 
years he began for himself, working out by the 
month in Jackson Count}'. He then learned the 
trade of a stone and brick mason, also that of a 
plasterer, and worked for four years at these 
trades. But, like many other brave young men 



of that period, he left his work to fight for the 

(lag of his country, enlisting December 22, 1861, 
in Company K, Scveutii Kansas Cavalry. lie had 
the honor of serving under Capt. John Brown, 
Jr., son of the brave and famous hero of Osawat- 
oniie. He joined the company as a private at 
Morristown, Mo., and went on to the regiment at 
Kansas City, Mo. He served the full three years. 
His first expedition was against the infamous 
(^uantrell at Blue Springs, Mo. They then went 
to Humboldt to quiet the Cherokee Indians. 
Thence they were sent across the plains toward 
New Mexico, but at Ft. Riley orders were received 
countermanding this plan, and they went to Ft. 
Leavenworth, and thence to Columbus, Ky. They 
opened the Mobile & Ohio Railroad to Corinth, 
Miss. Then at Rienzi, in the same State, took part 
in the battle of Corinth, as well as numberless 
skirmishes and foraging expeditions. The next 
day they dashed upon the rebel Price at Ruchers- 
vilie and captured his ambulance trains, but re- 
turned to Corinth in time to take part in the third 
day's Oght of that memorable battle. They went 
with Gen. Grant upon his first expedition to 
Yicksburg, and at Coffeeville had a hard fight. 
They fell back to Water Valley, then to Talla- 
hatchie River, near Holly Springs, aud were the 
foraging party to provide for two divisions of 
infantry. They went into winter quarters at Ger- 
mantown after a skirmish at Summerville. During 
the winter they did patrol duty along the Mem- 
phis & Charleston Railroad. 

In April this brave regiment was sent into Ala- 
bama to join Gen. Street, and were with him at 
the burning of Atlanta, Ga. They had a fight 
with Wheeler's Cavalry on Town Creek, and then 
joined in a skirmish with Col. Ham's regiment 
down at Tupelo and Guntown. Thence they 
went back to Corinth, scouting all through the 
country to Memphis, and our subject was detailed 
in the district (Quartermaster's department under 
Gen. Hurlbut, and remained there until the fol- 
lowing September, when he joined his regiment at 
Jefferson Barracks, Mo. He took part in an active 
campaign against Gen. Price in Missouri in 1864. 
At the battle of Osage, Price was defeated. Here 
our subject's horse was killed under him at the first 



278 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



charge. After this he returned to St. Louis and 
did guard duty at Hannibal, Mo., and later at Iron 
Mountain. He was a brave and intrepid soldier. 
At one time he, witli a single companion, oaiitured 
four rebels and brought thera into camp. 

Clarence L. Houseman was honorably discliarged 
at St. Louis, December 22, 1861, at the expiration 
of his term of service. At tlie battle of Corinth 
he had received a severe injury, as his horse fell 
upon him. From this he has never fully recovered. 
Other members of this patriotic family saw hard 
service in tiie Union armj'. A brother, William 
G., was in the same company and regiment with 
our subject and served about a year. He died at 
LTnion City, Tenn., from illness. Another brother, 
George, was in Company A, Twent3'-flrst Michigan 
Infantry. Being laken prisoner at the battle of 
Chickamauga, he was sent to Libby Prison at Rich- 
mond. He was exchanged and returned home, but 
died a month afterward, leaving « wife and one 
child. A. third brother, Jacob, was in the Ninth 
Michigan Infantry. He served a year and died in 
the hospital at Murfreesboro. 

The subject of this sketcli after being discharged 
from service returned to Ionia County and went 
to work at his trade. In March, 1865, he buuglit 
his present farm, which was all raw land. He 
continued working at his trade and the next year 
began to build his house. He has cleared sixty- 
acres of his land and put on all of the improve- 
ments. In 1880 he went to Dakota and took a 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres of wild land 
in Grant County, S. Dak., near Millljank. He 
lemained there two and one-half years and then re- 
turned to his Michigan farm. The last year he 
was there ho raised sixteen hundred bushels of 
wheat and has received some returns from it every 
year since. He lias one hundred acres of it now 
improved. He has gradually laid aside work at 
his trade and for the past twelve years has made 
farming his principal business. He carries on 
mixed farming, raising grain and good cattle and 
horses. 

Mr. Houseman was united in the bonds of mar- 
ri.age July 4, 1866, with Eupliemie Riteuburgh, a 
daughter of Daniel Ritenburgh, of Canada. By 
this marriage he had two cliildren — Eva, the wife 



of William Bennett, who lives in Ionia and has 
one child; Ann, the wife of William Root, who 
lives in Barry County. The mother of these chil- 
dren died March 27, 1873, at the earl3' age of 
twenl3'-four years. Mr. Houseman's second mar- 
riage, in March, 1874, was with Aun Root, a 
widow, and a daughter of Johu and IMary (Dale) 
Nichols. Mrs. Houseman's father was a New 
Yorker and her mother a Pennsylvanian. They 
lived near London, Canada, for a number of years 
on a farm. The father died in 1883, and the 
mother in 1800. Thev were the parents of nine 
children, seven of whom are now living. Mrs. 
Houseman was born June 4, 1832, in Canada. 
By this second marriage Mr. Houseman has no 
children. Botli he and his wife are members of 
the Free Will Baptist Church, in the local organ- 
ization of which he is Clerk. They are active 
workers in the Sunday-school aud Mr. Houseman 
belongs to the Grand Arm}' of the Republic at 
Portland, aud is also a member of the Patrons of 
Industry. He is a member of the School Board 
aud has been for years its Treasurer. He was for a 
number of terms Highway Commissioner and in 
Dakota held the office of Justice of the Peace. He 
is a temperance man in principle and has alwajs 
taken an interest in politics, in State and national 
affairs voting the Reiiublican ticket, but in local 
politics he votes for the one he considers the best 
man. 



G 



=5)E0RGE C. NUMMER. Among the prom- 
inent and successful German-American citi- 
^^^J! zensof Ionia County, we take pleasure in 
representing in this Album the gentleman above 
named, who has been a resident of Easton Town- 
ship since 1855. He at that time settled amid the 
forests of section IS, on land that comprises a part 
of his present estate. In developing the projwrty 
and bringing it to its present line condition he w.as 
obliged to do pioneer work and endure the depri- 
vations which all frontiersmen are subject to. The 
farm he now operates consists of eighty acres, well 
improved, the log cabin in which he first sheltered 
his family having been replaced by a commodious 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



279 



dwelling and otiier buildings erected as occasion 
doin;indcd. • 

Tlie parents of our sulijcct were George A. and 
Ellzalietli A. Numnicr, of old Teutonic families, 
and their former home was in Saxe-Gotha, Ger- 
many. There the son of whom we write was born 
May 21, 1823, and there he attended school from 
the age of six to fourteen years. lie obtained a 
fair education and after the famil}' came to Amer- 
ica, which was in his twenty-first year, he spent 
tliree months in a district school, thus becoming 
informed in the English language, in which he 
transacts all business. In 1843 the family embarked 
at Bremen on a sailing s'essel and after a voyage of 
fifty seven days, during which much rough weather 
was encountered, landed at New York. Thej' went 
via the Erie Canal to Buflfalo, thence to Detroit on 
a steamer, and upon reaching that city they bor- 
rowed ^3..")() which they owed on the passage 
money and discharged that obligation. A brother 
of our subject was living ten miles from the city 
and with him the parents es.tablishcd their home, 
remaining there until death. 

Our subject worked as a farm hand for ij;7 per 
month for a little more than a j-ear, and subse- 
<iucntly spent two seasons in Lenawee County 
working a farm on shares. He gained a companion 
in Miss Hannah M. Ilalsted, with whom he was 
united in marriage October 7, 1817. The bride 
was a native of the Empire State. She was removed 
from her family by death August 14, 1853, after 
having borne three children, one of whom is now 
living — Josephine, wife of Melvin Wood, a resi- 
lient of Ionia. 

Mr. Nummer was again married Decenilier 2H, 
1855, his bride being Miss Irena Wilber, who was 
born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., March 2D, 
1830. Her parents, Sylvanus and Sabra (Blodgett) 
Will)er, natives of New England, came to Iviston 
Township in 1855, and died hereafter having done 
much |)ioneer work. Eight of their nine children 
are still living, namely : Stephen; Mrs. Nummer; 
Ruby, wife of Augustus Savage; Clarinda, wife of 
Lucius Ward; Corintha, wife of Charles Chambers; 
.Sarali, who marrieil J. D. Bradford; Electa; and 
Alvira. wife of Stephen Nichols. The second union 
of our subject has been blessed by the birth of 



three children — Le Roy E., Oscar A., and Jennie 
F. The last named is deceased. Lc Roj' is now 
Clerk of Easton Township. 

Mr. Nummer possesses many of the sterling 
qualities of his sturdy and industrious ancestors, 
and stands in the front rank among the farmers of 
the section. He is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and of the Democratic party. 
He enlisted Januar}' 3, 1864, in Battery E, First 
Michigan Light Artillery, which was attached to 
the Arni}^ of the Tennessee. He was with Gen. 
Thomas and was doing guard duty at Nashville 
when taken sick and unfitted for soldier's duties. 
He was honorably discharged August 24, in such a 
phj'sical condition that he is in receipt of a pension 
of 4^14 per month. He and his intelligent and 
amiable Vife are honored members of society, and 
active in various walks of usefulness. 



YRON SLANKER. The activities of 
,. farming and lumbering and the endurance 
1b of hardships and privations, together with 
the breezy adventures of frontier life form 
the experience of many a boy who was brought up 
in Michigan in the '50s. The subject o^ our sketch 
came to this Slate when onl^' five years of age, hav- 
ing removed to Orange Township, Ionia County, 
with his parents, Solomon and Hannah (Coraslock) 
Slanker, from Wayne Count}', Ohio, where he was 
born October 13, 1850. His father's occupation 
was that of a gunsmith and locksmith. 'I he boy's 
educational advantages were limited to the com- 
mon schools. He began working out when but 
twelve 3'ears old in a lumber district, spending his 
summers with the ax and putting in his winters at 
school. 

Our subject was married October 4, 1873, when 
Lulhera Case of Eureka, Montcalm County, became 
his wife. Three children have been granted to them, 
namely: Alice, born March 2, 1875; Chloe, Oc- 
tober 4, 1878; .and Nellie, April 18, 1880. These 
lovely and interesting ilaughtcrs make bright the 
home of Mr. and Mrs. Slanker. Miss Alice is at- 



280 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tending the public school at Stanton. The father 
of the household has done all the work of clearing 
the home farm and has it well improved. The 
house and orchard are a credit to his industry. He 
has five brothers and two sisters with whom he 
keeps up the family ties, namely: James A., lives 
in Chicago; Samuel S., lives at Carson City, Mich.; 
Harvey, a resident of Belding; Grant resides at 
Palo, Ionia County; Bryon resides in Ionia, Mich.; 
Mrs. Lcnora Buckley is living in Palo, Ionia 
County; Mrs. Laura Tedharas, a resident of tliis 
county. 

In politics Mr. Slanker is a Republican. He has 
been Highway Commissioner for one year. Mrs. 
Slanker is identified with the Congegational Church 
and both she and her husband are solicitous for the 
best good of their children in every wa^' and are 
doing all in their power to give them a good edu- 
cation. Onr subject belongs to the Patrons of 
IntUistry. 



^J^SiS^"" 



;.ILLIAM H. McClelland, a citizen of 
Douglas Township, Montcalm County, and 
'¥J a disabled veteran of the late Civil War, 
was born in Loraine County, Ohio, May 30, 1847. 
His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth McClel- 
land, and he made his home in Ohio througli his 
early boyhood. The year 1863 when at the age of 
sixteen years, was a notable and a momentous one 
in his history. He lost his father by death when 
two years old, a great loss to anybody at that age. 
But this youth at sixteen years had acquired more 
than usual maturity, both physical and mental, and 
felt that he was in effect a man. He nobly re- 
sponded to the call of his country and went to de- 
fend the Hag, joining the Union Army in 18G3. He 
enlisted in Company K, Twelfth Ohio Cavalry, 
and was placed under the immediate command of 
Col. R. W. Retl.aff, of Bloomfield, Ohio. 

This body of troops was sent to Lexington, Ivy., 
and operated in that State some little time, not, 
however, doing much fighting. From Lexington 
they went to Nashville, Tenn., to assist in driving 
eleven hundred head of Government cattle. After 
accomplishing this work they returned to Lexing- 



ton. Tn June they fought with the well-known 

raider Morgan, at Mt. Sterling. In this battle two 
of Morgan's brothers were taken prisoners as well 
as five hundred of his men. 

This company was then detaclied from the regi- 
ment and joined Gen. Burbridge's body guard. In 
this service they charged the rebel Col. Elsworth 
and killed him at Sulphur Springs, Kj'. He then 
joined his old regiment and was sent to West Vir- 
ginia, but was not there long returning to Ken- 
tucky and taking part in what is known as Stone- 
man's Raid all Kings salt works, W. Va. 

In this conflict Mr. McClelland was wounded in 
the leg and was taken prisoner December 13, 1864. 
In the rebel camp or rather field hospital, his right 
leg was amputated February IG, 1865. The opera- 
tion was not successful and the leg did not do well 
and our hero had to suffer another operation on 
March 14. lie was then transferred to Montgom- 
ery Springs where he remained as a prisoner, until 
after Lee's surrender when he was forwarded to 
Lynchburg, Xa., and from there to Richmond ar- 
riving finally at Washington. He was there dis- 
charged and returned home to Lenawee County 
with his regiment. He removed to Montcalm 
Countj' in October, 1866, and in 1877 joinetl his 
fortunes for life with those of Martha Chaffee. Five 
children have come to enliven the home of this 
worthy cou|)le but three are now deceased. Mr. 
McLelland is one interested in all public affairs. 
His religious atliliations are with the Baptist Church 
and his political sympathies and vote with the Pro- 
hibitionists. He has served several limes as School 
Director and is at present Justice of the Peace of 
Douglass Township. 



• ? ^3- 



^^^ 



IIARLES W. HALE is a prominent farmer 
and stock-raiser of Keene Township, Ionia 
County, and was born in what was formerly 
Genesee County, N. Y., .September 20, 1830. He 
is a son of Stolen and Catlierine Hale, both natives 
of New York. His paternal ancestry is from En- 
gland and Ireland, and the maternal from Ger- 
man}'. His father was twice married, and from a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



281 



large family of children the following survive. Slo- 
ten, living in Ohio; Charlotte, the widow of Mr. 
Doolittlo. is living in the same State; Luther, in 
Ohio; Alvin in New York; Elizabeth, wife of 
Pliilip Shaw, in Ohio: Read R., in Eaton County, 
Mich.: Simeon, in Montcalm County: Ilulda, wife 
of F. H. Lane, of this count}'; and Cliarles W. 

When only four y(?ars old, our subject removetl 
with his parents to Ontario Count}', N. Y. Here 
he was reared until he reached his nineteenth year, 
when he emigrated to Summit Count}', Ohio. In 
18C1 lie came to Ionia County, but did not remain 
there long, as his patriotic impulses letl him into the 
army. He enlisted December 25, 1863, in Com- 
pany B, Third Michigan Cavalry. His regiment 
became a part of Gen. Steele's command in the 
Western Division. He did provost duty in dif- 
ferent places, and never was in any field fight. He 
was honorably discharged November 1'.', 18G4, and 
receives a jiension of ft a month. 

Ever since the war he has been a resident of 
Michigan, with the exception of a short time s[icnt 
in Virginia. His boyhood was a period of hard 
work and little study, as he vcas deprived of his fa- 
ther by death when only two years old, and was 
early thrown upon his own resources. He h.asever 
endeavored to make up for early deficiencies by ex ■ 
tensive and varied reading. His marriage, May 6, 
1861,. with Mary E. Hale, brought him a domestic 
life of great happines.*. She was born in Medina 
County, Ohio. September '20. 1840, and is a daugh- 
ter of Richard and Catherine (Bogardus) Hale. 
l)Oth natives of New York State. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hale became the parents of five 
children, two only of whom arc now living, namely : 
I'hiorus and Florence. Mrs. Hale is one of eight 
children, six of whom are living, namely: Mary 
E., Lucinda, Lafayette, Phcebc, Warren and Ida. 
Our subject resided for a number of years in 
Orle:ins Township, this county, and before coming 
to Keene Township, in the spring of 1882, he made 
his home for a short time in Easton Township. 
Eighty acres of finely cultivated land from the 
home farm. His property has been acquired solely 
by industry, frugality and enterprise of iiimself and 
his helpful wife. He had no one to give him a 
helping hand in beginning life, and even at tlietime 



of his marriage he had not made any great acquire- 
ments. He had ?20 in hand after he had married 
and starteil inMiis new home. 

Our subject and his wife are active and consist- 
ent members of the Christian Church at Ionia, and 
he has served as Deacon. They are highly respected 
by the community in which they live, and make 
themselves useful in their walk of life. He is a 
Prohibitionist in politics, and is identified with the 
Patrons of Industry. It is with much pleasure 
that we represent him in this volume among the 
prominent and influential citizens of Ionia County. 



gHHH gMffi^ 



HARLES H. HOLLAND who prob.ably saw 
^ Montcalm County at as early a date as any 
one now residing in Douglas Township, was 
born July 20, 1861, and is the son of George Hol- 
land and Sarah (Rodgers) Holland. His father was 
of English birth and had traveled largely in many 
parts of the world. He spent seven years of his 
life in the interior of Africa. He removed to 
Montcalm County, Mich., when Ch.arles was but 
three years of age, and settled in Evergreen Town- 
ship. 

The early life of this household in Michigan was 
marke<l by many hardshi|)$ and dangers, ami at one 
time they were in peril of suffering by privation. 
The only way the father had of getting money 
was by shaving shingles and hauling them to Ionia 
where he could sell them at *3 per thousand. Flour 
and all provisions were extremely high, for example 
flour sold at ^18 |)cr hundred weight, and the 
cheapest grade of tea w.as ^1..50 per pound. George 
Holland patented one hundred and sixty acres from 
the Government and began the foundation of a 
home. He cleared and cultivated the land and 
made a good home for his children. The father of 
this family was a good scholar and made for his 
children every opportunity for education. Three 
of his sisters were also school teachers and their 
influence helped to keep up the standard of edu- 
cation in the family. 

Charles Holland was married at nineteen yeai-s 
of age to Rhcnlie Reynolds of .Sidney Township. 



282 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



They bceume the parents of five children, Charles 
F., born October 2, 1882 ; Cora, February 26, 1885 ; 
Clevelantl F., March 25, 1887; George Tliurman, 
February 22, 1889, and Lulu M., May 1, 1801. In 
the fall of 188G this family made their home upon 
the farm of eighty acres which they now occupy. 
They have a handsome house with attractive sur- 
roundings. Their fine orchard gives a sjjlendid 
supply of fruit, and everytliing about the farm 
shows energy and enterprise. Our subject takes 
great interest not only in the education of his 
children, but in school matters generally and all 
affairs of public interest. 



ELISITA T. CHENEY is engaged in tilling 
the soil in Ionia Countj', with the interests 
of which he has been connected for well nigh 
half a century. He is located on section 23, Or- 
leans Township, on property that he has greatly 
improved since he took possession thereof in 1881. 
He has added a good house and barn to the build- 
ings that formerly stood upon the tract and by his 
management has kept up the fertility of the soil to 
par, if not above. Although four-score years old 
Mr. Clieney retains his interest in the management 
of affairs and gives due consideration to every 
scheme that will lie for the interest of the family. 

Mr. Cheney is a son of the Green Mountain 
State and there also his father, Elislia Chenej-, was 
born. The latter went to New York and made 
that State his home for many years, eventually 
dying there. He was a farmer b}' occupation. He 
held township offices in the Empire State and was a 
drummer in the militia. He was married to Plirebe 
Hendee and to them were born the following clill- 
dren : Elisha P., David, Donald and Jane. Mr. 
Cheney breathed his last in 1870, having been pre- 
ceded to the silent land by his wife who died in 
1863. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
January 2, 1811, and remained in his early home 
until he was about twenty-one years old. He then 
entered upon his life work, that of farming, to 
which he brought a thorough knowledge gained 



under his father's guidance. In 1844 when became 
to this State he settled in Easton Township, Ionia 
County, and made that his home a number of years. 
He removed thence to Orleans Township and in 
1881 purchased the farm on which he now lives. 
He cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, but for 
many years he has been identified with the Repub- 
lican party, whicii he believes to hold principles to 
which he gave his first vote. His religious faitli is 
that promulgated in the Christian Church. 

It is given to few couples to spend as many 
years together as has been the case with Mr. and 
Mrs. Cheney. They were married in New York 
March 4, 1829, and have therefore shared each 
other's joys and sorrows for sixty-two years. Mrs. 
Cheney bore the maiden name of Fanny Metcalf, 
and is a daughter of Pliiiieas Metcalf, a native of 
Massachusetts. The sons and daughters that have 
come to bless her and lier husband are Orsin, Henry, 
Jane, Edmond, Ann, Mercy, Alphonso, Lucian and 
Uz. Mr. and Mrs. Cheney are honored for their 
long and useful lives and number tlieir friends by 
the score. 



' • ' ^1- 



E^^?- 



\Y/OHN STORM. A pleasant home in Danby 
Township, Ionia County, is that whicli Mr. 
Storm has made b3' the exercise of prudence 
and industr3^ His farm consists of one 
hundred and twenty acres, of which he took pos- 
session early in the '40s, going in debt for a part 
of its value. For some years his life was filled 
with toil and privation, but he was encouraged b^' 
his devoted wife, who aided him in every way that 
a woman could. They gathered about then: all the 
comforts heart could desire, and placed tiieir affairs 
on a solid basis that removed anxiety from their 
minds. Of the settlers who were living here when 
Mr. Storm came few now remain, one by one the 
circle having been thinned by death. 

Mr. Storm can boast of Revolutionary blood, 
his grandfather having been one who fought for 
American freedom ; he died near Monroe, Mich., 
having come hither late in life. The father of our 
subject, Nicholas Storm, was a native of New 





^7744^ 



^X 



'^ (_^^^^ <yA^^y?9yH^ 



^^^^--^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



286 



York, snfl liis mother, Haunah Hall, was an Kasl- 
ern la<ly. Tlie home of tliat worthy couple was 
in Olscgo County, N. Y., where their son John was 
horn March 19, 1812. This gentleman came to 
Ann Arbor in 1834 and for a yeav worked by the 
month at what was then considered good wages — 
j!l2. He then bonglit eighty acres of Oovernment 
land near Lansing, but exchanged it for another 
piece which he afterward sold, buying instead the 
tract that is now his home. 

The marriage of Mr. Storm to Mi.ss lliirrict Moe 
took i)lace November 22, 18.'?7. The bride was a 
daughter of John and Elizabeth Moe, who were of 
French descent and came to this State from New 
York in an early daj-. For nearly fifty years she 
was her husband's cherished com()anion, but on 
May 21, 1887, she was called away by death. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Storm three children were bfirn who 
are named respective!}', Garry, Charles and George. 
The latter still resides l)eneatli the parental roof. 
Charles married Rosetta Bery and had two children 
— Clarence and Mary. His grandson Clarence 
when .about fourteen years old lost his life in tiie 
attempt to save a companion from diowning. 

Mr. Storm has always voted a Democratic ticket 
and attended the town meetings, but taken no 
active part in political work. He was reared under 
the tenets of the Methodist Eiiiscopal Church, but 
has never united with any religious body. 



/^ O.SCAR THOMPSON is perhai,s as well 
[ip^ known as any resident in Ionia, Ionia 
^^^' County, as he has been prominent in church 
work and has filled public positions of responsi- 
bilitj'. He came here in early manhood and for a 
lime had charge of the public schools. He had 
begun teaching at the early age of eighteen years 
and carried on the work for a decade, principally 
in the winter. He was born in Genesee County-, 
N. Y., August .30, 1827, and spent his boyhood and 
youth upon a farm. He was so fortunate as to 
have excellent school privileges, taking the higher 
l)ranches in Alexander Academy in New York and 
in what is now Hillsdale College, this .State. 

The parents of our subject were Chauncy and 



Clarissii (Reynolils) Thompson, who were born in 
Vermont and New York respectively, and the 
former of whom belonged to a family that came 
originally from England and was among the first 
settlers in New England. In 1847 the Thompsons 
came to tiiis State, the family at that time consist- 
ing of husband, wife and six children. Mr. Thomp- 
son died here November 5, 185.5; his widow lived 
to be eighty-five years old, passing away May 1, 
1888. The surviving children are Mrs. Lucetta 
Freeman of Ionia; Mrs. Laura M. Mills of San 
Jose, Cal.; Mrs. Loretta T. Schuberth, also of San 
Jose; and the son who is the subject of this 
biograph}'. The father was a farmer and occupied 
property near the city of Ionia. 

The first work of our subject In this county has 
been already mentioned. In 1S5G he was elected 
Registrar and following this he w.is Dei)uty Count}' 
Tre.asurer until 1861 when he went to Washington, 
I). C, as clerk in the General Land Office. After a 
time, upon solicitation of the Pension Commis- 
sioner, he was transferred to the Pension Bureau, 
where he remained until the close of the war. He 
tiien returned to Ionia, saying that there were many 
deserving men who had lost limbs in their country's 
service, but were not incap.acitated for such work 
.as he had been doing, and that able-bodied men 
should give wa}' to them. 

Upon reaching his old home Mr. Thompson m.ade 
arrangements for going into the dry-goods business 
with E. S. Johnson, but the venture did not prove 
successful and he lost the $3,000 he had invested. 
He had been appointed Revenue Inspector and paid 
but little personal attention to the dry-goods trade. 
He subsequei\tly became clerk to the Revenue 
Assessor and did all the work of the office, holding 
the place until the law w.as modified so as to put 
the business into the hands of a Collector. He 
then entered u|)on the real estate and insurance 
business, which he followed until 1877, when he 
received the appointment of Treasurer of the State 
House of Correction and Reformatory ami of the 
Michigan Asylum for insane criminals at Ionia. 
These ofTices were held by Mr. Thompson until 
1881, when he again entered mion a private busi- 
ness life, engaging in the disposal of real estate and 
making loans. 



286 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The wife of Mr. Thompson was known in her 
inaidenliood as Miss Mary Burgess, and was for- 
merly a resident of Eureka, tliis State. Their mar- 
riage took place May 22, 1852, and their home has 
been gladdened by the presence of live children, 
but two only are now living — Louis and Cassie, 
both under the parental roof. Mr. Thompson is a 
standi Republican in politics. He is a reliable, 
public-spirited citizen and one whose example is 
wortliy of emulation. He is an Elder in the Pres- 
byterian Church, a position he has held twenty- 
five years, and is also Clerk. 

In connection witii this biographical notice, a 
lithographic portrait of Mr. Thompson is presented 
to our readers. 



)YRON E. HESS, M. D., one of the pronii- 
Y nent physicians of Ionia County practicing 
medicine at Clarksviile, was born at Corn- 
ing, Steuben County, N. Y., December 28. 
1836. His parents were Dioclesion and Lydia A. 
(Gaylord) Hess. The father was a native of New 
York and was of German descent. His grandfather 
served in the War of 1812, and his great-grandfather 
was killed in a battle with the Indians. The mother 
of our subject was a native of Connecticut. The pa- 
rental home was in New York until in 18.37 when 
Mr. Hess came Westand in 1838 the family removed 
to Michigan, purchasing two hundred and forty 
acres of land in Boston Township, Ionia County. 
Mr. Hess built a log house on his farm into which lie 
moved his family and commenced the work of 
clearing and improving his land. In 1848 he sold 
this farm and purchased one near Saranac. Here 
he resided until May 12, 1851, when he died at 
the age of forty-one years. His wife survived him 
until October 1887, when she passed .away at the 
age of seventy years. In politics he was a Whig. 
Both he and his good wife were earnest and useful 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church Tliey 
were the parents of six children, five of whom sur- 
vive them, namely: Byron E. ; Henry H. residing 
in Henry County, Iowa; Oliver, a lawyer at Lamar, 
Col.; Lydia A., Mrs. Prescot, residing at Oakland, 



Cal., and Diantha, Mrs. Peter Hill, who makes her 
home at Carthage, Mo. 

Byron E. Hess was hroughl by his parents to 
Ionia Countj' when only eighteen months old. At 
the death of his father he took charge of the fam- 
ily as he was the oldest son and heavy responsibil- 
ities devolved upon him. He had seduously im- 
proved all opiiortunities for education provided 
by the district schools and devoted to study what 
time he was able to take from home duties. When 
the Civil War broke out he gave over into the 
hands of his younger brothers, the care of the fam- 
ily and the farm duties and enlisted in Comi)any 
D, Tliird Michigan Infantry. He was mustered 
into the service June 10, 1861, under the command 
of Capt. Moses B. Houghton. He saw severe ser- 
vice and participated in man}' hard-fought battles, 
among wiiich was the battle of .Stoneman's BV)rd 
on nearly the same site where the battle of P.uU Run 
occurred. It was fought a few days previous to that 
famous battle, in which he also took part. He was 
also at the battles of Ball's Bluff and Yorklown, Wil- 
liamsburg and Seven Pines. He was in McCleilan's 
seven-days' fight, when he returned from Seven 
Pines to Harrison's Landing. 

In the second battle of Bull Run the subject of this 
sketch was severelj' wounded, being shot through 
the left breast and left Tirm. The battle com- 
menced Thursdaj' evening and about two o'clock 
on Eriday afternoon he was acting as Lieuten- 
ant, and wliile making a charge against Jackson's 
corps he was wounded and fell on the battlefield 
where the opposing lines were within ten feet of 
each other. After tliis engagement but six men 
of this company returned to tell the tale. Lieut. 
Hess lay on the battlefield wounded and helpless for 
five daj'S. When he first became conscious he found 
he was. lying on the top of a small grade, with the 
enemy on one side and the Union forces on the 
other. Very heavy firing was going on; he man- 
aged to crawl down the embankment to a little 
safer place. In a short time the Union forces were 
driven back and the enemy came rushing over the 
grade at the foot of which lay a large number of 
dead and wounded. The enemy stopped and asked 
many of them if they were wounded, and on proof 
of that would pass along, but unprincipled strag- 



PORTRAIT AND lUOURAPHICAL AL15UM. 



287 



glers in tlie rear made raids upon the dead and 
helpless men, taking from them tlieir valunblcs. One 
man took from our suffering friend his boots and 
hat. Next it was the turn for the rebels to be forced 
to retreat. The wounded men were faint witii loss 
of blood and parched with thirst. The}' were beg- 
ging for water and felt tiiey were dying of thirst. 
During the retreat of the enemy one Southern sol- 
dier heard the cries of the helpless ones for water, 
and amidst the fire of the Union forces stopped to 
see what lie could do for his suffering enemies; the 
bullets were Hying like hail. This noble soldier 
laid down his gun and gathering up a number of 
canteens which wore strewn upon the ground 
brought them filled with water to the thirst-stricken 
sufferers. Soothed bj- this act of kindness and the 
health-giving water our subject became more quiet; 
he soon became unconscious again and knew noth- 
ing of the events of the night. Earlj' tiic next 
morning he saw ap|»roaching him a small detach- 
ment of Southern soldiers in command of an ollicer. 
He called to him and begged to be taken to tiie 
Union lines, which were only about sixty rods away. 
The wounded man promised the oflicer 1 100 if he 
would do this, as he could see that there were 
preparations on foot for another day of warfare, 
and he knew that he was on the ground wiiich 
would be run over by both armies. The rebel 
odieer answered him kindly and promised to attend 
to him. He returned very soon with four men and 
a stretcher, upon which they carried Lieut. Hess, 
not to the Union lines but half a. mile in the rear 
wliere they laid him down in the woods and bade 
him good bye. 

The chances for life seenuMl very small to our 
hero. He lay on the ground all day, at times con- 
scious and watchful of what was going on about 
him, but often entirely unconscious of his sur- 
roundings. The booming of the cannon and the 
rattle of musketry came to him from without the 
•woods. He slept at night and on the following 
morning found that many of his own comrades lay 
wounded and dying about him. During the day 
he was picked up by a comrade, Christian IJerrin- 
ger, who had been searching for him by special 
permission from the ollicer of the field, he being a 
prisoner at llie time. Bringing a stretcher and 



some more men he carried him as gently as possi- 
ble to the stream. They met a man who had in 
his hand some hoe cake and broiled fish. He kindly 
gave a part of his food to the wounded man who 
was too weak to eat it. He had swallowed no food 
and almost no water for three days and had lost 
much blood by his wound. They laid him down 
near the stream of Bull Run with nine other ollicers 
whom they had found, and there they rcmaineil 
until Wednesday night, being for five daj's with 
no protection from the storm except a blanket. 

On the evening of Wednesday they were picked 
uj) by the ambulance wagons and Lieut. Hess taken 
to Emery Hosi)ital at Washington, where he re- 
mained about four weeks, during which time his 
wounds received most skillful attention. But his 
condition was indec(l a serious one. The prolonged 
exposure following upon the serious flesh wound 
had induced com|)lications which were diflicult to 
meet. The llesh of his arm on the under side from 
near the shoulder to the elbow had dropped off. 
In the Armory Scjuare llositital to which he was 
removed, they tried the experiment of drawing 
flesh around from the front side, hoping to make 
it grow over the bone. Dr. I). W. Bliss had him 
transferred to his house where he remained for 
nearly two months. He was then comfortable 
enough to go home and received a leave of absence. 
He went to his mother who resides at Como. HI., 
where he remained about six weeks. 

Our hero returned to Saranac to visit the girl 
he left behind him — Mary E. Champlin. This 
loyal daughter of America now consented to unite 
her life with that of this brave defender of our flag 
and February 21, 18G;i^ their marriage took place. 
In Ai)ril the hope which had been entertained that 
his arm might be saved, was at last abandoned 
and it was amputated at the shoulder by Dr. II. II. 
I'owcr. After recovering from this operation he 
returned to Washington and May 20, 18fi3, was 
retired from active service, but March 25, lHGI,he 
was transferred b}' Abraham Lincoln to the A'eteran 
Reserve Cor|)S, where he took rank as Second Lieu- 
tenant. In this capacity he served until Octol)er 
6, 18G6, when he was honorabi}- discharged. 

I'pon leaving the service Lieut. Hess made his 
home in Saranac, and sindifd mcilicine with his 



288 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



faithful friend and good surgeon, Dr. Power. Dur- 
ing the winter of 1876-77 he attended the St. Louis 
Medical College, and tlie following season was a 
student in the Missouri Medical College in the 
same city. He then returned toSaranacand began 
to practice medicine. Two years later he removed 
to Bonanza, now called Lake Odessa, but after a 
practice there of four j-ears he removed to Clarks- 
ville and engaged in the double business of the 
practice of medicine and the keeping of a drug- 
store, and in which he has built up a lucrative 
business. For three years he was Postmaster at 
Clarksville. He was formerly a member of the 
Republican party but is now a Democrat. He is a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Dr. 
and Mrs. Hess are the parents of five children: 
Edwin ,l.,who resides in Des Moines, Iowa; Wil- 
lard, Frederick R., Allie E. and Iva E. This fam- 
ily is well known tiiroughout the count3' and held 
in the liighest esteem by all. 



(| IfcALTER MAYES. It seems but a short 
\/\j// time since Montcalm County was covered 
^^^ with heavy forests and resounded with the 
blows of the woodman's axe. Now a large part of 
it consists of well-developed farms and in many lo- 
calities beautiful buildings and other evidences of 
prosperity and refinement are to be seen. The 
home of Mr. Mayes is on a well-i-cgulated estate in 
Crystal Township consisting of two hundred and 
forty acres. Here is to be seen a fine two-story 
dwelling containing thirteen rooms, which was 
built by our subject, anil is furnished in accord- 
ance with the means and taste of the family that 
occupies it. Among the outbuildings are two large 
barns that afl'ord shelter for fine stock and the 
requisite fodder. 

Mr. Mayes was born in Delaware County, N. Y., 
February 11, 1843, and is a son of P^dmond and 
Hannah (Mulnynex) Mayes. His parents were 
born in the Empire State and his father was a 
farmer. When Walter was but eleven years old 
his father died and he was obliged to take up the 
burdens of manhood and labor for the support of 



the family. He had but meagre opportunities to 
obtain an education, as he could onlj- attend school 
during the winter months. In 1862 he came to 
this State and located in Reynolds Township, Ionia 
County'. There he was pursuing an industrious 
course when he determined to enter the Union 
Army, and in December, 1863, he enlisted in the 
First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. He was 
sent to Bridgeport, Ala., and took part in the build- 
ing of fortifications, warehouses and other kinds of 
constructive work, including bridges. He did not 
take part as a fighter in any engagement but was 
drilled to a limited extent, it being the custom to 
prepare the engineers' corps for defensive measures 
should it be necessary. Being taken sick, Mr. 
Mayes was sent to the general hospital at Madison, 
Ind., and he was finally disciiarged in Ma3', 1865, 
under a general order from that institution. 

After his discharge Mr. Mayes returned direct 
to Ionia County, but he was so disabled that he 
could not engage in farming until the spring of 
1867. He then cleared a tract of eighty acres, on 
which he lived until the fall of 1877,and then bought 
his present farm, or rather one hundred and sixty 
acres of it, afterward adding the balance. He 
found only a garden patch cleared and he h.as had 
much to do in preparing the orginal homestead for 
cultivation. In addition to this property he has 
one hundred and twenty acres in Evergreen Town- 
ship, which he intends to ultimately use for sheep 
pasturage. He keeps from eighty to one hundred 
head of sheep and a good supply of Short-horn 
cattle. He pays littlp attention to fine breeding, 
but likes good stock, and aims to keep only the 
best. 

An interesting eeremon}' took place May 2, 1868, 
it being the marriage of Mr. Mayes and Miss 
Rachel Weaver, of Bloomer Township. IMr. and 
Mrs. Mayes have had eight children, two of whom, 
Witselland Ida, died in infancy. The survivors are 
Delbert, born September 26, 1869; Wilber, March' 
28, 1871; Nelia, October 19, 1873; John, April 23, 
1874; Matthew, December 25, 1883; and Blaine, 
.lanuary 20, 1886. All are with their parents ex- 
cept Wilber, who is now attending college at Alma. 

Like all good citizens and progressive men Mr. 
Mayes is anxious that good schools should prevail, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



289 



and lie and bis wife have shown mucli interest in 
the mental progress of their children. Both hiis- 
bniid and wife belong to the Baptist Church, and 
it is their endeavor to live in accordance with the 
l)rofession the^- have made. Mr. Mayes is looked 
upon as one of the best fanners in the vicinity and 
as a citizen of intelligence and reliability. 

JABEZ H. CLARK. The connection of this 
gentleman with the affairs of Ionia County 
began in 1819, when Orleans Township was 
but sparsely settled and arduous tod was 
needed to bring property under cultivation. Mr. 
Clark not only cleared laud for himself but did 
much similar work for others, and indeed his whole 
life has been marked with industry and persever- 
ance. His first purchase here was of eighty acres 
on section 28, and he lias since added sixty-live 
acres. Upon this estate he has lived since his mar- 
riage. He has also a dwelling and an acre of land 
in the village of Orleans. 

From Holland, Elias Clark, grandfather of our 
subject, emigrated prior to the Revolution, during 
wliich he abandoned the plow to battle for freedom 
as a Minute Man. His home during the greater 
part of his life was in New York, but his last days 
were spent with a daughter in Pennsylvania. He 
lived to be more than one hundred years of age. 
His son Peter, father of our subject,was born in New 
York and remained in that State until he had reare<I 
a large family. He was married in 1811 to Han- 
nah Taylor, a Revolutionary soldier's daughter, 
wlio had emigrated to this country from Scotland. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Clark were 
named Stephen, Lucinda, Margaret, Jonathan, 
Mary IL, Jessie J., Phebe F., Lydia, William Loyal, 
Jabcz II., Charles, Russell, Peter and Hannah P. 

From his native Stale Peter Clark removed to 
Ohio and in Medina County he lived about eigh- 
teen years. He then came to Ionia County, this 
Slate, where he made his home until his demise, 
which occurred in 18o7. His faithful wife had died 
two years before. Both belonged to the Baptist 
Church. On coming to this State Mr. Clark 



bought two hundred and forty acres in Orleans 
Township, but at his death he owned but eighty 
acres, having sold the balance. He was a carpen- 
ter anil never farmed much, although besides buy- 
ing the property menlioijed he li.ad taken up one 
hundred and si.xty acres iij Montcalm County when 
he came hither. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these 
paragraphs was born in the Empire State August 
15, 1827, and remained with his father until he 
was twenty-nine years old. His education was ob- 
tained in Ohio and was quite good for the period. 
His marriage to Margaret Crawford took place at 
Esq. Kellogg's home August 17, 185G. She was a 
daughter of James Crawford, who was born in Scot- 
land and is now living in Easton Township, Ionia 
County. Mrs. Clark died June 23, 1857. A sec- 
ond marriage was made by Mr. Clark December 2, 
1857, his bride being Miss Sarah Johnson, daugh- 
ter of Otis and Sarah (Plumstead) Johnson, who 
were natives of New York. Mrs. Sarah Clark is 
the seventh in a family of fourteen sons and daugli- 
Icrs. Her union with our subject has resulted in 
the birth of the following children: Marion, Bert- 
ram, Jenny, Nettie, Cliailes, Fred, Leonard and 
Edith, of whom all are living except Maritni and 
Nettie. 

Mr. Clark has always voted with the Denaocratic 
party. He served one term as Constable. He was 
formerly a member of the Grange. His religious 
belief is that of tlie Methodist Church, but he is not 
a member of that body. His wife has been con- 
nected with the Free Methodist Church. 



ylLLIAM E. SPENCER. A good rank 
among the farmers of Ionia County is held 
by the gentleman above named, whose 
home is on section 23, Olisco Township. Here he 
has forty acres of fertile land on which he raises 
good crops, and which is the center of his extensive 
business as an apple dryer. Mr. Spencer is also 
engaged in dairying, milking about twenty cows 
and supplying the town of Belding with milk. Mr. 
S[)enccr was born in Livingston County, N. Y., 



290 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



April 6, 1854, and was a little lad of six years 
when his parents came West. He has spent most 
of tiie ensuing years in Ionia County and has been 
engaged in farming during the greater part of the 
time. 

Our subject is the son of Col. George C. Spencer, 
who was born in New York and lived there until 
18G0. He then came to this State and bouglit 
three hundred acres of land which he operated, 
altliough prior to his death he had reduced his 
estate to one hundred and fifty acres. At that 
time he also owned a gristmill at Smyrna, lie was 
not only a f.irmer, but a lawyer, and having been 
admitted to the bar in Ionia County he practiced 
as long as he lived. He also bought and sold 
grain and wool and was quite an extensive shipper 
of those commodities. He lived to a goodly age, 
dying in 1882. His widow survives and is now 
sixty-seven years of age. Her home is in Oakland 
County. This lady is a native of New York and 
bore the maiden name of Almira Gould. She is 
the mother of three children — Emma, Charles and 
William E. Charles is in Minneapolis; Eimmai 
Mrs. Just, lives in this Slate. By a former mar- 
riage to Anna Hartson, the father of our subject 
had six ciiildren — Jane, Ellen, Frank, Sidney, 
Albert and Annette. 

The gentleman of whom we write remained with 
liis parents until he was of age and then turned his 
attention to farming as the means through which 
he was to gain a maintenance and add to the use- 
fulness of his life. In 1882 he went to Grand 
Forks Countj-, N. Dak., and buying three hundred 
and twenty acres of land he followed his vocation 
there some five years. He then returned to this 
State and located on the old homestead, but ere 
long he sold it and bought forty acres w^iere he is 
now living. He was formerly engaged in the sale 
of merchandise in Coral for a twelvemonth, but 
with that exception and some three years — from 
1862 until the close of the war — during which he 
carried the mail from Smyrna to Cook's Corners, 
he has given his entire attention to agriculture. 

Mr. Spencer and Miss Lucy Campbell were united 
in marriage April 21, 1872. Mrs. Spencer is the 
second child of Henry and Anna (Smith) Cam|)bell 
and her father was a sou of one of the first settlers 



of Macomb County, which was his birthplace. Mrs. 
Campbell was a native of New Y'ork. Mrs. Spencer 
is a well-educated lady, skilled in domestic knowl- 
edge, and devoted to the interests of her family 
and cordial in her relations to neighbors and 
acquaintances. The children born to her are Fred 
C, Jessie E. and George C, all living at home, 
although Fred is clerking in the post-olHcc at 
Belding. 

The schooling of Mr. Spencer was obtained in 
the common schools of Ionia County, but his fund 
of information has beeu greatly extended by his 
perusal of public journals. He is a believer in and 
a sui)porter of the princii)les of the Democratic 
party. His life is char.acterized by energ}', honesty 
and good.will, and his standing in the community 
is assured. 



^OBLE H. GILMOKE was one of the boy 
pioneers of Sidney Township, Montcalm 
4 County, who endured hardships and encoun- 
tered struggles whicii are almost incredible when 
told in the ears of the children of the present day. 
He was born June 20, 1839, in Nelson, Portage 
County, Ohio, and is the son of Henry H. and 
Lucy (Merwin) Gilmore. His early life was spent 
In the rural districts, and Ids advantages for an 
education were very limited. Four terms of school 
were all that he was able to improve. At the age 
of eleven years he was hired out to John Spencer, 
with whom he was to reside until he reached his 
majority, but on the death of Mr. S|)encer two 
j'ears later he was released from this obligation and 
returned home. 

In 1854 our subject's father and elder brother 
started for the wilds of Michigan with a horse and 
single buggy; he accompanied them. A good 
share of the way they had to relieve their faithful 
beast by traveling on foot. They came to Fair- 
plains Township, and having located they shoul- 
dered their axes and started into the wilderness to 
chop trees. They had to walk three miles in going 
to and from their work with the snow sixteen 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



291 



incbes deep. They preempted one hundred and 

sixl}' iicres, built a loy lie.^i) and set it on fire. They 
thus elTceted a small clearing, upun which liiey built 
a house. In the corners of this hut they i)ile(l heaps 
of pine needles and there made their beds. A little 
later they split some rails and laid a floor. After 
one year and three months they were able to take 
up the land under the Graduation Act, and paid 
|;1.25 per acre. Tiiey earned the money for liiis 
purchase by making shingles for |i 1.25 per thousand, 
living largely' on venison. One year thej- were so 
reduced in circumstances that they had to de|)en(i 
upon the .State authorities for food. 

March 8. 18G3, marked an epoch in the life of 
this young man. He was then united in matrimony 
with Jliss Melvina Armstrong, and they became 
the parents of si.x children, all of whom survive, 
namely: Lydia J., born May 7, 18G4; AVilliam II., 
October 27. 18G6; Clarmena, born October 4, 18G8, 
died February 21, 18G9; Alta M.,born October 10, 
1870; Nina, October 19, 187G; Edith, May 5, 
1881; and Chux, September 30, 1885. 

Like thousands of the young men of that day 
Mr. Gilmore responded to the call of his country 
during the Civil War, and in 1865 enlisted in Com- 
pany G, Eighth Michigan Infantry. He was sent 
to Petersburg, \a., where he tlid picket duty for 
six months. He w.as then put into the thickest of 
the conflict, and fought at the battle of Ft. Stead- 
man and was in at the final charge on Petersburg, 
and was mustered out at Washington, in July, 
1865. He returned to Detroit where he remained 
three weeks waiting for his pa 3-. He was taken sick 
and confined to his bed for twelve months with a 
chronic ailment. 

Our subject was not the only patriotic member 
of this family, as he had two brothers in the same 
regiment, and his father wa.s in the Fourteenth 
regiment. He has never recovered health since his 
army experience. Notwithstanding physical infir- 
mity he has cleared a farm of eighty acres and has 
it well improved. When times were so very hard 
in the early days he was considered an expert in 
getting out shingles. He would shave as many as 
five thousand a day, while an ordinary task was one 
thousand per day. He shaved in all eight hundred 
thousand, and finished the shingles for the original 



court house in Montcalm County. He has been 
Pathinaster for two years and School Moderator 
three years. Anyone who sees the beautiful home 
and well-kept farm of Mr. Gilmore can hardly be- 
lieve that he is the man who, no longer ago than 
1854, travejed with his brother on foot to Lake 
Michigan, searcliing for work and slee[>ing in the 
dense forest at night, with a bundle of bread under 
their heads and wolves howling around them. 
Our subject was the first settler in this townsiiip, 
and on his farm tiic first tree was cut by himself, 
father and brother in the fall of 1851. 



•^^ 



E^^ 



LMERON NEWMAN. Few who view 
with admiration the thriving towns and 
!< fruitful expanse of farm lands of Ionia 
County realize by what ardor of physical 
toil, strength of mind and hopefulness of heart the 
country was brought to its present condition. Yet 
there are some still living here who have partici- 
pated in pioneer scenes or heard them recounted 
by those who bore a part and who therefore under- 
stand fully all that was undergone b^- the brave 
and vigorous men and women who le<l the van- 
guard of civilization. Aniung those to whom 
this section owes lasting gratitude for services ren- 
dered in opening up the countr}', is he whose name 
introduces these paragraphs and whose memory is 
held in honor wherever he was known. 

Mr. Newman was born in Ontario County, N. Y., 
February 2G, 1804, and on attaining his majority 
established a woolen-mill in his native State. Tales 
of the fertility of the Griind River Valley in Mich- 
igan reached his ears and in the spring of 1836 he 
immigrated to the new countr}^ with his wife and 
three small children. They traveled toward the 
setting sun with an ox-team and landed at the con- 
fluence of the Looking Glassand (Jrand River when 
this section was a dense wilderness in which Indians 
and wild beasts abounded and but one white fam- 
ily had advanced before them. With little means, 
but strong hands and willing hearts, and the bravery 
and fortitude so characteristic of the early settlers, 
Mr. and Mrs. Newman establisheil their humo in a 



292 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



little shanty near the confluence of the streams. 
Shortly aft^r a more substantial log house was 
erected on the north side of tiie Looking Glass 
River and there the remainder of the lives of the 
worthy pioneer couple was spent and the joys and 
sorrows of a half century witnessed. 

Tlie life of Mr. Newman was one of more than 
usual activity, as in addition to developing and 
carrying on a good-sized farm, he erected a 
siwmill. In tliis was placed a small set of 
burrs, by means of which the lirst grind- 
ing was done in Portland Township. This was 
tlie only mill witliin a long distance for many 
years, and before its erection flour and meal i)ad to 
be carted from Detroit or brought on flat boats 
from Grand Haven. IMr. Newman's half-brother, 
James, was a partner in the gristmill. He also 
erected a carding and cloth-dressing mill, which he 
operated with llie assistance of the older boys for a 
number of years. It was of much value in the new 
country and financially satisfactory to himself. 
Later lie sold it to Stilson Brothers. Mr. Newman 
was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Mutual 
Fire Insurance Company of Ionia Countj- and 
served as Director for many years. He was largely 
instrumental in incorporating the village of Port- 
land and was one of the first trustees of the place. 

In addition to his active business life, Mr. New- 
man was soon serving the people in public capaci- 
ties and for many years he held public oflice. At 
the first town meeting he was elected Clerk, a posi- 
tion he held longer ihan any other man has done. 
At the same time he was elected Justice of the 
Peace — a position he was well qualified to fill, as he 
had served in that capacity in the Empire State. 
So well did he discharge the duties of the oHIce 
that he was retained nearly forty years, his resig- 
nation being finally accepted in 1873. It was char- 
acteristic of hira to counsel i)eace. In the few ca- 
ses that were carried up to higher courts not one of 
his rulings were reversed. 

Under the first constitution of the State Mr. New- 
man was elected Associate Judge of the Circuit 
Court and in 1858 he was sent to Lansing as a rep- 
resentative and in the legislative body was regarded 
as one of its best working members. He was largely 
instrumental in securing the railroad through the 



township and not only procured the right of wa3' 
but donated $1,000 to the project. He also do- 
nated $800 to the proposed railroad which never 
came. In religion he was a life-long Universalist 
and a Deacon of the Church, until his death doing 
as much as and perhaps more than any one person 
for its welfare. He and his brother James were 
mainly instrumental in the erection of the church 
building. This useful life was brought to a close 
November 14, 1876, and at the age of seventy-two 
years this venerable pioneer went to his reward. 

The faithful wife of Mr. Newman preceded him 
to the silent land one year. She was a native of 
the same State as himself and was known in her 
maidenhood as Miss Laura Berry. Of the family 
of the honored couple a daughter. Elmina E., died 
in infancy. The others are Newton, who died 
soon after reaching his majority-; Frank, now a 
farmer in Dakota; Jane, now the widow of Oscar 
Hamlin; Edgar, a private in Company D, Ninth 
Michigan Infantry, who served his country in bat- 
tles and marches for more than two years and died 
under the parental roof while at home on sick fur- 
lough; Frederick, a farmer of Portland Township; 
William, who died in early manhood; John G., who 
is represented in this volume; and Asa, a hardware 
dealer in Portland. 



GRIFFITH MILLER, D. D. S., is one of 
the professional men of Ionia, who arc do- 
ing good work in their chosen fields, and 
can rejoice in a fair degree of worldly pros- 
perity. Dr. Miller is quite a young man, and has 
been engaged in the practice of dentistry but a few 
years, but he is a skillful workman who founds his 
practices upon a deep knowledge of those sciences 
which pertain thereto, and the experiences of those 
who have preceded him in this work. His oflice is 
well supplied with the latest appliances for dental 
work, but not the least of the causes of his success 
is to be found in his own industry and application. 
Dr. Miller was born in Canandaigua, Ontario 
County, N. Y., in 1865, and was left an orphan at 
the age of one year, and thrown entirely on his 



A 







% \^J 



4.L (htHyi/l/) 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALCUM. 



2'J5 



own resources. His parents were the Rev. Samuel 
and Anna Miller, natives of New York, and bis fa- 
ther was a faithful worker in the Gcisi)el field for 
many years. He was connected with tlie Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

hike many another lad left without home or 
means, Dr. Miller found life was not a bed of roses, 
but he had the pluck and determination by which 
to fight Ills way onward and upward. These quali- 
ties and habits of industry secured to him a good 
litcrar}' education in the Ft. Edward Collegiate In- 
titute of New York, where he was graduated iu 
1882. He mastered the knowledge of dental sur- 
gery-, and took his degree of D. D. S. from Indiana 
College of Dental Surgery in the Class of '85, In- 
dianapolis, Ind. 

In 188G Dr. Miller came to Ionia, opened an 
olHcc, and almost immediately began to meet with 
success. He has a pleasant home where he enjoj's 
the companionship of an educated and cultured wife, 
to whom he was married in 1889. She bore the 
maiden name of E. May King, and is a native of 
the Empire State. The 3'oung couple draw around 
them the best societj' of the city, their own' social 
qualities being conspicuous and their characters 
upright. 



fi_^()N. JACOB M. BENEDICT. This gentle- 
man has been a potent factor in elevating 
the agricultural status of Ionia County-, and 
especially of Portland Township, in which 
he has long resided. In the paternal line he is of 
English ancestry, but the spirit that actuated the 
Colonists in making a declaration of indcpcndeiice 
from the mother country' has been plainly shown 
in his progenitors. His grandfatlier was a home 
guard during the Revolution and his father was a 
soldier during the War of 1812 and took part in 
the battle of Plattsburg. The latter, John Bene- 
dict, married Phcebe Taylor, and in 18.51 came 
with his family to Tecumseh, this State. He died 
there in 1862 and his widow breathed her last in 
1875. Their mortal rciuains lie side by side in 



wliat is known as the Raisin cemetery in Lenawee 

Count}'. 

The birth of our subject took [jlace in Orange 
County, N. Y., July 2G, 1832. He was reared on 
the farm and pursued his studies in the log school- 
house, whose description has become stereotj'ped 
on the pages of history. Not being satisfied with 
his meager opportunities Mr. Benedict began a 
course of study after he was of age, but was 
obliged to abandon it on account of his e^'es. The 
loss thus incurred was sadly felt, but has been made 
up to a large extent by continual reading and there 
was scarcel}' a night in twenty years that he did 
not devote from two to six hours to the perusal of 
papers and books. Since arriving at man's estate 
Mr. Benedict lias been a farmer, but for four years 
he was also engaged in the manufacture and sale 
uf agricultural implements at Portland. 

November 29, 1860, Mr. Benedict was united in 
marriage with Miss Nancy E., daughter of David 
and Minerva Bernard. The bride's parents were 
of English descent and natives of the Empire State, 
in wliich they lived mc>st of their lives. Their 
daughter Nancy was born in Kalamazoo. Mich., but 
from the age of three to sixteen j'ears lived in the 
lunpire State. She acquired a good preliminary 
education in the district school and supplemented 
it by a year's course of study in the select school 
of Miss Chapin. After completing this course she 
was engaged in teacliing until her marriage. She 
is the mother of five children, but one only is liv- 
ing — Lee M., who was born August 17, 1874, and 
is now attending the High School in Portland. 

In 1874 Mr. Benedict was the Democratic nomi- 
nee for Representative in the first district of Ionia 
County, and was elected by a majority of one hun- 
dred and eighty-six, although the Republican ma- 
jorit}- at the previous election had been eight 
hundred and sixt}'. P'or two years he served his 
constituents faithfully and well, and it was largely 
to him that the erection of the State Prison at 
Ionia was due. In various other ways he found 
opportunity to serve bis constituency, |)articularly 
in matters of reform and curtailment of expenses. 
Although frequently urge<l to do so, Mr. Benedict 
would never consent to have his name used before 
another convention, decidedly preferring the quiet 



296 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of home life to the turmoil of public station. He 
is a member of Blue Lodge No. 31, F. & A. M., iu 
Portland, and of the Patrons of Industry and 
Patrons of Husbandry. He lias held most of the 
township offices from Pathrr aster to Supervisor, 
and has also been a member of the School Board in 
different capacities. The township is one in which 
no political i>arty keeps a balance of power and 
the quality of the man nominated tells in the elec- 
tion. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Benedict appears 
on another i>age. 



¥'"1LLIAM A. STALEY. Among the many 
who are successfully pursuing the voca- 
tion of farming in Ionia County, mention 
may be made of William A. Staley, wliose estate 
is situated in Portland Township. Since 1875 he 
he has devoted himself closelj^ to his farm, and has 
proved his ability as an agriculturist, harvesting 
abundant and varied crops, and raising the domes- 
tic animals which are generally to be found in this 
section of country. His estate comprises one hun- 
dred and forty-seven fertile acres on section 7, a 
prominent feature of which is a good orchard, 
where fine fruits ripen in the summer sun. Tlie 
farm is well supplied with substantial buildings and 
is in every respect a well-regulated estate. 

Valentine Staley, father of our subject, was of 
German descent and a native of Herkimer Couuty, 
N. Y. He ended his days in Lima, January 23, 
1853. His widow, formerly Mary Hamilton, who 
was of Scotch parentage and a native of New 
York, subsequently removed to this State and died 
at Muir, June 25, 1883. The son of whom we 
write was born in Stafford, Genesee County, N. Y., 
April 14, 18S4, and reared on a farm. After ob- 
taining the instruction given in the district schools 
lie pursued his studies in tlie Genesee Wesleyan 
Seminary at Lima for two years. He then, at the 
age of eighteen years, engaged as clerk in that vil- 
lage, and there and at Fowlerville he spent five 
years. 

Our subject next came to Lyons, this State, and 



after clerking for a year, traded for a stock of goods 
and for some years gave liis attention quite largely 
to mercantile business. From 1862 to 18G5, he was 
also engaged in lumbering. In 18G9, he bought 
the farm on which he is now living, and in connec- 
tion willi his other affairs carried it on until the 
date at wiiicli he gave his attention entirely to agri- 
culture. 

The marriage of Mr. Staley and Miss C. Maria 
Collins, was solemnized May 29, 1859. The bride 
was a native of Livingston Count}', N. Y., and a 
daughter of Alfred and Mary (Hill) Collins, the 
former of whom was born in Connecticut and the 
latter in New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Collins 
never came West. Mrs. Staley has borne her hus- 
band four children one of whom, tlie flrsl-born, 
died in infancy. Charles A. operates a farm on 
section 5, Portland Township, and his wife was 
formerly Miss Dora Ilowe; Mary is the wife of 
Harvey L. Benschoter, a lawyer of Portland; 
Clarence has for some years been with the Belding 
Befrigerator Company with headquarters at Cincin- 
nati. Both Clarence and Charles were students in 
Olivet College in Eaton County. 

While never aggressive in politics Mr. Staley is 
sure to be on- hand when the ballot box is open and 
equally sure to vole a Republican ticket. He and 
liis family are consistent members of the Congrega- 
tional Church at Portland and are esteemed by 
their associates in that society and by the com- 
munity in general. 



ELIEL T. GOBLE, son of EzekielandElydia 
(Buoll) Goble, was born in New York State 
August 15, 1836. He was an emigrant at 
a very tender age, as he removed with his parents 
to Richfield, Summitt County, Ohio, when only 
six months old. His father was a farmer and a 
blacksmith and his children consisted of our subject 
and four girls, namely, Emeline, Susan, Hannah and 
Lucinda. When tlie son was eigliteen years old lie 
came to Michigan. 

After spending one winter in Montcalm our sub- 
ject returned to Ohio for eigliteen montlis and then 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



297 



catnc back to Michigan. He purchased the place 
where he now lives in 1858, cleared and uullivalcd 
it and made many sul)stantial iniprovenienls, build- 
inij; a good house and excellent barns and outbuild- 
ings. The farm consists of eighty acres. 

In those early days our subject indulged 
much in hunting and fishing of whicii sport he was 
quite fond. His marriage was celebrated on June 
3, 18G0, when he wedded June Gilmore, whose fam- 
ily is a pioneer one in Montcalm County. She was 
born in Ohio, and is the mother of three children 
— A. B., born October 21, 18GI ; Edna V., Se[)tem- 
ber 3. 18G8; Minnie B., September 20, 1879. The 
children are all living and at home with their par- 
ents, except Edna V., who is married to Chauncy 
(Jreen a thrifty young farmer of this county. 

In 1862 he removed to Ohio and engaged in 
farming and milling which he followed for seven 
years. He then returned to Michigan where he 
has since remained on the farm. He at one time 
bought a large sawmill at Sidney Center and oper- 
ated it for three years. He has held the office of 
Highway Commisssioner and is now on the Board 
of Heview, having served two years in that ollice. 
He is an extensive apiarist and a stanch Democrat. 
Mrs. tJoble is the first girl that lived in this town- 
ship. 

IRAM N. BROWN was born in the ances- 
tral home in Ontario, Canada, July 27, 1812. 
He is a prominent farmer and representative 
citizen of Easton Township, Ionia County. 
a gentleman of sound information and agreeable 
disposition. His parents, James W. and Eleanor 
(Bates) Brown, are Canadians of English extrac- 
tion. He is one of ten children, all still living, 
namely: Byron, Sarah, Hiram, Ladorna, Adeline, 
Maria, Omer, James, Eleanor and Munsell. His 
grandfather, Benjamin Brown, was one of the pio- 
neers of Leeds County, Ontario, Canada. 

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood 
in the earl}' home, and received his education in 
the public schools of Leeds County. When about 
twenty-four years ohl he went to Orleans County, 



N. Y., and worked out on a farm for about three 
j'ears. His wages were moderate. When he en- 
gaged by the year he was paid $250 and given his 
board, and when he worked by the month in town 
as clerk it was at the rate of between $40 and $45 
l)er month with the privilege of boarding himself. 
Besides farm work he tried his hand at clerking in 
a store, and was also for one year in a machine- 
shop. He went back home to find his wife, to 
whom he was married .September 10, 1873. She 
was Kate, daughter of George and Susanna 
(Conolly) Thompson, and was born August IG, 
1844. Her muther was of English descent and her 
father of Irish lineage. They were the parents of 
ten children, eight of whom are now living, 
namely: William, George, Nancy, Eliza, Mary, 
the wife of our subject, Anna and John. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born six 
children — Alva J., Emily, Lillian, Walker, Ira and 
Amy L. He brought his household to Ionia 
County, Mich., in 1874. Here he owns two hun- 
dred and thirly-five acres of excellent and product- 
ive land, llis first purchase was eighty acres, for 
wiiich he paid $4,000. In the accumulation of 
property he h.ns been ably assisted by his hard- 
working and economical wife, whose soun<l judg- 
ment and good sense have always aided him in 
decisions of importance. They are both valued 
members of society and Mrs. Brown is a member 
of the Methotlist Episcopal Church. Mr. Brown 
has served educational interests as Moderator of 
the S<'hool Board. They have an interesting and 
inlclligent family of children, and among the promi- 
nent fjimilies of Ionia County selected for repre- 
sentation in this Ai.iiU.M we take pleasure in 
presenting Hiram N. Brown. 



II^BENEZEK WKKiHT, residing on section 
ija 7, Orange Township, Ionia County, is one 
■ l i i -^ of those early farmers who, commencing 
empty-handed and working for others to earn i)ur 
chase money, haye acquired a good farm and estab- 
lished a pleasant home. All is the result of their 



298 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



personal endeavors. Our subject is the son of 
Oliver M. Wright, a farmer and carpenter of Che- 
mung County, N. Y., and of Sallie W. (Goode- 
nough) Wright, a Vermont woman. 

The piirents of the subject of this biographical 
sketch were married in New York and resided there 
until 1841, when they removed to Michigan and 
settled in Oakland County. In 1849 they came to 
Ionia County and made a permanent home on sec- 
tion 8, Orange Township. Oliver M. Wright died 
in March, 1869. His widow still lives in this 
township. These early and respected settlers were 
tlie parents of eight children, four of whom are 
now living. These were all brought up in the 
doctrines of the Free Will Baptist Church. Their 
father was in his early days a Whig, but in later 
years united his interests with the Republican 
party. Our subject, Ebcnezer, was born Septem- 
ber 21, 183.3, in Monroe County, N. Y., and was 
therefore seven 3'ears old when his parents removed 
to the AV'est. His education was received in the 
primitive schools of this State. At twenty-one 
years of age he started out in life for himself, nnd 
iiaving earned the mone}' with which to purchase 
a farm, built upon it a log house, married him a 
wife and established a home. His marrifige in 
January, 1865, with Cellena Trowbridge, daughter 
of William and Emma (Yates) Trowbridge, has 
proved a happy one. Her parents were both na- 
tives of England, who emigrated to America in 
about 1847, and after remaining a few years in 
Canada came to Michigan in 1850 and settled first 
in Berlin Township, afterward making their home 
in Campbell Township. Mr. Trowbridge died in 
1873, the mother of Mrs. Wright having been 
called away in 1844. The wife of our subject was 
born October 2, 1837, and received at the hands 
of her parents a good common-school education. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wright are both members of the 
Baptist Church, in which he has for several years 
been a Deacon and where he has done efficient 
work in Sunday-school both as Superintendent and 
teacher. His wife is also an earnest Sunday-school 
teacher. They have not been blessed with any 
children, but have reared the children of others. 
One of these favored ones, Lydia .1. Sears, now 
Mrs. Daniel Sumner, of Berlin Township, is the 



mother of four children. Mr. Wright has been 
Ruad Overseer and School Director. He is inter- 
ested in politics and votes the Republican ticket. 
His record as a temperance man and his good 
qualities in every direction make him a popular 
man in the neighborhood. 



'• ' *^ 



VfJOIIN T. REN WICK is a successful and 
prosperous citizen of Keene Township, Ionia 
County, residing on section 24. He was 
born September 6, 1827, in St. Lawrence 
County, N. Y. His parents, Thomas and Jane 
Kenwick, were born in Scotland, whence thej' emi- 
grated on their wedding day to America. They 
resided for several years in New York State. When 
our subject was about seven years old the parents 
removed to Ontario, Canada, where he was reared 
to man's estate. His educational advantages were 
limited, and he has had to depend in later years 
upon independent reading and study for his educa- 
tion. 

Mary Laing became the wife of our subject in 
Ontario March 26, 1852. She is a native of New 
York State, where she was born in Seneca, Ontario 
County, October 23, 1827. She is the daughter of 
Waller and Jane (Renwick) Laing, the former be- 
ing a Scotchman and the latter an Englishwoman. 
When about twelve years old Mrs. Renwick removed 
with her parents to Ontario, Canada, where they 
died. Of iier parents' four children, three survive: 
Mrs. Renwick, Walter, and Jane (wife of Adam S. 
Turnbuli). To the parents of our subject were 
born five children, four of whom are living, namely : 
Jane, Mrs. Foulks, a widow; Walter, John T., and 
William. 

Five children have blessed the home of Air. and 
Mrs. Renwick, namely: Ellen, wife of James Ren- 
wick; Thomas, Mary, (deceased); William and 
Carrie. In 1854 our subject and family emigrated 
from Canada to Ionia County, Mich., and settled 
on what is now the Lome farm. Mr. Renwick h.is 
done a great deal of pioneer work and has his 
eighty acres of excellent arable land in a good 
state of cultivation. In the accumulation of his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



299 



property he has been abl}' assisted hy liis wife who 
ha8 been liis helpmate and counselor for years. Ills 
political convictions are with the Rciniblican part^' 
and in local affairs he is always in favor of move- 
ments which are intended to elevate the community. 
Both he and his good wife are earnest and active 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
leading members of society. 



"SIOHN W. HALLETT was born in Cato 
Township, Cayuga County, N. Y., April 5, 
^^ 1846, and is a son of Isaiah and Isabella 
i^Ji (West) Ilallett. In 1840 the father of our 
subject was a victim of the gold fever and leaving 
his farm, went to California to dig for gold and 
died there. The boy went to live with a Mr. 
Lemraon when be was eight years old, and remained 
with him in Cayuga County, until he was seventeen 
years of age, although after he reached the age of 
fourteen years he was allowed to spend the summers 
elsewhere. Up to this age lie was sent regularly to 
school and had the same privilege during the win- 
ters until after seventeen years of age. lie is now 
a resident of Bloomer Township, Montcalm County. 

In. July, 1864 the subject of this sketch enlisted 
in Battery A, Third New York Light Artillery, 
which during the first summer was stationed at 
Newbern, N. C. Afterward the company was 
stationed at Ft. Anderson, doing garrison duty 
there, and afterward at Plymouth, N. C. They 
were sent on a raiding expedition to Roanoke, 
after which they returned to Newbern. They were 
often sent out to head off and shut up Johnston's 
forces but <lid not engage in any general battle 
until the Kinston fight. They were at one time 
detailed to guard the supplies of Gen. Sherman. 
After Lee's surrender Mr. Ilallett was taken sick 
with the measles and being sent to New York re- 
ceived his honorable discharge at David's Island in 
June, 1865. 

The subject of this sketch now returned home 
and feeling that he would be glad to fit himself 
more fully for life's work he went to Rochester and 
took a course in Bryant it .*>tratton's Business Col- 



lege. For two years he followed farming in the 
summers and taught school in the winters, and at 
the age of twenty-two in the spring of 1868, be 
came to IMichigan, and settling in Carson City went 
into the lumber business. For two 3'ears he also 
engaged in the manufacture of carriages at the 
same i)lace. He was then elected Justice of the 
Peace and with the work of that office he combined 
for some time an insurance business. For four 
years he was in the employ of Hall & Co., and also 
with Heath & Miller as clerk and bookkeeper in 
the hardware line. He finally went into partncr- 
shi|) with Mr. Heath and the business was carried 
on for four years under the firm name of Healli & 
Ilallett, after which he bought out the entire busi- 
ness and has been running it since in his own name. 
John W. Ilallett was united in marriage Novem- 
ber 25, 1874 to Emma LaDue of New York. They 
have one child— Roj', who was born to them April 
4, 1876. They are both members of the Congre- 
gational Church and are useful and interested 
workers in their church connection. He is wide- 
awake on all [)olitical questions and all matters of 
public interest and has been President of the vil- 
lage for two terms. He owns the corner opposite 
the Miller House and will this summer place upon 
it a fine two-storv brick building. 



"gi^^-* 



;ILLIAM M. REMINGTON, one of the 
venerable residents of Boston Township, 
Ionia County, and a retired farmer, was 
born in Dutchess County, N. Y., November 30, 
1810. He was a son of Wagar and Susannah 
(Moslier) Remington, both natives of Dutchess 
Countj'. The father of our subject was a manu- 
facturer of fanning mills, and was also a dealer in 
meat and stock. He bought largely of live stock, 
and sliippcd it to New York City. He was carry- 
ing on this business at the time of his death. When 
our subject was about four 3-ears old his father was 
on the way to New York Citj' with a drove of 
sheep, when he was taken suddenly ill at Hyde Park 
on the North River, and died away from home. 
The mother died about the year 1858. William is 



806 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the only surviving child of his parents. After his 
father's death he went to live with his grandfather, 
who gave him a good common-school education. 
At sixteen years of age he went away from home 
to learn the shoemaker's trade. He remained with 
his master five years and four months, and then set 
up business for himself in Stanfordville, Dutchess 
County, N. Y., where he remained for six years. 

During the residence of our subject in Stanford- 
ville, he was married to Ann Jeanette (Hood) Sep- 
tember 2, 1831. They afterward removed to Per- 
ry's Corner, N. Y., and resided there six years. He 
then moved to Hudson, N. Y., and being compelled 
by the condition of his health to seek out-of-door 
exercise, he went into the teaming business and 
ran a dray there for five years. They then re- 
moved to Wa3'ne County, N. Y., where for three 
3'ears he engaged in farming. He afterward pur- 
chased a farm in Savannah Township, the same 
county, and resided upon it for fourteen years. He 
then sold out and purchased a farm in Cayuga 
County, upon which he lived for three years, until 
in 1868 he came to Michigan, locating in Boston 
Township, Ionia County, and purchasing one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land where he now re- 
sides. 

There were some improvements upon this new 
farm when William Remington took it, and he has 
added to them so tliat it is now all under cul- 
tivation, and well stocked. He started in life with- 
out any help, and by hard work has secured enough 
to enable him to spend his days in retirement. He 
now has his farm rented, l)ut makes his home on 
the place. He has always taken a great interest in 
the improvements wliich have gone on about him, 
and in tiie social and physical prosperity of the 
county. His first vote was for Tory candidates, but 
upon the formation of the Republican party he 
joined it and has supported it ever since. He was 
at one time a member of the Grange and also of 
the Sons of Temperance. 

Nine children were born to Mr. and Jlrs. Rem- 
ington, seven of whom are living .as follows: Wagar 
T., who resides in Ionia: Susan, the wife of Ben- 
jamin A. Servis, who resides in Cayuga County, 
N. Y. ; George II., a niercharft in Bangor, Mich.; 
William M., Jr., depot agent in Bangor, Mich.; 



Silas K., a merchant in Russell, Kan.; Anna, Mrs. 
Albert P. Burr, resides in Boston Township, on a 
farm; Hannah C, Mrs. William Hobbs, resides in 
Antrim County, Mich. The beloved mother of 
these children died, A[)ril 13, 1889, at the age of 
seventy-nine years. Mr. Remington has now 
reached the age of eighty years, and is well-known 
and liighly respected by every one in the county. 



LARENCE C. GILLEO, editor of the Lake 
View Enterprise, was born in Winfield 
Township, Montcalm County, October 11, 
1861, and is the son of Isaac and Ellen (Gordan) 
Gilleo, natives respectively of New York and 
Pennsylvania. The father was born August 9, 
1832, in Seneca County, N. Y., and was 
brought up in Muskingum County, Ohio, whither 
his parents removed when he w.as a child. Here 
he lived until he was about twenty j'ears of 
age, when he went back East to find his wife in Erie 
County, Pa. He was married in 185.5, and coming 
to this county bought one hundred and sixty acres 
of wild land fi'om the Government for seventj'-five 
cents per acre. He located on section 2, of what 
is now Winfield township, where he still resides. 
The father of our subject was one of the very earl- 
iesr settlers in that portion of the county and he 
had to go ahead of his teams and cut down trees 
for them to pass through. Everything was just as 
nature had left it. He erected a log cabin at once, 
and began improving and making a farm. He now 
has one of the finest and best improved places in 
the county. He has devoted all his life to farming. 
He came to this county as poor as a man could be 
and for sometime worked in the sawmills of Green- 
ville for fifty cents per day to get money to pay 
for his farm. Greenville was his nearest market. 
He carried his wheat there on his l>ack, a trip of 
twenty-four miles, and when it was made into flour 
carried it back in the same wa}'. He is a Republi- 
can in politics and has held some minor town offices. 
He is a member of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen. 

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Gilleo were the parents of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



five children, Clarence C, Joseph D., Lettie E. 
(deceased), Lela E. (deceased), and Porter A. 
Our subject was reared on his father's farm in 
Winfield 'I'ownsliip. He receiveil his early educa- 
tion in tlie district sciiools ami pursued his studies 
two 3ears in tlie lligli School of Lake View. He 
remained on the farm until nineteen years of age, 
then came to Lake View to be in closer attendance 
upon school and when twentj'onc years old went 
into the printing business with T. h\ Rogers then 
editor and [)roprietor of the Lake View Enlfrprise. 
He continued with this gentleman as an employe 
until October 1, 1887, when he leased the paper of 
Mr. Rogers and in .January, 1888, he bought out 
Mr. Rogers' interest and has since issued the paper 
indcpenilently. 

Mr. Gillco, our subject, is a Republican l)y prin 
ciple and runs a Republican paper. It has a circu- 
lation of about six hundred and fifty and is 
constantly growing in reputation and influence in 
tiie county. Tliis young editor lias been A'illage 
Treasurer and also Township Treasurer and is at 
present tlie ^'illage President and member of the 
Board of Education. He is a Free and Accepted 
Mason of the third degree and is a member of the 
Knigiitsof the Maccabees. 

The lady who presides with such grace and dig 
nity over the household of our subject was before 
her marriage with him, May 8, 188C, Miss Gertrude 
Wilcox, of Greenville, Mich. .She was born in 
Hlureka Township, Mich., and is a daughter of 
Enoch and Mary (.Swarthout) AVilcox,one of the 
oldest families in this county-. One charming child 
of three years, giaces the home of tliis intelligent 
couple. Mr. Gilleo has been a member of both 
State an<l county conventions and belongs to the 
Michigan Rei)ul)lican Club. 



-^^ 



INFIELD S. AUGST. Among the fore- 
most farmers in Ionia County is Mr. Augst, 
who has accomplished more in a score of 
years than many men do in a lifetime. Having 
begun his person.il career without capital, he lias 
steadily worked his way upward by industry 



and a worth)* ambition, and now has a good prop- 
erty, owing no man a dollar and with sufficient 
means well invested, to provide .against a rainy 
day. His home is on sections 24, 25 and 2G, 
Odessa Township, and his farm there consists of 
one hundred and forty acres, most of which is 
under cultivation. The improvements upon the 
place are such as stamp it one of the best farms in 
the townshii), and include a basement barn 40x5() 
feet, put up in 1885, and a large, substantial farm 
house, built in 1888. Mr. Augst makes a specialty 
of Percheron horses and Cotswolil and Lincoln- 
shire sheep, and he also keeps good grades of cattle 
and swine. 

As his surname indicates, our sul)ject is of Ger- 
man stock, but we find in tracing the family history 
tlikt in 17C1 the ancestors crossed the Rhine from 
France into (Jermany. His grandparents were 
Frederick and Caroline (Nead) Augst, natives of 
Wurteinburg, and in that kingdom their son John S. 
was born, October 12, 1820. That gentleman mar- 
ried Lucinda Krook, June 11, 1843, and to them 
came eight children, the second of whom is the 
subject of this sketch. The others are Mary, wife 
of Charles Olmstead, living in Gratiot County; 
Louisa, wife of W. Lumbert, whose home is in 
Sedgwick County-, Kan. ; Lewis, a resident of Wash- 
ington; Laura, who married Enos Olmstead and 
lives in Gratiot County; Viola, wife of Henrv 
Lumbert, living in Odessa Townshi)); Ambrose, who 
lives on the homestead; and Ada, who is with her 
father thei-e. The mother died in March, 1885, at 
the age of fifty -nine years; she was a member of 
the United Brethren Church. The widowed hus- 
band still resides on the homestead and has reached 
the age of seventy-one years. 

CJrandfalher Augst was a cloth-printer, printing 
all kinds of cloth in Gormanj- until his death in 
1848. His wife died in 1851. They had six chil- 
dren, the only one now living being the father of 
our subject. He followed the occupation of his 
progenitor and became expert in printing and dye- 
ing all kinds of fabrics. He served two^'ears in the 
(icrmaii armj'. When twent3--two years old he 
took p.assage from Havre to New York and was 
thirt)' seven days crossing the briny deep. He went 
at once to Columbiana County, Ohio, where au 



362 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



uncle was living, and for him worked as a farm 
band a short time. For nearly three years he 
worked for various employers and during the time 
took to himself a wife. 

In 1845 John S. Augst bought forty acres of 
land in Hancock County and engaged in farming 
for himself. That was his home until the spring of 
1865, when he came to Ionia County, this State, 
consuming about a fortnight in driving through 
On his arrival he purchased one hundred acres on 
section 26, Odessa Townsiiip, fifteen of which had 
been improved, and moved into the old log house 
that stood there. The work of clearing anrl im- 
proving has gone on year by year until tlie prop- 
erty has become a well-regulated estate. In 1864 
Mr. Augst volunteered in the one hundred day ser- 
vice and was enrolled in Company G, One Hundred 
and Thirty-third Ohio Infantr}'. He served twenty 
days beyond the period for which he had enlisted and 
was then discharged at Columbus. He has been a 
Republican since he became an American citizen 
and is a standi supporter of the principles of the 
party. 

Winfield S. Augst was born in Hancock Count}', 
Ohio, March 24, 1850, and came to Ionia County 
with his jiarents when fifteen years old. He re- 
ceived a pi-actical education in the district schools 
and assisted his father in farm work until he was 
eighteen, when he started out on his own responsi- 
bility. Going to Montcalm County he engaged in 
work in the pineries and for about six years gave 
the winter months to lumbering and the summer to 
farming. He then set up a home on forty acres of 
land in Odessa Township, which he had previous!}' 
purchased. A clearing seven acres in extent was 
all the improvement that can be said to have been 
made, the remaining acreage being heavily tim- 
bered. Mr. Augst built a frame house into which 
he removed, and then began cutting down the for- 
est growth and sowing crops. Here he has remained 
pursuing a steady course of iionest industry. In 
1880 he added sixty acres to his farm and in 1886, 
forty acres more, thus giving him a tract of goodly 
size. 

The marriage of Mr. Augst and Miss Celinda 
Davis occurred August 30, 1874, and their house- 
hold includes six children, named respectively: 



Jennj', Minnie, Mary, Leon, Eva and Florence. 
Mrs. Augst is the fourth of five children born to 
Orin and Hannah (Rodgers) Davis. Her father 
was of English descent and born in New York, and 
her mother was a native of Connecticut. Mr. Davis 
was a carpenter. His death occurred while cross- 
ing Lake Ontario in 1865; his widow survived until 
in January, 1880. Both belonged to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Besides Mrs. Augst their chil- 
dren are Daniel, now of Oregon; Ida, who lives in 
Buffalo, N. Y.; Silas, living in Washington; and 
Sarah, wife of Alvin Van Norman, in Odessa 
Township. 

Mr. Augst supports the candidates brought foi'- 
ward by the Republican party as he believes that 
b}' so doing he advances the welfare of the nation. 
He has always been read}- to do his share toward the 
building of the section in which he lives, and he 
and his wife have made many warm friends in the 
community. He is Commissioner of Highways for 
Odessa Township, and in 1890 was a member of 
the Board of Review. He is a member of the Pat- 
rons of Industry. 



^,ILLIAM MATHEWS, one of the wealth- 
iest of Jlontcalm County's citizens, was 
born in Allegany County, N. Y., May 14, 
1843. His father, Samuel, was a mechanic by 
trade and w.as the father of two sons, our subject 
and his brother James. These boys began life under 
difficulty and were denied all opportunities of 
schooling, except tliose wliich they could find in 
the district schools near their country home. They 
grew to manhood in their early home and began 
work for themselves when they reached their ma- 
jority. 

The lady who presides over the home of Will- 
iam Mathews became his wife July 18, 1867. Her 
name was Mary AVoolever and she is a native of 
New York. Five children are the result of this 
union, John, born December 19, 1869; Lillie, June 
11, 1874; Charles, March 22, 1879;Clyde, January 
17, 1882 and Jennie, March 4, 1888. The two first 
were given to their parents in New York; Charles' 




^^A--^^^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



BOS 



native State is IiuJiaiia, wliile the lust two were 
born in Micliigan. 

Montcalm Count}', Mich., was tlio first Western 
lionie of our subject. He came there from New 
York in 1872, and in 1878 removed to DeKalb 
Count}', Ind., and remained tliere one and n half 
years. He then came back to Michigan. He Jouiid 
nothing but a trackless forest and made for him- 
self a home by hard attention to business and an 
indomitable perseverance. He has now what is 
probably the largest farm in the county. It con- 
sists of five hundred and ninety acres of choice 
land with substantial improvements upon it. He 
believes in prohibition and votes the way he be- 
lieves. His religious convictions are in .accord with 
the doctrines and practice of the Free Methodist 
Church, in whicli he is a consistent member. 



KV. DAVID A. ,IEWKL]> Ionia is the 
home of this gentleman, but liis work ex- 
li ^Y tends over the State and his name is known 
far and wide. He himself says, in one of 
the ([uarterly letters which arc a part of his work: 
"Tlie noblest and most important ivork which can 
fall to the lot of mortals is that of molding the 
lives of those who are to constitute the actors 
U|)on the world's stage in the near future." Few, 
if any, will dispute this, or deny that according to 
this belief the work in which Mr. .lewell is eng.aged 
is deserving of the highest honor. He is employed 
by the Presbyterian Board as .State Sunday-school 
Missionary and has displayed unusual fitness for 
the position. His record is a fine one, the schools 
he has organized since 1876 being three iinndrccl 
and fifty in number. 

Mr. Jewell represents the eighth generation fioni 
the establishment of the famil}' in America The 
patronymic has been variously written, .lule, Joy- 
ell, Jewel, then Jewell. 'J'homas Jewell was born in 
Kngland not far from 1600, and the first authentic 
account of him in this country is in the eaily ])art 
of 16."59, when he w.as given a grant of land at 
Braintree, near Boston — twelve acres at three shil ■ 



lings per acre. Among his sons was Nathaniel, 
who married Mary Smedley June 9, 1676. He 
followed the traile of a blacksmith, which was one 
of importance in Colonial days, and was promi- 
nent in civil and ecclesiastical affairs. In the third 
generation there was another Nathaniel, who mar- 
ried Sarah Whitney, .luly 11, 1701, and following 
him was a third Nathaniel, who married Sarah 
Barrett January 9, 1733. The fifth generation is 
represented by Joseph, who married Mary Frane 
February 23, 17V5. The direct line is continued 
in Joseph, who married Bitha Tyler February 23, 
1801, and then in the Rev. Joel, whose wife. Mar}' 
Adriance, was the daughter of a Revolutionary 
soldier, Theodore Adriance, who was one of the 
guards at the execution of IMaj. Andre. This 
brings the genealogical record down to the father 
of our subject. 

The Rev. Joel Jewell was born in Durham, 
Greene County, N. Y., February 11, 1803. He 
was a self-educated man and was early engaged in 
Sunday-school work, and was likewise a pioneer 
temperance worker. From the year 1826, when 
he became active in the Bible work, he continued 
his labors until many had been added to the church 
through his instrumentality. In 1827-28 he as- 
sisted Dr. William Wisner in a gracious revival, 
which increased the church membership five hun- 
dred, and in 1829 he-aided the Rev. Titus Coan in 
carrying on a meeting at Medina, N. Y. In 1830 
he was Superintendent of sixteen Sunday-schools, 
which he visited in circuit, four each week, and 
the next year another was added to the list. In 
1837 he removeil from Hector, N. Y., to Farming- 
ton, Pa., where he carried on a similar work until 
1813, when he entered the ministry. 

For five years after entering the ministry the 
Rev. Joel Jewell supplied churches of Farmington 
anil Beocher's Island, anfl he then accepted a call 
to the Congregational Church of West Newark, 
N. Y., and held the charge five and a half years. 
His ne.xt location was at Wells, Pa., where he was 
actively engaged three decades. Through him the 
word, teetotal, originated in this w'se: At a public 
temperance meeting held in Hector in 1828 he in- 
troduced into the pledge the letters "(). P." for 
old pledge, which pledged only against distilled 



806 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



liquors, and "T" for total, including both distilled 
and fermented liquors. When names were being 
taken a young man in tlie gallery said: "Add my 
name and 'T' for I am a T— totalcr." Thus orig- 
inated the name, teetotaler, more than four years 
before Dick Turner claimed to coin it in England. 
Late in August, 1820, Mr. Jewell organized a 
young people's society, numbering two hundred 
and fifty-two members, both male and female, 
which was the beginning of woman's connection 
with temperance work. 

David A. Jewell is the second in a family of 
seven children, six of whom are still living, fire 
sons and one daughter. One brother, three years 
younger than our subject, is also a minister, now 
living in Southern California. The birthplace of 
David A., whose name introduces this sketch, was 
Hector, Tompkins County, N. Y., and his natal 
day March 7, 1829. At the age of fourteen years 
he united with the Presbyterian Church at Beecher's 
Island, Pa., and went away to school with a view 
to studying for the ministry. He first attended 
Peach Orchard Academy, then went to Homer, 
and from an institution in that place was gradu- 
ated in 1850. The seven years' schooling cost his 
father but 130, the young man bearing his own ex- 
penses to a considerable extent by work done on 
Saturdays and in vacation. Two winters he taught 
school and for a long time he worked in a furni- 
ture shoi>, making chairs on Saturdays. It was his 
intention to go abroad as a foreign missionary, but 
after his graduation he gave his attention for 
some time to school-teaching. 

On April 9, 1851, the Rev. David A. Jewell was 
united in marriage with Miss Nancy A. Keeny, a 
native of Lansing, Tompkins County, N. Y. The 
bride was born August 16, 1831, to George G. and 
Hannah Eliza (Whitmore) Keeny, natives respect- 
ively of New York and Connecticut. The father 
was a farmer by occupation and spent his last 
days in Pennsylvania, dying July 2, 1855, at the 
a<'e of fifty-five years. The mother died May 3, 
1840, wlien Mrs. Jewell was nine years old, and a 
year later she was taken into the family of Herbert 
Richardson, of West Newark, Tioga County, N. Y., 
and that was her home until her marriage with Mr. 
Jewell. 



The health of Mr. Jewell has been impaired by 
confinement to the schoolroom and the work bench, 
and it was necessary to make a change in his occu- 
pation. He therefore came to Ionia in 1856 and 
took up the carpenter's trade, at which he was 
steadily employed until a few months after the 
breaEing out of the Civil War. He then entered 
the service, enlisting September 14, 1861, as a 
private in Company E, First Michigan Engineers. 
He was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, in which 
capacity he served two years, at the expiration c f 
which he was commissioned Second Lieutenar.t 
and assigned to Company M. For five months 
he was occupied in superintending the erection of 
a large fort at Stevenson, Ala. August 16, 1862, 
he had come home and spent four months in the 
recruiting service, enlisting over one hundred 
men, every one of whom lived to come home from 
Southern battlefields. All but three of the num- 
ber were mustered out together; two were then in 
the hospital and one had already been mustered 
out for disability. This is only an instance illus- 
trating the fact that men who are at work every 
day enjo3'ed better health than the infantrymen, 
because of the regularity of their habits. Mr. 
Jewell was mustered out at yVtIanta, Ga., October 
29, 1864. 

After receiving his discharge Mr. Jewell re- 
sumed his carpenter work and continued it until 
his services were called for by the Presb^'terian 
Board. In the prosecution of his missionary labor 
he not only organizes Sunday-schools, but brings 
into harmony with his work those who formerly 0|)- 
liosed Christianity — not bj' rousing their corabative- 
ness through argument,but by quietly securing their 
presence on some tour he is making, or during 
some meeting where thej' will see and hear what 
the Gospel is accomplishing. More than one of 
the best Sunday-school workers in the State have 
thus been brought into the fold. An instance 
that occurred at Paradise, Grand Traverse County, 
illustrates his success. It might be said that 
every man in the place was an infidel when, in 
1 877, the Rev. Mr. Jewell organized a Sunday- 
school in a kitchen. During the meeting two 
young men sat on the doorstep and listened, but 
would not come inside. In 1887, while organizing 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



807 



a school at Mayfield, Mr. Jewell fuonil there these 
two young men. Thev were so deligbtetl with the 
meeting that they contributed #1.300 toward the 
building of a chapel, leaving but #100 to be raised 
eisewheie. A prominent infidel in Grand Traverse 
County says that tlie school established at Para- 
dise '-has stolen two- thirds of the infidels." 

Mr. Jewell is connected with the U<ld Fellows" 
fraternity and is Post Commander of William II. 
Borden Post, No. 211, G. A. R. He is AdjuUnl 
of the County Battalion, M. S. G., and is a mem- 
ber of the .Soldiers' Commission. He has held 
various town and county offices, and has been a 
faithful servant of the i^eople whenever he re- 
ccivc<l their suffrages. He has affiliated with the 
Republicau party since it has had an existence. 
ills standing in the Presbjteri.an Church — without 
consideration of his .Sabbath- school work — is that 
of an earnest Christian who never loses sight of 
the goal that is before him. 



ATIIAN F. GOILD. It is frequently said 
II ',ji that Americans are a nation of movers and 
t that young men are never contented to re- 
main in their boyhootl's home. This idea is re- 
futed in the life of Mr. Gould, a general farmer 
anil stock-raiser of Boston Township, who is liv- 
ing on the section where his birth occurred .•Au- 
gust 22, 1847. He is a son of Moses M. and Han- I 
nah (Towne) Gould, both of whom were born in i 
New Hampshire. They came to Ionia Counts' > 
earl^- in June, 1837, when there were but four ; 
families l<x-atcd in Boston Townsliip. While Mr. 
Gould was building a log cal)in on his quarter sec- 
tion he lived with a family bj- the name of White, 
and after establishing his own household in their 
little dwelling he liegan developing his land. | 

Moses Gould and his good wife p.assed through 1 
the varied exi)ericnccs of pioneer life, but livc<l 
to sec the section highly developcfl and occupies) 
by a pros|)erous and contented [>eople. Mr. Gould 
attendofl the first meeting in the township and 
helped to organize it. He was elected Justice of 
the Peace anil held the office for twelve ycara, and ; 



at divers time served in other official capacities to 
which his fellow-citizens elected him. He and bis 
wife belonged to the Free Will Baptist Church. 
Mrs. Gould entered into rest February 19, 1881, 
and her husband survived until May 9, 1890. They 
were the parents of four children of whom Nathan 
F. is the youngest. The others are John T.. a 
farmer in Boston Township; Betsey A., the firet 
white child born in Boston Township, and now the 
wifo of J. A. Aldrich; and Vashti E., wife of 
Steplien A. Ahlrich, now living at Muskegon. 

A considerable change had been m.ide around the 
Gould homestead before he of whom we write was 
old enough to note its appearance, but still even 
bis recollections are of a much more primitive 
region than that which now meets his eye. AVhcn 
a boy he saw Indians in their wigwams and knew 
that deer and other denizens of the wildwood 
were numerous around his home. He received a 
common-school education and has always lived on 
the homestead, taking the farm on shares after his 
marriage, but within a few years assuming entire 
control. He uow owns two iiunilred and ninety- 
six .icres of land in different sections of the town- 
ship, the most of wiiich is improved. The home 
farm is esiietially well cultivated and is supplied 
with good grades of stock and substantial buildings. 
In 1888 a large two story dwelling was put up to 
take the pl.ice of one that had been destroyed bv 
fire, and an ample barn also replaced one that had 
been destroyed at the same lime as the residence. 

Mrs. Gould is tlie oldest living child of George 
and Philena (Darling) Ellsworth. Her parents 
were natives of New York, whence they came to 
Ionia County, locating upon land in Boston Town- 
ship. Here Mr. Kllsworlh dieil in 18G3. His widow 
survived until April 10, 1888. They were the 
parents of five children, three of whom survive. 
Tiiese are Harriet, who became the wife of our sub- 
ject February 22, 1868; Benjamin, a coal dealer at 
Wellington, Kan. ; and Scott a resident of Ionia, 
who is in the employ of a railroad. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gould have two sons — Glenn M. and George N. 
The former is taking a scientific course at Ionia. 

As School Inspector of Boston Tuwnship Mr. 
Gould served faithfully four years, and as Drain.age 
Commissioner and Constable each two years, while 



808 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



I 



as Townsliip Supervisor he was in office six years. 
His political allegiance has always been given to 
the principles advocated by the Republican party 
and his acquaintances always know what ticket he 
will vote. He is a man of public spirit who has 
done much for the advancement of the community 
and who conducts his individual affairs in a straight- 
forward and energetic manner. He is held in high 
esteem and so too is his wife, who is a member in 
good standing of the Congregational Church. 

~f** ■■o»<»^y^>,Aj(g..o»o. <,-- 

lEORGE S. HYDE, manufacturer and 
wholesaler of lumber and shingles inMc- 
Bride, Montcalm County, is the son of 
Luman C. and grandson of Joshua Jr., of Vermont. 
The great-grandfather of our subject, the Hon. 
Joshua Hyde, was one of the earlj' settlers in Mid- 
dlebury, Vt. He entered (lOvernment land, im- 
proved a farm from the wilderness and became a 
well-to-do and respected citizen. He was the first 
representative from Middlebury to the State Legis- 
lature at Montiiclier. The Hydes are of English 
descent. 

The father of our subject came into possession of 
the old ancestral farm which is located on the old 
Burlington & Rutland stage road. In 1878 he sold 
this out and came to Michigan, making his home 
with his sons at McBride. Here he died in 1883 
at the age of sixty-four years. He was a man of 
sterling worth and integrity. He was liberal, open- 
hearted and public-spirited, and a man of influ- 
ence. He passed through the ordinary political 
changes of a man of his character from Whig to 
Abolitionist and then espousing the principles of 
the Republican party. He was a believer in the 
doctrines of the Universalist denomination. His 
wife was Marana, daughter of Moses (Severance of 
Middlebury, \i. Her father was engaged in bee 
culture in his later days. She is a lady of culture 
and education and has written man}' poems of lit- 
erary value that have been published in our lead- 
ing journals. She still resides with her son George 
at the advanced age of sixty-nine years. 

George S. Hyde was born July 16, 18.51, in 



Middlebury, Vt. His boj'hood days were divided 
between farm work and attendance upon the dis- 
trict and graded schools. From fourteen to eigh- 
teen years of age he attended school in the winter 
only. He left home December 17, 1870. to come 
to Michigan, intending to work in the lumber woods. 
He arrived in January 1871, at Sheridan where he 
worked at loading hogs for $26 per month. He 
ke[)t at this work for four months and then went to 
sorting lumber in a steam sawmill. He and his 
brother used to do the largest amount of work in a 
day of any men about. Their rate was to pile 
twenty-eight thousand feet a day. After three j'cars 
at this mill he worked two years for W. B. Stone 
in his mill. In 1877 he went back East and en- 
gaged in a nursery business on Long Island, with 
the intention of making it his life work, but it did 
notsuit him so 1879 saw him back again in Mich- 
igan. 

During the time that this young gentleman had 
worked in sawills he had acquired a practical 
knowledge of the lumber business. He became In- 
spector and filled that office for eighteen months in 
this vicinity at the AVindsor, McBride & Howes 
Mills. He then took charge of Herdman, Corey & 
Co's yard, one mile north of Edmore, and was their 
Inspector for three years. During that time lie 
handled over nineteen million feet of lumber. He 
then located at Edmore, and built a residence there 
which he still owns. While residing there he be- 
came Inspector for Just Bros., and served them 
eighteen months. In March, 1884, he formed a 
partnership with his brother Y. D. as Hyde Bros., 
and started the wholesale manufacture of lumber 
and shingles at McBride to which town he removed 
in 1888. Our subject did the traveling and the 
road work and his brother managed the mills. In 
March, 1890, this partnership was dissolved. 
George S. Hyde is one of the largest lumber dealers 
in Montcalm County and handles the cut of from 
ten to fifteen mills. He is a partner in the shingle 
mill business at Gladwin and also in one at Mill- 
brook. He owns two hundred and twenty acres in 
Osceola County and twenty acres in Isabel County. 
lie is also a partner in the general merchandise 
firm of Carpenter, Foote & Co. at McBride. He 
owns real estate here and at Edmore and at Sheri- 



PORTHAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



309 



dan, and is a shareholder in the Robson Opera 
House at Edmorc. He began williuut a dollar and 
has been very suceessfid. 

Mr. Hyde was married in Stanton November I'J, 
1888, to Mrs. Minnie Covel, a daughter of .John 
Roop, one of the first settlers at Carson City, 
Montcalm County, Mich. She was the widow of 
Capt. J. F. Covel of Company I, First United 
States Sharpshooters. He was a gallant soldier who 
served through the Civil War and whose wounds 
received in service led to his decease some years 
after. He was one of the leading lawyers of the 
county, lesiding at Stan ton, and was for several 
years County Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. 
Hyde was educated at the Oskaloosa College at Os- 
kaloosa, Iowa, anil previous to their marriage fol- 
lowed the profession of a teacher. She has one 
son by her previous marriage, Charles C. Covel. 

Mr. Hyde is a member of the Knights of the 
(irip and of the Union Association of Retail Lum- 
ber Dealers of Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. He 
is liberal in religion and a stanch Republican in 
politics. His wife is an active member of the Con- 
gregational Church. He is altogether the most 
popular business man in McBride. He is a gentle- 
man in ever}' sense of the word, ami is at once aff- 
able, genial and entertaining. He travels a great 
deal and makes friends wherever he goes. He is a 
man of fine physique and genial manner, his very 
hand shake is one of friendship. Mrs. Hyde is a 
lady of more than ordinary culture and refinement 
and presides graciously over their home which is 
a most delightful and tasteful residence. 



-5-+|«=&"^=^-<-H- 



<^A HAKLKS JEPSON, a r« 
■l( ^ lluential citizen of Ke 
^^^ County, I'esiding on s( 



HAKLKS JEPSON, a representative and in. 
Keene Township, Ionia 
section 36, is a native 
of Bennington Count}', Vt., where he was born 
April 14, 1824. His father, Harvey Jepson, was a 
soldier in the War of 1812, and his father before 
him was a hero iu the Revolutionary War. The 
family is of Scotch-Kuglish descent. His maternal 
ancestors were of English and German descent, his 
mother bearing the maiden name of Polly Myers. 



Our subject was the second son and third child 
in his father's family of twelve children, of whom 
the following survive: Charles; Mirun resides in 
New England; John, in N'ermont; Joel, in the Far 
West; Lucinda, wife of Chauncy Sweet, in Ver- 
mont; Mary, Mrs. Edward Jones, in Dakota; So- 
phia, Mrs. William Taft, in Massachusetts; Venice, 
wife of George Clark, in Pennsylvania. 

The early education of our subject was obtained 
in the primitive schools of Vermont, and his boy- 
hood was passed upon the home farm in that rocky 
State. Here he met Caroline A. Babcock, whom 
he made his wife February 17, 1851. She is a na- 
tive of Bennington County, Vt., where slie was 
born September 24, 1830. She is a daughter of 
Harry H. and Samantha (Towslee) Babcock. Her 
paternal ancestors were F]nglisli anil Scotch, as 
were also the ancestors on her mother's side. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Jepson have been born four 
children: Audra C, wife of Albert Wells, resides 
in Keene Township; Charles A., deceased; Saman- 
tha, Mrs. Freeman Wilson, lives in Keene Township; 
and Avis. For several years after marriage our 
subject resided in Vermont. In 1858 he went to 
California by way of the Isthmus, and made the 
trill from New York to San Francisco in twenty- 
four days. He spent about one year in California in 
gold mining, and then went to the Frazier River in 
British Columbia, where he remained about a year. 
He then went a little farther east, still In British 
Columbia, and mined there for awhile. He then 
went to the Columbia River, in what is now Idaho, 
and there mined for one year. He followed this 
pursuit in various places, and spent between six 
and seven years altogether in the West in raining 
districts. He returned home by the way of the 
isthmus via New York, reaching Vermont in 1865. 
In 1866 he was again taken with the Western fever 
but in a milder form.and enngrated to Ionia County, 
Mich., where he located on the farm where he now 
resides. He lived in a log house, but after one year 
erected the handsome residence which he now occu- 
I)ies. One hundred and eight}' broad ami fertile 
acres comprise the home farm, and he owns in all two 
hundred and five acres. He i.s a self-made man, 
and by his wife's valuable assistance he has suc- 
ceeded in gaining a handsome properly. They are 



310 



PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



both identified with the Royal Templars at Saranac. 
Mrs. Jepson has served as both President and 
Treasurer in the Women's Foreign Missionary So- 
ciety, and is an active member of the Woman's 
Christian Temperance Union at Saranac. They are 
both consistent and zealous members of the Bap- 
tist Church, in which he serves as Deacon and also 
is Trustee. Mr. Jepson has served as School Di- 
rector. His political views are in accord with the 
platform of the Republican parly, and in local 
matters he works earnestly for the upbuilding of 
society, being public spirited and progressive. To 
the parents of Mrs. Jepson were born five children, 
tiiree of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Jepson ; 
Amy E., wife of H. Myers, resides in Missouri; 
and Sarah A., wife of F. Riclimond, in Belding, 
Mich. 

That Mr. Jepson has been successful in life his 
broad acres and well-kept farm testify. He is well 
known for his good financial ability, applying 
judicious, conservative methods to all business 
transactions. He and liis intelligent wife are active 
in all social movements, and their upright Christian 
character is universally esteemed. 



OC. TOWNSEND. In this gentleman Hub- 
\ bardstou has a fine representative of its pro- 
gressive citizens, one, who by his enterprise 
is materially forwarding its financial welfare in 
various ways. He is identified with its interests as 
a banker, furniture dealer and undertaker, and is 
also well known throughout North Plains Town- 
ship, Ionia County. Success has crowned his efforts 
and he has become known as one who performs his 
duties to society and his family, as an upright and 
kind-hearted man should. No resident of the 
tliriving village stands higher in the respect of 
tlie community than he, and by his own efforts he 
lias risen to this position and to a good financial 
standing. 

Mr. Townsend comes of substantial and patriotic 
ancestry. His paternal grandfather, who bore ilie 
name of Josiah, attained the great age of nincty- 
ei"-ht years; the paternal grandmother was known 



in maidenhood as Dolly Parker. The maternal 
grandfather was a commissioned officer in the War 
of 1 812 and had command of a company at the 
battle of Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. He died at the 
age of seventy years. The father of our subject, 
Warren Townsend, was born in Connecticut in 
1800 and was a farmer by occupation. In New 
York State he was united in marriage with Mehit- 
abel, daugliter of Capt. Thomas and Elsie, iiis 
wife. The young couple located in the pyUipirc 
State and tiiere were born to them seven cliildren, 
five daughters and two sons. 

In Jefferson County, N. Y., Mr. Townsend was 
born July 28, 1838, and thej'cars of his early bo}'- 
hood were passed in aiding in farm work. Wlien 
he was eleven years old he hired out to a farmer 
for $15 per year, his employer at that time being 
William E. Dodge. AVith that gentleman the lad 
remained for two years, and attended school dur- 
ing the winter seasons. Until he was eighteen 
years old he worked at different places and tlicn 
came to Michigan and entered the employ of S. G. 
Patterson of Calhoun County. After remaining 
with him tv/o years he came to Ionia County and 
worked by the month for three years. In 1862 he 
answered the call of his country for troops to put 
down the rebellion and he gave his youth and 
strength to the service of his countrj'. 

Mr. Townsend enlisted in Company K, Twenty- 
first Michigan Infantry as a private and partici- 
pated in the following battles: Perryville, Ky., 
October 8, 18G2; La Vergne, Tenn., December 27; 
Stewart's Creek, Tenn., December 29; Stone River, 
December 29-31, and January 1-3, 18G3; Tulla- 
homa, Tenn., June 24; Elk River, Tenn., July I; 
Chickamauga, Ga., September 19-21 ; Chattanooga, 
October G: Brown's Ferry, Tenn., October 27: Mis- 
sion Ridge, November 26; Savannali, December 
11-18-20-21, 1864; Averysboro, N. C, March 16, 
1865, and Bentonville, March 19, 1866. A valiant 
soldier, he received deserved commendation and 
promotion, coming out of the service with the rank 
of First Lieutenant. 

Soon after the battle of Chickamauga Mr. Town- 
send received his commission as First Lieutenant, 
and a few montlis later he was detailed in charge of 
one hundred men, getting out timl)er and building 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



311 



store houses in Chattanooga, and hospitals on Look- 
out Mountain. Before starting with Sherman on 
the famous niarcii to the sea Lieut. Townseiul was 
detailed as Adjutant of the Twenty first Michigan 
Regiment, which position lie oecui)ied until arriv- 
ing at Savannah. Before leaving that i)laee he was 
detailed Acting Assistant (Quartermaster in charge 
of the ambulance train of the First Division, Four- 
teenth Army Corps, and this |)Osition lie occupied 
on the march tlirough tlie Carolinas and Virginia 
to Washington, where the arm}- was ordered mus- 
tered out. Before leaving Washington an order 
was received from corps headrpiarters to iirocced 
to Detroit with the records of Twenty-first Michi- 
gan Regiment and a detachment of the Thirteenth 
Michigan in advance of the regiment. Our sub- 
ject was mustered out at Detroit and received his 
discharge. 

At the close of liie war Mv. Townsend returned 
to Hubbardston and went into partnersiiip with his 
brother (Jeorge W., in the sash and blind business. 
In this line of work he continued for ton years, 
during which time he made many improvements in 
the town and I)uilt a good store. He and his 
brother bored the artesian well which is still flow- 
ing. He built the house where he now resides, a 
fine two-story frame building, before his marriage, 
which took place November 30, 18G5. His wife 
was Miss Abbie E. Brayton, the eldest child of 
William P. and Helen Bra^'ton. She was born May 
31, 1814, in Oswego County, N. Y., and came with 
her parents to Michigan when only nine years old. 
One son, William W., has been granted to Mr. and 
Mrs. Townsend. He has grown to maturity and 
is now in the dry -goods business at Hubbardston. 



— — 'fSy^i"- 



,,.. LKXANDFR C. WKKP:S, of Day Town- 
(^Ol ship, Montcalm County, is the son of 
Green E. Wickcs, of Stonington, R. I., 
and grandson of Ebenezer Wickes, of 
Rhode Island, who came to New York and estab- 
lished a farm in Rensselaer County during the time 
of the Hevolutionary War. The father died in 
the fall of 1854, at the advanced age of seventy- 



five years. He was an earnest and sturdy member 
of the Whig i)arty and was a Deacon in the Bap- 
tist Church. The wife of Deacon Wickes bore 
the maiden name of Hannah Rhodes. She was 
born in Lamont, Mass., and was descended from 
Maj. Rhodes, who was on Washington's staff at 
the time of the Revolutionary War. The subject 
of this sketch was born in 15erlin, Rensselaer 
County, N. Y., June 12, 18;}'2. He received a 
common school education, but early began work on 
the farm. He continued at home until the death 
of his father, and had charge of the farm from 
the time he was seventeen years of age. The cul- 
tured and refined lady who is the presiding genius 
of his home bore the maiden name of Sophia 
Schneidej-. They were united in marriage in Sand 
Lake, Rensselaer County, N. Y.. April 8, 1855. 

George R. Schneider, the father of Mrs. Wickes, 
w.as born in Keirechdorf. llesse-Darmstadt, Ger- 
many. His father, .Jacob, was a mechanic of more 
than unusual ability and had a good business in 
cabinet-making and house-finishing. He decided 
to emigrated with his family to America and 
started on the voyage, but died on board ship, 
three days before the ship reached New York. 
His son George was also a mechanic and after his 
marriage came to America when twenty-three 
years old, making a voyage of between six and 
eight weeks on the sailing-vessel "Arena." He 
went to Albany and there worked at his trade of 
cabinet-making until he began piano manufactur- 
ing. In 185G he located at Grand Rapids. Here 
he changed his name from Schneider to Snyder. He 
began at Grand Rapids the manufacture of the 
Snyder piano. He made the first pianos ever manu- 
factured there and had great success in his work. 
He afterward moved his factory to Walker Town- 
ship, but returned after awhile to Grand Rapids, 
where he now resides at the age of four-score and 
two years. He belongs to the Lutheran Church 
and votes with the Democratic parly. 

Th« wife of the subject of this notice was born in 
Blooming Grove, Rensselaer County, N. Y., Octo- 
ber 26, 1831. She received her early training ami 
education in Albany. In 1855 she came to Mi( hi 
gan, staging it from B.itlle Creek to Grand Rapids. 
Mr. Wickes bought forty acres of wilil land in 



312 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the township of Zeland, Ottawa County. He built 
a log liouse and iianging a blanket for a door, be 
rested at night with the sound in his ears of the 
howling of wolves. In the fall of 1855 he sold 
tliis farm and removed to Grand Rapids, but the 
following spring he rented a farm outside the city 
wlii(!h lie worked for three years. He afterward 
bought new land in Walker Township and im- 
proved and disposed of it three years later. lie 
then bought another farm in Georgetown and 
finally came to Day Township and bought a farm 
of eighty acres. 

Four sons have been born to this worthy couple 
— George P., whose biography is given elsewliere 
in tills book; Alexander F., Earnest H. and Fred- 
crick A. Mr. Wickes is connected with the Patrons 
of Industry. He is a Republican in politics and 
wide-awake to all matters of public interest. Both 
he and his good wife are active and earnest mem- 
bers of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, in which 
lie is Class-Leader while she is the President of 
the Ladies' Aid Society. 



EYMOUR M. STEBBINS, a leading and 
representative agriculturist of Easton 
Township, Ionia County, has his residence 
and farm on section 20. He was born of 
New England parents July 4, 1831. His father 
was Chauncy M. and his mother Sophia (Rice) 
Stebbins. His father is now deceased, and the 
niotlier is still living in Easton Township, as the 
widow of the late ^Martin Kimball. Mr. and Mrs. 
Stebbins were the parents of nine children, seven 
of whom are living — Marietta, Seymour M., Arraa- 
nclla, Rebecca, Chauncy, George, Chester, Julia 
A. and Albert B. Chauncy M. and Rebecca are 
deceased. Chaunc^' M. Stebbins had served as 
Supervisor of Essex Township in Clinton County 
when a resident there. He formerly settled on a 
farm near Ionia which is now inside the coriiora- 
tion. A log house and a log barn were set up on 
a little clearing in the dense woods, and there the 
family lived until they moved to Clinton County; 
but Ionia County claimed this pioneer again, and 



returning he took a farm which is now owned by 
W. A. Inman, where he remained until death 
called him hence. His wife, who still survives 
although now past four-score years, is one of the 
oldest pioneer women of the township. She re- 
sides with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Andrew J. 
Ross. 

This venerable lady deserves more than a pass- 
ing notice. She was born in Conway County, 
Mass., November 21, 1809, and was a daughter of 
Benjamin and Anne (Monard) Rice, both of 
Massachusetts birth. She was of [latriotic stock on 
both sides, her grandfather Monard being a Revo- 
lulionaiy hero and her father a soldier in the War 
of 1812. Her marriage with the father of our 
subject took place in 1827. Chauncy Stebbins 
was born in Massachusetts in 1807 and was the 
son of Chester and Nancy Stebbins. Of tiiis union 
seven children survive. Early in the '30s this young 
couple emigrated to the State of Michigan. To- 
gether they endured courageously the usual hard- 
ships incident to pioneer life. They were members 
of the Congregational Church. Ionia contained 
but a few houses when they came here. In the 
death of Mr. vStebbins the county sustained a real 
loss. Subsequent to this event ]\Irs. Stebbins be- 
came the wife and afterward the widow of Martin 
Kimball. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch 
received his early education in the (irimitive 
schools of Michigan, and growing up on the farm 
helped his father in the usual duties of agriculture. 
An event of great importance to the young man 
took place in 1852. This was his marriage with 
Ruth A. Gibson, who was born August 5, 1833, in 
Oswego County, N. Y. She is the daughter of 
Deloss and Lovica Gibson, residents of Keene 
Township, where they settled early in the '40s, 
having previously lived in Eaton County, Mich. 
Our subject and his wife hsve become the parents 
of four children: Mrs. E. L. Mathews, a teacher 
in the public schools of Ionia; Elmer S., who re- 
sides at Stanton; Elva, a te.icher at Evart, Mich.; 
and Ella S., wlio resides with her parents at home 
and has also followed teaching many years. Mrs. 
Stebbins was one of four children. Her sisters and 
brother being Mrs. Mary Henry, of Saranac; Mrs. 








i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



315 



Jabez Hull, of Lowell; and William Gibson, of 
Keene Township. Tlieir father has served as 
Treasurer and Collector of Keene Township, and 
was identified with the interests of the Methodist 
Kpiseopal Church. Hisgrandfatlier was a lvcv(jlii- 
lionary hero. 

Seymour M. Stebhins settled on liis present farm 
in the spring of 1852 and here he has made his 
home most of the time since that da3', jiutling it in 
a good state of cultivation. He has served .is 
.Su[)ervisor of the township and has always proved 
himself a practical and public-spirited promoter of 
the interests of the county. His political prefer- 
ences are with the Republican party. His services 
as llighw.iy Commissioner and .Justice of the Peace, 
and as Township Clerk have been satisfactory- to 
the people. Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins merit and re- 
ceive the confidence and esteem of all who know 
them. His fine pro[)ert}' and financial success 
attest his good business abilities and one needs but 
to know him to appreciate his generous intention 
and good will to all. 



PATHKR CHARLKS G. BULTE. The Cath- 
' olic Church in its missionary efforts kecjjs 
well apace with the march of pioneers 
throughout all parts of America. The society is 
often the first to plant its standard, not even await- 
ing settlements, but becoming itself the advance 
guard. Realizing the importance of this early oc- 
cupancy of new territory, priests from Corunna 
and Westphalia formerly came to Ionia and found 
a welcome at the home of Peter Ilackett. Before 
the war they had gathered the nucleus of a congre- 
gation, and in 1861 Sir. Hackett donated an acre 
of land, and others pushed forward the work by 
erecting a house of worship. The Rev. Charles G. 
Bolte was sent by Bishop Peter Paul Lefevre to 
lake charge of the parish, and be has remained 
steadily at his post. 

The birthplace of Father Bolte was Hanover, 
Germany, and llie date of his arrival upon the stage 
of human cveuls July 18, 1836. His parents were 



Christopher and Mary Elizabeth (Bartells) Bolte, 
who died during his childhood, the mother when he 
was four, and the father when he was six years old. 
The latter had been forcM)an in a paper mill, and in 
that establishment the lad may almost be said to 
have been brought up during his boj'hood. In 
1852 he crossed the Atlantic, following his sister, 
Mrs. Mary Osseforth. He first sojourned in Cov- 
ington, Ky., then crossed over to Cincinnati, Ohio, 
where he entered upon a course of study. He at-' 
tended college at Bardstown, K3'., then studied 
(jjiilosophy and theology at St. Mary's (Cincin- 
nati), com[)leting his course in 1862, and being 
formally admitted to the priesthood. 

Father Bolte then came to Detroit where he was 
engaged in priestly offices for a short time, then 
went to Corunna, Sliiawa.ssee Count}', whence he was 
sent to Ionia in the fall of 1863. He found about 
thirty families williin a radius of some fourteen 
miles, and a country not yet bereft of forests and 
placed under thorough cultivation. He at once 
began collecting means with which to erect a church 
and as for a time he had oversight of the spiritual 
needs of several counties, he was instrumental in 
building eight churches. These were at Ilubbartl- 
ston, Ionia County: Saville, Gratiot County ; Green- 
ville, Stanton and Maple Valley, Montcalm County; 
Otisco, Ionia and Portland, Ionia County. The 
cost of these structures in the order in which they 
are named is as follows: $10,000, ^1,000, *4,000, 
^1.000, *2,000, $4,000, !f2(),000 *5,000; a total of 
about ^50,000 for buildings alone, and some $10,- 
000 more has been expended upon their furnish- 
ing. 

As fast as the outlying parishes became self- 
sui)porting. Father Bolte would leave them to the 
charge of others, and since 1880 his labors have 
been confined to Ionia. The church here is a hand- 
some edifice with trimmings of Ionia stone, and is 
one of the architectural ornaments of ihe cit}'. The 
membership of the congregation is one hundred and 
eight3'-five families, and the school connected with 
the church, employs two teachers. It is in charge 
of the Sisters of Christian Charity, and is known as 
Sts. Peter and Paul Parochial School. 

Since the 1st of June, 1891, Father Bolte has 
been pastor of St. Mary's Church at Detroit, which 



316 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



is a fitting testimonial to his larj^e experience, as it 
furnishes for liim a greater field of usefulness. He 
is interested in everything calculated to build up 
Ionia, but the care of bis parish leaves him little 
time for other work. He has stock in the wagon- 
works amounting to $1,000. Were he to devote 
bis time to horticulture, he would undoubtedly 
make a name in that field. He has a decided love 
of nature and in the science of botany, which he 
pursues witii the devotion of a lover, he is well 
versed. His grounds are tasteful and productive. 
Elsewhere in this volume the reader will notice 
a lithographic portrait of Father Bolte. 



.,;.i.K. i .7..« 



"f¥|OSIAH H. GIBBS, proprietor of Hope Roller 
I Mills of Edmore, is undoubtedly the most 
successful financier in the place, and the 
most extensive operator in milling and farm- 
ing. Indeed the business transactions he carries on 
would be creditable to the residents in the largest 
cities of the land. By the exercise of fine business 
qualifications and great perseverance, he has accu- 
mulated a fortune, and is able to surround himself 
and family with all that heart can wish of material 
comfort, intellectual enjoyment and the pleasure 
that conies of benevolence. The Hope Roller Mill, 
which occuiiies the old mill site bought by Mr. 
Gibbs in 1887, is supi)lied with all the modern ap- 
pliances, and has a capacity of seventy-five barrels 
of flour per day, and a feed capacity of two tons 
per hour. Tiie business is run by the firm of J. H. 
Gibbs & Son, which buys all the wheat raised in 
the surrounding country, and receives corn from 
Kansas. 

Mr. Gibbs is of English extraction in both lines 
of descent. His paternal grandfather, Solomon 
Gibbs, was a native of Massachusetts, and an hotel- 
keeper in that State, and his maternal grandfather, 
Josiah Farnsworth, was a farmer in the Green 
Mountain State. David Gibbs, father of our sub- 
ject, was born in Massachusetts in 1800, and after 
reaching manhood went to Chittenden County, Vt., 
and embarked in the lumber business, building a 
sawmill on Brown's River. He operated it for years, 



manufacturing various kinds of lumber, but finally 
retired from business. He died in 1867. He was 
a Free-Soiler and Abolitionist during the early jjart 
of the century. His wife. Ruby Farnsworth, was 
born at Fairfax, Franklin County, Vt., but reared 
on the banks of Brown River, in the neighborhooil 
to which Mr. Gibbs came to establish his business. 
She also died in the Green Mountain State, the date 
of her decease being 1855. She was an earnest 
Christian, holding niembershi|i in the Congrega- 
tional Church. 

Our subject, who is the fourth of nine chihlrcn 
comprising the parental family, was born in West- 
ford, Vt., July 26, 1837. He may be said to have 
been reared in the sawmill, as he spent his time 
there, except when in school or asleep, from the 
days when he wore dresses. When quite small he 
often held the light by which his father continued 
his work after dark, and when but twelve years old 
he was allowed to run the saw. He received a good 
common-school education, as he was not allowed 
to neglect his books. When twenty years old he 
went to Burlington and entered the employ of E. 
F. Ward & Co., in a sash and door factory, and in 
a short time accompanied them to this State, com- 
ing round the lakes on the boat "Ogdensburg"' and 
going to Grand Rapids, which was then but a small 
village. This was in the spring of 1857, and when 
the financial crisis came on in the fall the factory 
closed. 

Thus thrown out of employment, Mr. Gibbs went 
to the northern part of Kent County, where he 
worked until the fall of 1860, then returned to his 
native State and found work in a sash and door 
factory in Chittenden County. In the spring of 
1863 he volunteered, and as he was a cornet player 
he became a member of the Regimental Band in 
the Second Biigade, Second Division, Sixth Army 
Corps. He was mustered in at Brattleboro, partici- 
pated in the battle of Gettysburg, and in other en- 
gagements more or less severe. He was taken 
sick, and in January, 1864, was discharged on ac- 
count of physical disability. His family had in the 
meantime removed to Kent Count}', this State, and 
thither he came. While on his way to Detroit the 
train was stopped and robbed by the notorious 
Harry Gilmore and his gang. Mr. Gibbs spent 



POUTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



317 



two years working in Grand Rapids, then bought a 
mill at Oakficld and carried it on two years. Sell- 
ing out he again became a workman in the sash and 
door factor}', but finding it necessary to take back 
the mill or lose the amount yet unpai<l, he moved 
it to INLaple Valley, and went into ijartncrsiiip with 
his former employers, E. F. Ward & Co. 

The new firm bought a tract of pine land, anil 
■Mr. Gibbs got the mill in good running order and 
began operations under the style of J. U. Gibbs it 
Co., but not liking the business ways of his part- 
ners, soon sold out to them. After a lime he 
bought a shingle-mill in Solon, Kent Count}-, and 
ran it there until the fall of 1876, when he removed 
it to Nelson Township, same county, where he had 
pine land. In 1879 he removed the mill to Cort- 
land Township, where he woiked two years. He 
next came to Edniorc, bought four hundred acres 
of pine land in Home Township, and engaged in 
the maiiufftcture of shingles here. He carried on 
tiic work on an extensive scale, keeping twenty 
hands employed and making a line quality of shin- 
gles, having machinery with which to plane them. 
He sold the products of his mill as high as ^4 per 
Uiousand, and had a very successful trade until the 
s|)ring of 1889, when the timber gave out and he 
closeil down. He has made shingles from pine 
grown on over twelve hundred acres of land, and 
has an unsurpassed reputation as a manufacturer of 
that useful commodity. 

Mr. Gibbs now owns four hundred and eighty 
acres on sections 22 and 23, Home Township, three 
hundred and twenty acres of which is under culti- 
vation and supplied with a fine set of farm build- 
ings, including a good house, several barns, two 
windmills, and various other conveniences for 
farming anil stock-iiRising. The farm is personally 
su|)erintenilcd by Mr. Gibbs, who conducts the 
largest agricultural enterprises in the vicinity. He 
is also dealing in lands in California, North Caro- 
lina, Arkansas and Louisiana, owning large tracts 
of limber in those States. 

In Gralton Township, Kent County, January 31, 
1858, Mr. Gibbs and Miss Amelia E. Brooks were 
united in marriage. The bride was born in Leroy, 
Genesee Count}-, N. V., her parents being Lucius 
and Celia (Newcomb) IJrook.s, who were were also 



native of the Empire State. Her father was born 
in St. Lawrence, then Genesee County, and went 
thence to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where he worked 
in the stone quarries. In 1850 he came to this 
State, bought wild land in Kent County, and estab- 
lished his home in the woods and reclaimed a tract 
of thiriy acres. He died February 1, 1891, leav- 
ing a widow and two children. Politically he was 
a Republican. The daughter, who became Mrs. 
Gibbs, was born February 2, 1842. and was seven 
years old when she journeyed to Kent County with 
her parents in a wagon. She is the mother of three 
chihlreu : Lucius H., now his father's partner in 
business; Nellie L., who died at the age of thirteen 
years; and Carrie E., who married Dr. Louis A. 
Roller, and lives in Edmore. 

Mr. Gibbs belongs to a Blue Lodge in Edmore, 
a Cha[)ter in Stanton, and a Consistory in Grand 
Rapids, and is much interested in the workings of 
the Masonic order. Politically, he is a Republi- 
can, and he li.as served as a delegate in the county 
conventions. He has been a Village Trustee two 
years, and President one year. He possesses a wide 
fund of information, good conversational powers, 
and genial manners, as well as a high degree of 
financial ability and calculation. Mrs. Gibbs is 
one of those kind, motherly women, who carry with 
them an atmosphere of comfort, and no one who 
enters her door can fail to be impressed with the 
hospitable spirit of herself and husbancK She is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a 
good worker in the Ladies' Society. 



ILLIA.M E. HULL. This gentleman is one 
of the inllucntial citizens of Keeue Town- 
ship, and one who bears a prominent part 
in those labors which have resulted in develo|)ing 
the resources of Ionia County and plating her in 
the front rank among the divisions of the Wolver- 
ine State. His labors in life have been crowne<l 
with success and he has a pleasant rural home 
w-here the evidences of culture and refinement are 
to be seen, and the various farm buildings which 
betoken enterprise and prosperity rear their walls 



318 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



amid foiest and fruit trees that add to tiie beauty 
of the scene. The heauliful estate is favorably 
located on section 10. 

Mr. Hull was born iu Ontario, Canada, Decem- 
ber 23, 1831. His parents were Roland and Alvira 
(Lee) Hull, natives of New York, and his paternal 
ancestors cr.nie from England. His father was a 
powder boy on the fleet of Commodore Perry dur- 
ing the famous naval engagement on Lake Erie, 
and was wounded in that engagement, and ids ma- 
ternal grandfather was a soldier in the same war. 
When our subject was eight years old his parents 
went to Mississippi where they resided for a short 
time, next making their home in White County, 
111. In 1845 they came to Ionia County and set- 
tled on section 12, Keene Township. 

The home of Roland Hall was in the woods in a 
cabin 18x24 feet and he did some pioneer work 
there during the twelve months after his arrival. 
He liien went to California, crosssing the plains 
and being six months en route. He was engaged 
in mining and other occupations and remained on 
the coast some eight years. While there he was 
elected Grand Lecturer of the Good Temjilars of 
California, and he also became a Royal Arcli Mason 
and stood high in tiie order, lecturing in its behalf 
as well as in tlie interest of temperance. On his 
return from the West he resumed farm work in 
Keene Township, and died there November 3, 
1886. He voted the Republican ticket and was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
served as Justice of the Peace and Township Road 
Commissioner. His wife survived him, dying 
January 18, 1890. Of their children seven now 
survive, namely, William E., Jabez, Roland, John, 
Van Buren Marcus, and Zacliary T. Oscar and 
Alvin are deceased. 

The early education of the subject of this sketch 
was obtained in the district schools and owing to 
his father's absence from home he was obliged to 
assume management of the family affairs in his 
youth. He also worked out by the month, adding 
his earnings to the family fund until he was of age. 
He has been an extensive reader and has endeav- 
ored to counterbalance the deficiencies in his early 
education by this means. September 3, 1862, he 
enlisted in company M., Sixth Michigan Cavalry-, 



and while in tlie service he acted under the general 
orders of Kilpatrick, Custer and Sheridan, three of 
the bravest and most gallant of tiie commanding 
officers in the Union army. He fought in the bat- 
tles of Front Royal, Opequan Creek, Cedar Springs, 
Winchester, and the siege of Petersburg, together 
with less noted contests that belong to the Slienan- 
doah campaign. At Watertown, Va., he was capt- 
ured b}' the enemy and was confined some four 
months, the greater part of time in Libby Prison. 
His health was so impaired by exposure and prison 
life that he draws a pension from the Government 
he served. He took part in the Grand Review at 
Washington and was finally discharged at Ft. 
Leavenworth, Kan., July 10, 1865. 

In 1852 Mr. Hull was united in marriage with 
.Sarah Ayers, daughter of the late Isaac Ayers, of 
Ionia County. There were born of this union two 
children— Wealth}' A., wife of Alpheus Sparks, 
and Carrie L., now the widow Scott. The wife 
and mother breathed her last October 14, 1881. 
Our subject made a second matrimonial alliance, 
winning for his wife Miss Emma Hull, daughter of 
Daniel and Jane (Catlin) Hull. Her father was 
born in New York and her motlier in Massachusetts. 
They came to this Stale from Ohio in 1871, and 
made their home in St. Joseph County, where Mr. 
Hull died in 1877. Four years later the widow 
came to Ionia County, where she is still living, her 
home now being with her daughter, the wife of our 
subject. She is in the sevent3'-eighth 3-ear of her age. 
Besides Mrs. Hull her surviving children are Fran- 
cis H. and Ruma, wife of Leonard Osgood. The 
grandfather of Mrs. Emma Hull fought in the W^ar 
of 1812. 

When he was discharged from the army Mr. Hull 
returned to Ionia County and resumed his work 
and has continued to carry on his personal affairs 
with zeal and good judgment. He is identified with 
Hiram P, Clark Post, G. A, R,, of Saranac and is 
now serving as C'ha|)lain, He has been a Mason 
for a quarter of a century and has taken the Royal 
Arch degree. He has been Treasurer and Collector 
of Keene Township, and has also served efficiently 
on the School Board, In politics he is a Repub- 
lican, He and his wife belong to the Metiiodist 
Episcopal Church, and lie has been Steward and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



J519 



Class-Leader for many years. Both are intelligent, 
companitinalile and hospitable and their friends are 
numbered bj- tiie score. As a civilian and a soldier 
Mr. Hull has made an honoral)le record, worthj' of 
the imitation of posterity. 



-7/l( LBKUT K. GK.SLER. M. D., a prominent 
w<i/i III physician and surgeon of Saranac, Ionia 
Count}-, has been engaged in the practice 
of his profession about fourteen years, and 
enjoyed a large and growing patronage throughout 
the western part of the county. He was born on a 
farm near the village of RIontville, St. Joseph 
County, Jnh' 17, 1850, and removed to Barry 
County with his parents when about ten years of 
age. Tliore he received his earlier education in 
the common school, and subsequently pursued the 
higher branches at Hastings, the United Brethren 
Acatlemy at Leoni, Jackson County, and the State 
N(>rmal School at Leavenworth, Kan. The educa- 
tional period of his life was interspersed with 
school teaching, both in Kansas and Michigan. 

The Doctor's father, Lewis C. Gesler, was born 
in Lancaster County, Pa., Ma}' 1, 1820, and is of 
German descent, his grandfather having been a 
native of Switzerland. At Mendon, St. Joseph 
County, this State, September 13, 1841, he was 
married to Miss Elizabeth Snow. This lady is of 
American extraction and was born in Boston, Mass., 
October 1-2, 182.5. In 1880 the Uev. Lewis C. Ges- 
ler retired from active participation in the ministry 
of theUnited Brethren Church, and he and his wife 
arc now living on their farm in Barry County. 
They are the parents of ten children, eight of 
whom are now living. 

As our subject lia<I not a natural aptitude for 
farm life but rather preferred literary work, he was 
easil}' [)ersuaded bj' the family physician. Dr. K. F. 
Brown, to take up the study of medicine, and in 
the spring of 1871 he entered the office of that 
gentleman as a student. In the autumn of 1875 
he marticnlated in the homoeopathic department of 
the Michigan University, where he was under the 
tutorship of such noted men as Profs. L. A. Jones 



and J. C. Morgan. In the Old School department 
he received instruction from Profs. Ford, McLain, 
Dunster, and others of equal note. Wishing to 
enjoy the larger clinic advantages obtainable in 
Cincinnati, Oliio, Dr. Gesler matriculated in Pulle 
Medical College in that city, in the fall of 1876, 
and w.as graduated therefrom in June, 1877. On 
the 22d of that month he opened an office in Sar- 
anac, where lie is still actively i)iirsuing his pro- 
fessional life. 

For a period of eleven j'ears there has ])resided 
over the pleasant home of Dr." Gesler one of the 
most estimable of ladies, who bore the maiden name 
of Vesta C. A. Harris. She was born in Macomb 
County, tiiis State, No\ ember 24, 1854, and until 
1865 her education was pursued in the common 
school there. Her parents then remored to a farm 
one and one-half miles east of Saranac, and for four 
years she w.'is a regular attendant at the village 
school. Another removal was made and the vicin- 
ity of St. Johns became the family residence, and 
there she was kept constantly in school until she 
was seventeen j'cars old. At that age she began 
teaching, and continued her work either in Clinton 
or Ionia Counties iintil 1879, September 10, of that 
year, becoming the wife of Dr. Gesler. Imme- 
diately after her marriage she took up the study of 
medicine, and in the j'ears 1880-81 attended the 
Herring Medical College in St. Louis, Mo., receiv- 
ing her diploma in the spring of the second year. 
She has since been engaged in practice with her 
husband. To Mr. and Mrs. Gesler two sons have 
been born: James Farrand, December 27, 188.'?; 
and Carl Grant. November 6, 1886. 

In the maternal line Dr. Vesta Gesler is of Ger- 
man extraction, and on her father's side she traces 
her lineage through several generations of Amer- 
ican-l)orn ancestors to one who w.as a native of 
F.ngland. Her father, Fayette Harris, was born 
near Saratoga S|)rings, N. Y., Fcbruarj' 2, 1812, 
and lived in that .Stnte until the fall of 1837, when 
he removed to Macomb County. Mich. In 1835 he 
had been married to Miss Margery Forbes, daugh- 
ter of Bartholotnew and Leah (Anguish) Forbes, 
who was born in Madison County, N. Y., Novem- 
ber 27, 1810. Mr. and Mrs. Harris had eight chil- 
dren, of whom Vesta is the youngest. At her home 



820 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the father died November 1, 1886. The paternal 
grandparents of Mrs. Gesler were ]\Iason and Roxie 
(Wells) Harris, of New England, who went to New 
York dnring its early progress, and thence came to 
this State to spend their last years. 

Dr. A. E. Gesler is a member of the State Ho- 
ceopathic Society, and in the investigations made 
by its various members and the experiences they 
relate lie is much interested. Through this society 
and b}' personal study, and occasional attendance 
at our large city hospitals, he keeps himself in 
touch with the latest theories and discoveries in 
medical science and those branches which have a 
bearing upon it, enjoying at the present time the 
leading surgical practice through the western part 
of the county. Socially he is a Pythian Knight. 
Both he and his wife belong to the Congregational 
Church, and are active in the various departments 
of its work. 



,,J ARON B. PRATT, a representative and 
'IlM venerable pioneer of Ionia County, residing 
on section 25, Keene Township, is a tiative 
of Erie County, N. Y., where he was born 
June IC, 1813. He is a son of Jacob and Rachel 
(Anderson) Pratt, both natives of New York 
State. Tlie Pratt family originated from three 
brothers who emigrated from England to America 
at an early day. The maternal grandfather, Will- 
iam Anderson, was a Revolutionary-^ hero and the 
father of our subject was a soldier in the War of 
1812. He and his good wife were the parents of 
a large family, of _whom the following survive: 
Aaron B. ; Elijah, in Ionia Township, this county; 
Matthew, in Carrolton, Mich.; John in California; 
and Mary, Mrs. Saxtou, a widow, living in Owos.so, 
Midi. The parents were early settlers in Erie 
County, N. Y., having made their home there 
when it was practically a wilderness. No oppor- 
tunities for a higher education were available and 
the children received their education from the 
primitive schools in tliat count}-. 

The subject of this sketch emigrated to Oakland 
County, Mich., in 1837, and resided there until 
the year 1840. There he was carried on Christm.as 



Ds3', 1839, when he took to wife Pluma Fox, who 
was born March 28, 1820. She is a daughter of 
Truman and Lydia (Morton) Fox, both natives of 
New York State. Her fatiier belonged to a fam- 
ily of .Scotch descent and her paternal grandfather 
was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. Her 
parents had a large family of children, two only 
of whom are now living: Dorus M., living in Des 
Moines, Iowa, and Mrs. Pratt. In 1825 Mrs. Pratt 
when a little girl emigrated with her parents to 
Oakland County, Mich., and was there reared to 
maturity and there met and married the subject of 
this notice. Her parents were among the early 
settlers in Oakland County. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have been been born ten 
children, seven of whom are living, viz: Amanda, 
Mrs. James L. Manning, of Kalk.askia, Mich.; Wal- 
ter E., residing in South Dakota; Frank, a resident 
of Oklahoma; Dora, wife of Robert McDermott, 
at Sault .Ste. Marie, Mich.; Truman, in Keene 
Township, this cotuity ; May, wife of Wilber Curtis, 
in Easton Towuslii|); and (Tcorge C, who resides 
at home. 

In the spring of 1840 Mr. and Mrs. Pratt emi- 
grated to Ionia County and settled in what is now 
Ionia Township. Here they made their home for 
over a quarter of a century. Our subject and his 
brother iilijah built the first gristmill in Ionia 
Township on a stream called Lil)liart Creek. 
Together these two young men operated this mill 
for several j'ears when Aaron bought out his 
brother's interest and ran the mill for a long while 
himself. The father was a carpenter and Aaron 
had in his early j-ears learned the trade of a mill- 
wright, which he followed for a number of years 
in connection with operating his own mill. 

In 186G Mr. Pratt removed to Saranac, Mich., 
where he followed milling and farming in connec- 
tion for several years. He came to Keene Town- 
ship in tlie fall of 1872 and settled on section 25, 
where he has lived from that day to this. His fine 
residence was erected b}- him iu 1876. His beau- 
tiful farm of seventy-three acres of well-iuiproved 
and productive land attest to his industrj' and 
good management. He is a self-made man in the 
truest sense of the word and all that he has is the 
result of the unaided efforts of himself and his 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



321 



devoted \vife, who has been his wise counselor 
and ready helper for over half a century. On 
Christmas Day, 1889, they celebrated their golden 
wedding, and tlic^^ are now in a green old age, 
enjoying to the full the affection of their children 
a!id the respect of the community. 

Mr. and Mrs. Pratt are identified with the Dis- 
ciples Church, in the communion of which they 
have lived earnest and devoted Christian lives. 
He is a Democrat in politics and a public-spirited 
citizen. This volume would truly be incomplete 
without a biographical notice of this honored and 
venerable pioneer, for he is one of the old land- 
marks of Ionia County, and vividly can he relate 
many a stirring and interesting event of the early 
days. He is universally esteemed for his upright 
character and integrity. 



^JMOIIY F. STRONG. The publishers of 
this Ai.ui'ji would fail in their purpose of 

-^1 presenting the records of the lives of the 
best known and most useful citizens of Ionia 
County were the account of the labors of Mr. 
Strong to be omitted from its pages. He is one 
of the county's native-born citizens and is the rep- 
resentative of a family that was first known here 
early in tiie 40s, when much i)ioneer work was 
to be done before the land was fitted for the occu- 
panc\' of prosperous communities. From his par- 
ents he has inherited the sturd}' nature charactor- 
islie of those who were willing to brave danger 
and privation in order to open a wa}' for others 
who were less enterprising, cheerful and courage- 
ous. In his own person Mr. Strong has been 
useful as a private citizen, a servant of the public, 
and a member of tliat class to which all owe the 
necessities of life. 

Noble 1). Strong, father of our subject, was 
born in New York, and upon coming to this 
Stale settled in the northern part of Kecnc Town- 
ship, Ionia County. He was one of the first to 
locate in that section and was a potent factor in its 
development. He lived to see the countr}- well 



cultivated and populous, and died in Lowell Feb- 
ruary 21, 1889. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Rozilla M. Potter, is a native of New York and is 
now living in Keene Townsliip, and h.is passed the 
age of three-score. The parental family consisted 
of six sons and daughters, and five are now living. 
The ehlest is the subject of this l)iographical no- 
tice. The others are: Kttie, wife of H. Milton 
Trask, Superintendent of the Manistee Furniture 
Manufacturing Compan}'; Filla A., wife of Y. D. 
M. Davis, Prosecuting Attorney' of Ionia Count}'; 
Alva R., wife of Le Roy C. Hunter, whose home 
is in Saranac; and Carrie A., wife of Edward C. 
Trask, of Keene Townshij). 

The gentleman of whom we write was born Sep- 
tember 1, 1845, and spent his boyhood in his 
native county. He then accompanied his parents 
to Cass County, where the family sojourned four 
years, then, returning to Ionia County, established 
their home on section 19, Easton Township. Our 
subject was able to take part in the work neces- 
sary to bring the new farm under good improve- 
ment, and he also cleared and developed his own 
farm a few years later. His education prior to the 
age of fifteen was received in the ilistrict schools, 
and he then entered Kalamazoo College. On 
account of sickness he was obliged to leave that 
institution when he had spent but a short time in 
the enjoyment of its advantages. For a time he 
studied in a select school at Ionia and he also took 
a course of stud}' in the Detroit Business College. 
Although he was not able to complete ttie full col- 
lege course, lie gained more than an average amount 
of knowledge for the period and place in which 
his youth was passed. 

Tlie wedding day of Mr. Strong and Miss Polly 
L. Welch was March fi, 18C7. The bride, a daugh- 
ter of Simon anil Nancy (Sprague) Welch, was 
born in Ionia County November 23, 1844. Her 
parents were born in New York and her father 
will be remembered by many of our readers as one 
of the pioneers and a prominent saw-mill man. 
He came West in the '30s, and after he had been 
in Ionia County for some time settled on what is 
known as the "Pike Farm," in Easton Township. 
Thence he removed to what is calleil the '-Welch 
Farm," which was one of the first opened up for 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cultivation in that district. It is said that Mr. 
Welcli cleared more land and helped to lay out 
and make more roads than other raan in the 
county. He came hither a poor lad and when he 
died, in 1862, his estate was estimated at $.50,000. 
His widow, who is now more than three-score and 
ten years old, is livino; in Ionia. 

The farm of Mr. Strong consists of one hundred 
and twenty acres on section 1, Easton Township, 
developed by himself from the woods and now 
under good cultivation. He has a complete line of 
farm huildings and a pleasant residence, in which 
his wife presides with grace, and which is sur- 
rounded witli evidences of culture and refine- 
ment. Tiie children who form a happy home circle 
here are: Frank N., Cassie B., Bessie E., Mary B. 
and Mj'rtie G. Hospitality is extended with a 
lavish hand hy Mr. and Mrs. Strong, and they and 
their family enjoy the society of a pleasant circle 
of acquniiitances. Mr. Strong is raising some fine 
Jersey cattle and some Chester-while hogs, and is 
also engaged in the milk business, selling the 
products of his dairy in the city of Ionia. 

Mr. Strong has been called upon to fill various 
positions of trust and has acquitted himself well in 
each and all. He was Township Supervisor three 
years, Township Clerk nearlj' three terms, and 
School Inspector four years. He possesses good 
business ability, is courteous and entertaining, and 
commands the esteem and confidence of his ac- 
quaintances. Politically he is a Republican. Mrs. 
Strong is connected with the Ladies' Aid Society 
of Ionia. 



OOAH BISHOP, a representative pioneer of 
/ Ionia County, Mich., residing on section 8, 
) Easton Township, was born August 15, 
1822, in Western New York. He is a son of Luther 
and Harriet (Wheelock) Bishop. His father is a 
native of Massachusetts and his mother of Rhode 
Island. Both his grandfathers were Revolutionary 
heroes, and his grandfather Bishop was in the b.attle 
of Bunker Hill, and saw the first shot fired, and 
was also present when the last fighting of the war 
was done. Of his father's family seven children 



survive: Marcia, Mrs. Taylor, a widow; Maria, 
wife of Granville Madison; Sylvia, wife of Will- 
iam Booker; Noah; Devilo; Eleanor, wife of 
Charles Reynolds; and Lucretia, Mrs. Milton Tay- 
lor. 

The subject of this sketch remained at home 
until he was fourteen years of age, when he came to 
Oakland County, Mich., and worked out by the 
month on a farm, receiving about $8 per month 
and his board. In the fall of 1842 he came to Ionia 
County, where he worked in the pine lumbering 
woods for a number of years, receiving about $25 
per month with his board. 

The excellent lady who presides over the home 
of our subject became Mrs. Bishop May 18, 1845. 
She is Ellen, daughter of Charles and Anna (Gill- 
man) Madison, and was born in New Hampshire, 
July 20, 1830. To her parents had been granted 
ten children, of whom the following are now liv- 
ing: Nancy, Mrs. Jackson, a widow; James G., 
Granville, Charles, P'rank and Mrs. Bishop. When 
she was only two years old the Mailison family 
emigrated to Oakland County, Mich., and about a 
year later Mr. Madison died, and about six years 
later the mother was called away from this young 
family, and this little girl was left a double orphan 
at a tender age. She received the rudiments of 
her education in the log schoolhouses of New York 
and Michigan. 

In 1848 Mr. Bishop settled on the farm where 
Robert McKendry now resides, in the western por- 
tion of Easton Township. Here he bought eighty 
acres from the Government, for which he paid at 
the rate of $1.25 per acre. He subsequently got 
forty acres more for which he paid the same price. 
He built a log cabin in the woods before there were 
any roads to its site. For a number of years he 
lived in this house and developed the farm from 
the woods to a well-cultivated state. In the spring 
of 1884 he settled on his present farm on section 8, 
Easton Township. He owns one hundred and 
forty-one acres of land, sixty of which coojprises 
his home farm. On this he has a fine brick resi- 
dence. 

Mr. and Air?. Bishop are counted among the old 
pioneer corner stones of Ionia Count)', and they 
have seen many of the hardships to which pioneer 



1 





"X,^/ 



CTT^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



825 



life is subjected. Tliey are both ideiitifled witii tiic 
Metliodist Kpiscopal Church, in which he has 
served as a Steward for some years. They pre now 
in their prime, enjoying the fruits of a life well 
spent, and doing ail in tlieir power to help those 
who are younger and less prosperous. Their fine 
brick residence is a favorite resort among all the 
neiglibors. lie is a Democrat in politics, and in 
local matters favors all movements for the eleva- 
tion of social conditions. 

Mr. Bishop's army exi)priencc began September 
9, 1861, when he enlisted in Company E, First 
Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. This regiment 
was attached to the Army of the Cumberland and 
Ohio, and later to the Army of the Tennessee. 
They were engaged in bridge building and repair- 
ing. He received his honorable discharge Decem- 
ber 29, 1861, and returned to Ionia County where 
he has resided ever since, enjoying the esteem and 
confidence of all who know him. 

ATTIIKW n. FOX. Since 1866 this gen- 
tleman has been numbered among the 
residents of Muir, Ionia Count}', and for 
some years after that date he was promi- 
nently connected with business affairs in the lumber 
regions of the State. Since 1873 he h.as been classed 
among the retireil men of the place, having a com- 
petence which enables him to supply every reason- 
able desire and having reached an age when ease is 
pleasant. He is a native of Columbia, Herkimer 
County, N. Y., and received his education in the 
schools of the county. He grew to maturity on 
the parental acres and became thorouglily con- 
versant Willi the details of agricultural life and the 
conduct of all business affairs connected thcrewilli. 
After his marriage Mr. Fox bought the home- 
stead and there continued to make his home until 
1855, when he removed to Cattaraugus County, 
and again engaged in farming. After eleven years 
of residence there he came to this State and made 
his present location. He has two town lots where 
numerous shade and fruit trees lend beauty to the 
scene and make an attractive background for his 



pleasant residence. Upon coming here Mr. Fox 
bougiit a tract of i)ine land in Montcalm County, 
an<l building a steam sawmill at Muir he rafted his 
logs down Fish Creek anil Maple River to the mill. 
He furnished eni|)loyment for a number of men 
and did a good business as long as he continued in 
active life. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Frederick Fox, a native of Herkimer County, N.Y., 
and a man of considerable prominence, as well as 
the owner of a large estate. His occupation was 
farming. He was a Uevolutionar}' soldier and was 
a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. His 
sou James, father of our subject, was born in the 
old stone fort of Herkimer, March 9, 1784. He 
married Dolly Herkimer, who was born there De- 
cember 26, 1788, she too belonging to a well-known 
family. James Fox fought during the War of 1812, 
holding the rank of Lieutenant and then of Cap- 
tain. He and his wife belonged to Dominie Spin- 
ner's Church at Ft. Herkimer and he was a Deacon 
in the same. He died February 22, 1854, and his 
widow in 1866. Their family consisted of six 
children, the only survivors being Matthew IL, of 
whom we write, and John A., a resident of Alle- 
gany County, N. Y. 

In 1842 our subject was married to Miss Kliza 
C. Edick, a native of the same county as himself, 
whose natal day was July 13, 1824, while he w.as 
born April 23, 1817. Mrs. Fox is Ti daughter of 
John and Christina (Vaudusen) Edick, who were 
also born in Herkimer Count}' and whose ancestors 
came from Germany and Holland. Mrs. Edick 
died in 1826 and Mr. Edick was killeil by falling 
from ascaffohl, wliicii broke while he was assisting 
in raising a church steeple. The Edick family com- 
prised four children, two now living — Cornelius 
and Mrs. Fox. Their parents were members of Ihe 
Dutch Reformed Church. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Fox three children have been 
born, but two only are living. These are Christina 
E., widow of Justin .Smith, ard Ella V., wife of 
J. E. Just. Mrs. Smith lost her husband in 1890; 
she has four sons — Justin M., George II., Benjamin 
J. and Clark S. Mrs. Just has one daughter — 
Nellie. Mr. Fox, although not .actively eng.<)ged in 
business, is still one of the most prominent men in 



326 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the village of Muir. He is a public-spirited and in- 
telligent man, whose interest in the general welfare 
is manifested in many ways. He votes the Repub- 
lican ticket and supiiorts tiie Presbyterian Church, 
of which his wife is a member in high standing. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Fox appears in 
connection with this biographical notice. 



<a felLLIAM NOLTY. The home of this en- 
\f\ji tcri)rising farmer is on section 3, Ionia 
VW Township and county, on a tract of land 
consisting of one hundred and forty fertile acres. 
All but twenty acres of this tract is under tiie plow 
or devoted to the convenience of the family in 
orchards, gardens and barn-yards. Large crops of 
good grain are raised and stock of standard breeds 
is also placed upon the market from tliis estate. 
Excellent buildings have been put up by the pres- 
ent occupants of the land, and their good judgment 
has been further shown in the setting out of large 
orchards and in the neatness which characterizes 
the place. Mr. Nolty makes his visits to town 
behind a good roadster, and his draught-horses are 
kept in equally good condition. 

Grandfather Nolty, whose given name was John, 
was born in Germany, whence he came to America 
when quite young. During the Revolution he 
laid aside the implements of a farmer to join the 
other Colonists in defense of their liberties. A son 
who bore his own name and followed his own occu- 
pation, is the direct progenitor of our subject. This 
second John Nolty was born in Pennsylvania and 
in Canada married Anna Wilkins, whose father 
had fought in the Canadian forces during the War 
of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Nolty lived in Canada 
until 1862, then came to this State and made a per- 
manent settlement in Ionia Count}'. After residing 
in the township of the same name some years, they 
removed to the county seat, where the husband 
died in 1876, at the age of four-score years. Tiie 
widow is now seventy-four years old. Their fam- 
ily comprised ten children and seven survive. 
The gentleman whose name introduces those par- 



agraphs is a Canadian by birth, born in the Prov- 
ince of Ontario, November 23, 1833. Ills educa- 
tion was limited, confined to what he could obtain 
at the common schools during a brief period. He 
has always been a farmer, but his efforts were for 
his parents' interests until he was twenty-eight 
years old. He then started out for himself with a 
capital consisting of a span of horses. He had come 
to this State with his parents and he worked a farm 
on shares one season. He then married and set- 
tled in Ronald Township, but a year later removed 
to his present farm, which was then but partly im- 
proved. In all that has been done for their mutual 
interest Mr. Nolty has had the sympathy and aid 
-of his wife, who is an efficient woman and one who 
is devoted to the good of her family. 

The marriage of Mr. Nolty and Mrs. Elizabeth 
Anderson was solemnized November 4, 1863. The 
bride was born at German Flats, Herkimer County, 
N. Y., October 21, 1828. She is one of seven chil- 
dren — four now living — that comprised the family 
of James and Clarissa (Brown) DeLong. She was 
thirteen years old when her parents removed to this 
State and here she completed her education by a 
year's attendance in Jackson schools. She taught 
in Ionia County in former years. By her first 
marriage she had four children, of whom we note 
the following: James D. Anderson, born October 
24, 1847, married Ella Edwards and has one child; 
Archie, born January 26, 1850, married Julia Dick- 
inson and has two children ; Lizzie lone, now the 
wife of Frank Faulkner and mother of three chil- 
dren, was born February 26, 1853; Josephine, born 
July 10, 1857, married Covert Miller. The older 
son and the daughters have taught school, Mrs. Mil- 
ler's experience extending over a period of four- 
teen years. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Nolty is Edgar J., whose natal day was March 21, 
1872. He has attended only the district school, 
but is a good student and he is also an able assist- 
ant of his father upon the farm. 

The parents of Mrs. Nolty were born in New 
York and Massachusetts respectivelj', and the father 
combined in his veins German, French and Yankee 
blood. He came to this State in I 835 with Samuel 
Dexter, and is numbered among the pioneers of 
Ionia Township. He had a section of land here 



PORTRAIT AND BrOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



327 



and considerable other real estate, the acreiige 
amounting to nine hundred, lie died in 1812. He 
had started a W(:)oIen factory and fullinn; mill, 
which his widow fiiiislu'd. Mrs. Deliong survived 
him until 1879. 

r>oth Mr. and Mrs. Nolty bclont;: to the Chris- 
ti.in Church at Muir, and Mr. Nolty has been a Dea- 
con of the congregation. Both have taught in the 
Sunday-school, Mr. Noltj' having the Bible class, 
and he has l)een Supenintendent of the school. Mrs. 
Nolly's daughter Josephine led the singing. Mr. 
Nolty was formerly a member of the Grange and 
now belongs to the Patrons of Industry-, in the 
growth of which he is quite interested. He has 
been a member of the local School Board about 
eighteen year.s and is now its Treasurer. In poli- 
tics he is a faithful Republican and he is a strong 
ailvocate of temperance. 



^g^i^a^ 



Z^/ DDI.SON R. WILCOX who resides on 
(©yJl section 32, Ionia Township, Ionia County, 

jl (fc is the only surviving child of Azariali 
1^ Wil cox , a native of the Green Mountain 

Slate. The mother bove the maiden name of Al- 
mira Eaton. This couple remained after their 
n)arriage in their native State, Vermont, until a 
short time before the death of the husband which 
took place in 1831, in Chautauqua County, N. Y., 
whither they had removed. His widow in the 
course of time married again and remained in 
Chautauqua County. She died there in lH7-t, at 
the advanced age of seventy-eight years. 

Young Addison, who was born November ',), 
1830, in Chautauqua County, N. Y., was only four- 
teen months old when his father's death orphaned 
him. His mother brought him up and gave to him 
the best common-school education which was to be 
obtained. At the age of eighteen ^'ears he left 
home to peddle stoves, whicli occupation lie con- 
tinued for four years. 

At twenty-two years of age he undertook iin 
expedition, which in those days, early in the '.OOs, 
was undertaken by few, except the most enterpris- 
ing and fcarliss. Ik' went to Califoi Ilia, crossing 



the plains. The expedition was fitted out at .St. 
Josejjh, Mo., and pursued its course to Ft. Leaven- 
wortlij then by the south fork of the Platte River 
to Kl. Kearney, then to Salt Lake City, where they 
r(!stcd for two weeks. They ascended to the head 
of the Humboldt River, then down Carson Valley 
to riacerville, then called Hangtown. The party 
left St. .Iose[)h May 14 and arrived at Placerville 
September 16, the same year (1852). They saw 
plenty of Indians on the w.ay but had no trouble 
with them. Ox-tcams were their only beasts of 
burden. 

Mr. Wilcox went into the mines for a year and 
expected to do more in that line but was driven 
from this kind of work by rheumatism. He went 
to work on a farm in Santa Clara County, and 
found tiie California sunshine more helpful for him 
than the darkness of the mines. He earned 1 100 
a month for three years. His return home in 1857 
was around by the Isthmus of Panama. After his 
return home he speculate<l in horses and cattle for 
some eight or nine years, and then settled on a 
farm in his Iiome county. In 187G he came to 
Michigan and m.ade lits home in Ionia County, 
where he has since remained. 

In 1857 an interesting event took place in the 
life of our subject which united him with Sarepta, 
daughter of George and Sallie (White) Sloan, who 
were pioneers in Chautauqua County, N. Y. She 
was born in 1832 and was called from earth in 1871, 
leaving one child, Myrtie S., born August, 18G9. 
Our subject's second marriage took place M.ay 29, 
1879. In this event he was joined with Mrs. 
Robert Treat Kelsey noe Du Bois, a daughter of 
Abraham and Sarah (Van Voorliess) Du Bois. 
The celebration of their marriage took place in 
Albau}- and Mr. and Mrs. Du Bois resided in 
Steuben County, N. Y. He was not only a 
farmer but a miller and a fuller. He served 
his country in the War of 1812. Mr. Du Bois 
came to Michigan about 1859, and having lost his 
wife several years before made his home with his 
children and died here in 1870, his remains repos- 
ing in Balcolm Cemetery. 

Mrs. Wilcox was the fourth ciiild of her parents 
and was born November I, 1833, in Steuben County, 
N. Y. The excellent education furnished her by 



328 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



her parents, fitted her for the profession of a teacher, 
and previous to iier first marriage she taught school 
for some lime. Her marriage in December, 1854, 
united her with Robert Treat Kelsey, a son of Levi 
and Asenath (Hoyt) Kelsey, of Herkimer County, 
N. Y. In 1855 they made a new home in Miclii- 
gan, purchasing eighty acres of land, twenty-five 
of which was already chopped and broken up. He 
finished clearing it and put it all under cultivation. 
Mr. Kelsey was a Rcjiublican and took an active 
interest in politics. He was also a member of the 
School Board. He died January 19, 1863. Both 
children of this marriage have been called from 
earth. 

Mr. Wilcox gives his almost undivided attention 
to his farm, raising both grain and stock of stand- 
ard grades. He has always taken an interest in 
politics and votes the Republican ticket, while his 
wife's preferences are with the Democracy, and she 
is strongly interested in temperance movements. 
Their residence was built some tvvent3'five years 
ago and the large barn in 1885. 



'•• ' ^^ 



^^ 



y^\ HRISTIAN LUZ, proprietor of the Central 
(l(^_^ Meat-market at Edmore, Montcalm County, 
^^^J is the son of Gottleib Luz, of Wurtem- 
berg, Germany. His grandfather Andreas, was the 
wealthiest man in the city of Kirchentellensfurth, 
a large landed proprietor and a prominent and in- 
fluential man, holding the princi|)al public office in 
that place. Tlie father of our subject was engaged 
in farming, and died in the year 1866, at the early 
age of twenty-five years when this boy was but one 
year old. The father was a Lutheran. The mother 
of Christian was Elizabetha (Weber) Luz, iind was 
born in Wurleniberg. Her father, Jacob Weber, 
was a baker, and kept a general restaurant in Kir- 
chentellensfurth, where the mother still resides. 

The subject of this sketch first saw the light Jan- 
uary 7, 1865. He remained with his mother, who 
ran a farm in her native village, and early learned 
to attend to the business of the family. After 
awhile he learned the butcher's business, and soon 
began dealing in cattle, in which he was very suc- 



cessful. His family were in independent circum- 
stances and he had every advantage in both busi- 
ness and social ways, but he had a desire to see 
America, and to find his life-work here. In Feb- 
ruary, 1889 he left Havre by the steamer "British." 
He was seven days on the ocean, and came directly 
to Ann Arbor by way of New York. He worked 
for four months on a farm, and then came to Lans- 
ing, where he was employed in a meat-market up to 
the fall of 1890, when coming to Edmoie he bought 
the Central meat-market from Taylor & Skarritt, 
and has since run it successfully. He has a good 
location, and is doing a fine business, being orderly 
and systematic in his work, and making the place 
attractive to customers. 

In December, 1890. the subject of this sketch 
sailed for Germany, to visit his mother and his old 
home. He had a pleasant trip of fifteen days from 
New York to Havre on the steamer ''Opdom." He 
spent three months in Germany, combining busi- 
ness and pleasure. In the pursuit of the former he 
proved his claim to a fortune of $10,000. and set- 
tled up the entire business in the short period of 
his visit. In the early part of INIarch, 1891, he re- 
turned to this country, making a voyage of thir- 
teen days on the steamer ''Suafia." He is a very 
popular man in Edmore, and can confidently look 
forward to a successful future. He is connected 
with the Lutheran Church, and is a Democrat in his 
political preferences. 



r/OHN BIPPLEY is one of the owners of 
well-regulated estates in Ionia County and 
derives from his property a very satisfac- 
tory income. He is located on section 13 
Odessa Township, and has there one hundred and 
eighty acres of cleared land and sixty acres that are 
still covered with timber. A large and conven- 
iently-arranged farm house presents the homelike 
appearance attractive to passers-by, and two barns, 
one of which is the largest in the township, together 
with other necessary buildings, are there to be 
seen. The grain and tool-barn is twenty-six feet 
square, with twelve-foot posts, and the other is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAVHICAL ALBUM. 



329 



66x80 feet, w[th a height of eighteen feet. The 
latter lias a basement under the whole extent. Mr. 
Bipplc}' keeps good stock and raises crops equal to 
any harvested in this section of tiie State. 

Jacob and Julia (Fole) Bippley were natives of 
Germany, whence they emijq-iiled to America in 
1832. Mr. Bippley had been a farmer in Wurtem- 
burg and after crossing the Atlantic he conlinueii 
his olden occupation. He located in Medina 
County, Ohio, and made that his home until his 
death. He passed away while on a visit to Ken- 
tucky in the year 1850. His faithful companion 
lived until December 6, 1884. Their children were 
eight in number and six are now living, viz: John, 
George, (iotlieb, Catherine, Mary, and Christina. 
The deceased are Fred, who died in Andersonvilie 
in 1863 and Christian who died in 1861. The 
parents were members of the Lutheran Church. 

John Bippley was born in Medina County, Ohio, 
February 18, 1838. He received a limited educa- 
tion in the district school and remained at home 
until he was fourteen years old, when he worked 
out by the niontli and gave his evenings to the 
service of his widowed mother. In 1855 he came 
to this State and for about two years worked by 
the month in Berlin Township, Ionia County. He 
w.as economical, and ere long bought forty acres of 
land on section 10, Odessa Township, which lie 
cleared at odd times when not engaged in chopping, 
logging and splitting wood for others. He kept 
on working for wages and giving his spare time to 
the development of his own property, until he sold 
the tract in 1878. Prior to that time he iiad bought 
eighty acres where he is now living and to tliis he 
removed. On his new place there was a clearing 
of fourteen acres. Here he built a frame house 
and then began to pl.ice the rest of the tract in a 
condition for planting. 

Kach year saw the Bippley property l)etter im- 
proved, and in course of time it was increased to 
its present extent. This was not accomplished 
without passing through trials and hardshii)s, but 
they were lessened by the sympathy of a good wife 
and shortened by her counsel and aid. 'I'he worthy 
couple can look back upon many happy days even 
while their waking hours were devoted to toil, and 
while they lived in the rude log cabin that was 



their earliest home. The furniture in that dwelling 
was rudely made and included only the most neces- 
sary articles, such .as chairs, a l)edstcad, and a table 
that was in reality a chest. Times were so hard 
that for two months they had no money with which 
to mail a letter. 

March 1'2, 1861, Mr. Bippley and Miss Hannah 
Winningaei were united in marri.igc. They have 
three children, sons, named Frank, George and 
William. Mrs. Bipi)ley is a daughter of George 
and Margaret (Kleinknecht) Winning.icr, natives 
of Wurteniburg, (Germany. The3' emigrated to 
America in 1833 and at once located in Medina 
County, Ohio, where Mr. Winniugaer carried on a 
farm, as he had done in his native land. His death 
occurred December 23, 1870; his wife had preceded 
him to the tomb, dying in August, 1862. They 
had seven children, but two only are now living — 
Christian and Hannah — the former making his home 
in Berlin Township. Of the brothers of Mrs. Bippley, 
John died in Liverpool, Ohio, in September 1887; 
George died in New Orleans of cbolera in 1818 at 
the close of the Mexican war in which he was a 
soldier; and Philip died in Dayton, Ohio, in 1860, 
from the effects of wounds and exposure during 
the Rebellion. 

Ml'. Bippley was formerly a Kc'ijublican but is 
now connected with tlie Democratic party; he is a 
member of the Patrons of Lidustry. He has taken 
part in the odicial work of Odessa Township, hav- 
ing been Highway Commissioner four. Drainage 
Commissioner one. District Overseer eight, and 
School Otiicer seven j'ears. 



-m^ 




NDUKW M. MARTIN, M. D. Few men 

'^5^1 have in any avocatitm so excellent an 
[jportunity of making themselves useful 
to the community and beloved by their 
fellow citizens, as a good family [ihysician. He it 
is who receives the confidence of those who are 
broken in spirit and depressed in circumstances. 
It is he whose kind words and cheery voice give 
new courage and purpose when the heart is s.id. 
Our subject, has made himself a position and a 



330 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



power in Lake Odessa and vicinity, and he is re- 
spected and admired by those wlio iiave looked to 
liini for help in time of trouble. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Akron, 
Sumqjit County, Ohio, March 7, 1844. He is the son 
of Andrew and Jane (Mills) Martin. His father was 
a native of the Empire State and of Irish descent 
and the mother was born in England, coming to 
this country with her parents when she was about 
three years of age. Andrew Martin came to Ionia 
County, Mich., in 1855, and purchasing a farm of 
two hundred acres in Otisco Township, proceeded 
to improve and cultivate it. This occupation was 
suplemented l)y carpentering in which trade he was 
trained and in whicli he did much efficient service. 

The father of our subject was called from earth 
April 23, 1865. The mother's death took place 
February 1 7, 1873. Tlieir four children are Charles 
M., who resides at Seattle, Wash.; Mary, wife of 
William Tillotson, who resides on the old homestead 
in Otisco Township; Audrew^ M. and Alice E. wife 
of Amos Benton, who resides at Miner County, Da. 
Dr. Martin received his early education at the semi- 
n.ary at Akron, Ohio, from wiiich place he came with 
his parents wlien a little lad of eleven yeais. AVhile 
residing at home on the farm in Otisco Township, 
he attended the Union School at Cook's Corners and 
was looking forward to a still higher education when 
he felt the call of duly to go to the defence of his 
Nation's flag. He was too young when the war 
broke out to enlist, but as time went on he felt that 
he could nottarrj', and although he had not reached 
his majority', he received the consent of his parents 
to his enlistment and on August 22, 18G4, he joined 
Company F, First Michigan Engineers. In this 
noble cause he served until the close of the war 
and was honorably discharged June 6, 18G5. 

After his return home the young man remained 
on the farm for about a year and then went Green- 
ville, Montcalm Count}', and commenced the long 
deferred studies to which he as a youth looked 
forward. He took his first year's study with his 
brother Charles and after attending the Michigan 
University at Ann Arbor for two years, coiumeuccd 
the practice of medicine at Ma))le Hill, Montcalm 
County, Mich. He remained in this locality but a 
short time and then canje to Odessa Township, 



locating at Bonanza, half a mile from what is now 
Lake Odessa. Here he practiced medicine about 
ten months and from there went to Gratiot County, 
and located at Elm Hall, where he practiced until 
the fall of 1872. He then returned to the farm, to 
care for his mother in her declining health and to 
attend her through her last illness. During the 
winter she passed away, and in the spring he set- 
tled at Coral, Montcalm County, where he practiced 
until the fall of 1873. He did not make a perma- 
nent location until he had tried several different 
places in Michigan and Indiana, and until he had 
passed three years in professional duty in Talla- 
hassee, Fla. But in the fall of 1885, he made his 
home in Lake Odessa where he is now engaged in 
a lucrative practice. This new town is growing 
finely and has now reached a population of about 
eleven hundred. 

Dr. IMartin celebrated his marriage with Abbie 
A. Reed, Jul}' 19, 18G9. One child has been given 
to them — Clinton A. who resides with his [jarents. 
The Doctor is a Republican by conviction and sup- 
ports the principles of the Republican party. 



lENJAMIN PROBASCO. The life of this 
gentleman is well worthy the consideration 
of those who are beginning their career, as 
it affords lessons of honest, persistent in- 
dustry and good citizenship that might well be 
emulated by others. He has been a resident of 
Ionia County since 1855, and although not so old 
a settler as some he is yet able to recall days 
when deer were plenty and he could kill them in 
his own clearing, and when a more savage animal 
would sometimes be encountered while committing 
depredations on the stock. The spring after his 
arrival here he had an encounter with a bear that 
was killing hogs near the house, but he did not 
succeed in capturing bruin. 

The subject of this biographical notice is a son 
of Jacob and Mary (Shay) Probasco, both natives 
ol New Jersey, the one of French and the other of 
German lineage. The father was a soldier in 1812 
and after his death, which occurred at the early 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AI-BUM. 



331 



age of forty seven years, his widow received a 
pension for his services. In 1833 tiie good couple 
removed to Ohio, settling in Huron County on a 
farm that had been occupied by Indians who had 
gone farther west but eighteen months before. A 
large orchard had been planted by the savages and 
other work done which is generally sup|)Osed to 
belong to civilization. While working at the 
forge, which was quite profitable there, Mr. I'ro- 
basco carried on his farm, which included two 
hundred and eighty acres. 

Benjamin Probasco was about two years olil 
when his parents removed to Ohio, he having been 
born in Sussex County, N. J., April 8, 1831. All 
his schooling was obtained prior to his fifteenth 
year when, the father being dead, the children were 
obliged to assist in the general support whenever 
thej' could. Our subject worked on the farm and 
at coopering, and at the age of sixteen 3'ears ope- 
rated the homestead on his own account and was 
so successful that lie obtained the largest yield it 
had ever given. He had an average of forty-three 
bushels of wheat per acre for fifteen acres and the 
work had all been done with oxen. An older 
brother had lost his life in the Mexican War, and 
Benjamin bought the land warrant which he had 
received. This warrant was laid on the land now 
owned by our subject three years prior to his 
coming here. He came to Michigan in 1855 and 
located a tract on section 22, Sebewa Township, 
Ionia County. 

The tract taken by Mr. I'robaseo was in the 
woods and he proceeded to clear and improve it, 
and subsequently sold it for ¥3,000. He then 
bought the Waddell farm of eighty acres, which 
was well improved and which cost him ^2.200. 
For sixteen years he divided his time between farm- 
ing and the cooper's trade, doing light work at the 
latter in the winter months. As a farmer he has 
been progressive, adopting the most approved 
methods and always keeping good stock. He has 
always had good horses, and in recent years has 
paid consideral)le attention to shee[) raising and 
gathered a flock of high graile. He is now giving 
the farming mostly into the hands of his son 
Eugene. ' 

November 24, 1857, Mr. Probasco was married 



to Miss Deborah Showerman, who shared his for- 
tunes but a few short years, dying in I860. She 
left two sons — Levant and Kugone. The former 
married Leonore I$adger and was engaged in 
fanning until his decease. , Eugene, who married 
Emma Casswell, lives near his father. After hav- 
ing lived a widower until 18G3 Mr. Prolmsco was 
married to Luryetle Adelia Brown and to them 
were born two children: Frances, who married 
Henry .Snyder, a tradesman; and Irving Adelbert. 
Again Mr. Probasco was bereft of a companion, 
his wife dying January 20, 18CG. His present 
companion, formerly Mary Jane Quackenbos, be- 
came his wife December 6, 1868. Of this union 
there has been born one daughter — Eva Mary, wife 
of Henry Snyder. 

Mr. Probasco has been a great wurker, and now 
at the age of three-score years, besides doing the 
chores, he has cut over fifty cords of wood and 
split it, all with the ax. In politics he has been 
quite interested, alwaj's keeping posted regardin<' 
the issues of the day, and he votes the Democratic 
ticket. Interested in the progress of mankind, he 
has manifested a progressive spirit in the considera- 
tion of school affairs and other public interests. 
He has been a member of the Patrons of Industry 
and is connected with the ftlethodist Episcopal 
Church. 

^ -^ -^^ -^— 

ORACE F. MINER. The genial landlord 
\\ of Hotel Miner, at Lake'tJdessa.T is^widely 
known in Ionia County and in the territory 
lying south of the county. He was born in 
Monroe County, N. Y., August 5, 1832, and is a 
son of Linus K. and .Sophia (Bradley) Miner. (lis 
father was born in Springfield, Mass., and his 
mother in Connecticut. For some years prior to 
1848 Linus K. Miner carried on farming in New 
York and lie then removed with his family to Shi- 
awassee County, this .State, where he took up seven 
hundred and sixty acres of wild land. He had 
visited this section in 1836 and located the tract, 
making his journey on horseback through Canada 
in company with two frien<ls. 

Prior to bringing his family hither Linus K. 



332 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Miner hart put up a log house in which they placed 
their household goods and whicli was the residence 
of the parents during the remainder of their lives. 
Mrs. Miner [)assed away in January, 1860, and 
Linus K. Miner died in. the spring of 1863. He had 
placed one hundred and twenty acres of his large 
estate under improvement. Both father and 
mother belonged to the Presbyterian Church and 
endeavored to live in accordance with religious 
teachings. They had seven children, of whom four 
are now living and our subject secoml in point of 
age. Martin V., now lives in Brown County, S. 
Dak. ; Robert B. in Berlin Township, Ionia County', 
and Ellen is tiie wife of William H. Smith, of De- 
troit. 

Mr. Miner of this notice was reared on a farm, 
and until he was sixteen years old lived in his na- 
tive county. He received his carl^' education in 
the district school and then attended the academy 
at Riga one year. He came West with his parents 
and as an assistant in clearing the farm, exper- 
ienced the trials and hardships of a pioneer. When 
twenty years old he returned to his native place 
and spent the summer in study in the academy and 
the winter in teaching. He continued this three 
jrcars, then returned to his home in this State and 
staid witli his parents about two years. 

In the fall of 1854 Mr. Miner visited Ionia 
County, and i)urchased forty acres of land on sec- 
tion 16, and later he added forty acres in Odessa 
Township. For a score of years following he 
taught winter schools in this vicinity, and spent 
the summer months at various occupations by 
which he could make an honorable living and se- 
cure the best payment for the time expended. 
Whatever leisure he had was given to clearing and 
improving his land. Long before the twenty' years 
had passed he took possession of his property, and 
while continuing his pedagogical work in the winter 
he gave the summer montlis to farming. 

In the spring of 1873 Mr. Miner sold his farm 
and removed to Saranac where he remained three 
years. He then removed to what was known as 
Bonanza in Odessa Township, and opened up a 
stock of general merchandise, remaining thereuntil 
the village of Lake Odessa was founded. The new 
town was started on a railroad which was then be- 



ing built, and Bonanza became extinct, its residents 
moving to Lake Odessa. Mr. Miner followed the 
tide, took his store building to the new town and 
in this place has done business ever since, the store 
now being managed b^' his son. There was no 
hotel in Bonanza and no place for a weary traveler 
to stop, and Mr. Miner, having one spare bed was 
called ui^on by the traveling men and as they began 
to come thicker and faster he put up more beds and 
finally built an addition to his store-room for the 
purpose of running a sort of an hotel. When he 
removed to Lake Odessa he perceived the neces- 
sity of making arrangements for the accommoda- 
tion of travelers, as he believed the village would 
soon be a thriving city. 

Well aware of the advantages of the surrounding 
country and the enterprise of the people, Mr. 
Miner determined to put up an hotel. He hauled 
one hundred thousand brick from Saranac, a dis- 
tance of fourteen miles, and within eight months 
had a three-story building, 34x72 feet, which 
would be a credit to any town. It is furnished 
well and Mr. Miner himself sees that everyone who 
stops there is well cared for and strangers are at 
once made to feel at home. It is well known that 
a good hotel is necessary to the prosperity of the 
town and that the landlord is a potent factor in 
building up trade of various kinds. Much credit 
is therefore due Mr. Minor for what he has done 
and is doing toward making Lake Oilessa an im- 
portant commercial center. 

June 14, 1860, was the date of the ceremony 
that united the fortunes of Mr. Miner and Miss 
Martha J. Miller. Tiiey have had two children, a 
daughter and a son. The latter — Otis Miner, has 
charge of the store established by his father and 
now carried on under the style of Miner & Son. 
In Februar}', 1890, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Dora Ilaight. A sad catastrophe bereft Mr. 
and Mrs. Miner of their daughter Nellie, who was 
drowned in the Grand River at Saranac. Mr. Miner 
is always ready to credit his wife with a large share 
in his success, declaring that in her prudent man- 
agement he owes worldly prosperity as well as the 
comfort of his home life. 

The greatest amount of tax paid by anyone in 
Lake Odessa is credited to Mr. Miner and he is 




^ ^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



335 



said to have done more than any other man to ad- 
vance the interests of the town. He is always 
ready to give and to do in liiat direction. He lias 
been Notar}' Public for twelve years and is now 
serving under liis fourth commission. His first 
Presidential vote was cast for Jolin C. Fremont 
and he is still a staucli Republican. Socially he 
belont's to the Masonic liodire. 



^5^KN. JAMP:S H. KIDD. The name of this 
[|[ ,--, gentleman is inscribed on the roll of Fame 
^^jj among the gallant commanders under whose 
leadership the rank and file of the Union army 
marched to victor^'. He entered the service when 
in the dawn of manhood, and bis knowledge of 
military tactics secured for him the rank of Cap- 
tain wlien beginning his active career as a soldier. 
Valor in times of danger, cheerful obedience to his 
superior officers, and qualities that win the support 
of inferiors raised him to a much higher rank some 
months before the war closed. He was born in 
Ionia and liiis city has been his home for years. 

Among the pioneers of Ionia County James M. 
and Jane (Stevenson) Kidd, parents of our subject, 
lived anil labored, enduring the toils and privations 
that were shared in common by the early settlers, 
and rejoicing with their associates in every access- 
ion to the neighborhood an<l every appearance of 
additional prosperity. Mr. Kidd was born in 
Orange County, N. Y., November 13, 1813, and 
accompanied his parents to this State in 1830. He 
first located near Pontiac, remained there six 
years, then removed to Ionia and engaged in the 
manufacture of fanning mills. In 1845 he bought 
a sawmill and a tract of pine land on Flat River at 
the point now called Kiddville. In 1881 his earn- 
ings were swept away by fire and two 3'ears later he 
returned to Ionia and re-eugaged in his former 
business. Several times he was elected Mayor of 
the city, and he is still living (1891), honored by 
all who know him. His wife was a native of Wind- 
sor, England. 

The natal day of Gen. Kidd was February 11, 



1840. His early education was supplemented by 
two years' atteudance at the State Normal School, 
and he was graduated from tiie Ypsilanti Union 
Seminary. For two years he was a student in the 
classical course in the university at Ann Arbor. 
The breaking out of the Civil War changed his 
l)lans and he threw aside his books to enter the 
army. During his time in the university he had 
become so skilled in military tactics as to entitle 
him to an officer's rank in what was known as Tap- 
pan Guards, and attract the notice of military 
authorities of the Stale. He was therefore placed 
in command of Company E, Sixth Michigan Cav- 
alry, after being instrumental in raising the com- 
pany. 

After a winter in Washington Capt. Kidd was 
ordered to the field and was actively engaged in 
the Gettysburg campaign, taking part in every en- 
gagement. At Falling Waters, the last of sixteen 
battles fought in fifteen days, he was severely 
wounded. After that engagement he was promoted 
to the rank of Major, to date from May, 1863. He 
rejoined his regiment in October and the following 
May was commissioned Colonel. In addition to 
the battles mentioned Col. Kidd participated in 
Kilpatrick's raid, the terrible scenes of the Wilder- 
ness, Sheridan's raid, the battles at SpottS3lvania, 
Cold Harbor and others, and he also bore a conspic- 
uous part in the operations in the Shenandoah 
Valley under Gen. Sheridan. At the battle of 
Winchester, September 10, 1864, he was again 
wounded; and at the battle of Cedar Creek, Octo- 
ber 19, he had his horse shot under him. 

On the promotion of Gen. Custer, Col. Kidd 
succeeded him in command of the Michigan Brig- 
ade, which he commanded in the battle of Cedar 
Creek. After the surrender of Gen. Lee, Col. Kidd's 
command was ordered West to take part in the 
Indian War, and having reached Leavenworth by 
river and rail, it marched to the Powder River in 
Wyoming. Col. Kidd was in command of the left 
column of the Powder Indian Expedition under 
Gen. P. E. Conner and established a post and 
! built a fort on Powder River. This was success- 
fullj' accomplished and the flag of the Sixth Michi- 
gan Cavalry waved over what was then named Ft. 
Conner, subsequently Ft. Reno. After the close 



336 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of the war Col. Kidd was brevetted Brigadier Gen- 
eral, "for meritorious conduct in the SUenandoab 
Valley." 

After the expiration of his term of service, in 
the fall of 1SC5, Gen. Kidd returned to Ionia aud 
engaged in manufacturing with his father. In 
1867 he was appointed Register of the United 
States land olfioe at Ionia, which position he held 
eight years. In 187G he became interested in 
Slate military Tnattcrs and entered the State service 
as Captain of Company G, Second Regiment Mich- 
igan State troops. Upon the organization of the 
same into a brigade in 1881 he was appointed on 
the staff of Gen. Withington as Brigade Quarter- 
master with tiie rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. In 
1882 he received tlie appointment of Brigade In- 
spector, a position which, on the retirement of Gen. 
Withington he retained on the staff of Gen. I. C. 
Smith, serving in that capacity until January 1, 
1885. He was then appointed by Gov. Alger, 
Brigadier General and Inspector General of the 
Michigan State troops, a position which he held 
during the administration of that Governor. He 
then retired after a continuous service of ten 
years. 

In May, 1890, Gen. Kidd was commissioned 
I'ostraaster by President Harrison. He is proprie- 
tor of the Ionia •'Sentinel," which he purchased in 
1879. As may well be supposed he takes an active 
interest in the Grand Armj- of the Repul)lic. He 
belongs to tiie Masonic fraternity, has been Emi- 
nent Commander of the Ionia Commandery and 
Junior Warden of the Grand Commandery of tlie 
State. Politically he is a Republican, stanch and 
true. He belongs to the Metliodist Episcopal 
Church. The wife who came to him as a Christ- 
mas gift in 1871, is well known in Ionia, this hav- 
ing been her home prior to her marriage. She is 
an educated, cultured lady whose maiden name was 
Florence S. McConnell. She is the daughter of the 
late Frederick McConnell and the gmnddaughter 
of Judge Edward Mundy, the first Lieutenant- 
Governor of Michigan and for a time Acting Gov- 
ernor. He was also Justice of the Supreme Court 
of Michigan from 1848 until 1851, was Attorney- 
General, and a member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention of 1835. Gen. Kidd and his wife have 



one son, Fred McConnell Kidd, who was born in 

1881. 

Gen. Ividd has written many articles which have 
been published concerning the military events of 
the Rebellion, the most notable of which was tiie 
address delivered at the dedication of the monu- 
ment to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade at Gettys- 
burg, June 12, 1889. This address has been pro- 
nounced by high military authority as the best 
contribution to that portion of the literature of the 
war. 

In connection with tliis biographical notice we 
present a lithographic portrait of Gen. Kidd. 



LEXANDER SPRAGUE. Were there no 
other reasons for esteeming Mr. Sprague' 
his fellow citizens of Ionia County would 
find one in the fact that he gave several 
of the best years of his life to bearing arms for his 
country. He has an honorable war record gained 
through many weary months of exposure to hard- 
ship and danger, and he is an influential member 
of the Grand Array Post. His occupation in life is 
farming and the scat of his labors is a well-devel- 
oped tractof laud on section 31, Easton Townsliip. 
He is considered one of the representative agricul- 
turalists of the townsliip and his farm, although 
only moderate in extent, comprising eighty-seven 
acres, is carefully and intelligently handled and 
produces crops second in quality and quantity to 
none raised in the vicinity. 

The Sprague family was first heard of in Amer- 
ica in the New England States several generations 
since, but Alexander Sprague, father of our sub- 
ject, was born in New York. That State was also 
the birthplace of Maria Gall, the daughter of a Rev- 
olutionary soldier, whom Mr. Sprague won for his 
wife. To the good couple there were born six 
children, those wiio now survive being Henry, a 
resident of Berlin Township; Eliza, wife of Andrew 
Jepson, living in Campbell Township; and Alex- 
ander. The last named was born in Monroe 
County, N. Y., October 15, 1832, and remained in 
his native State until he was about fifteen years 



PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAHUCAL ALBUM. 



337 



old. He then, with his mother ftnd other members 
of the faniil}', camo to this State to join the liiis- 
baiul and fatlicr, who liad been niukiiijr preparations 
to receive them in Livingston Couutj\ After 
tiie family liad lived there about a year and a lialf 
a change was made to Ionia County and the farm 
now occupied by our subject became tiieir home. 
Here tlic parents died after having done much pio- 
neer work, tlie farm being undeveloped and heav 
ily timbered when tlie}' took possession of it. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these par- 
agra[)hs grew to manhood amid the scenes of pio- 
neer life, aiiling his father in preparing the Mich- 
igan land for cultivation, and taking advantage of 
the opportunities that were afforded him to gain 
knowledge. He worked in tiiis State until after 
tiie Civil War began, then entered the service as a 
private in Compaii}' M, Sixtli Miciiigan Cavaby. 
He signed the muster roll September 22, 18G2, and 
soon became an integral part in the Army of the 
Potomac, in wiiich he served under (Jlens. Custer, 
Merritt, Sheridan, Kilpatrick and Grant, at var- 
ious times and took part in the battles of (Jettys- 
burg, Falling Waters, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, 
Darvillian Station. 'I'ellas Tavern and Apiiomatlox. 
He had many narrow escapes from death and in 
the thickest of the light his bravery and valor were 
often trieil and not found wanting. After the 
surrender of Gen. Lee at which he was present, he 
took part in the Grand Review at Washington and 
then spent several months in Wyoming, where he 
and others were sent to quell the Indian disturb- 
ances. He was honorably discharged at Ft. Leav- 
enworth, Kan., November 24, 1805. 

When he was released from the army Mr. Sprague 
returneil to Ionia County and resumed the peace- 
ful occupation of a farmer. He was married Octo- 
ber I, 1868, to Sarah Cooper, daughter of Ashbel 
and Lucy (Waterbury) Cooper. The bride was 
born in Jackson County, October 13, 18U, and 
was left fatherless when quite small. Her father 
was an early settler in that county and was a native 
of New England. Her mother was born in New- 
York, but reared in Canada, whither her parents 
went when she was quite young. The family of 
which Mrs. Sprague was a member consisted of four 
children and the other survivors arc Solomon W., 



who lives in Campbell Township and Lucinda, 
wife of A. W. Green, living in Boston Township, 
this countj'. 

in Hiel P. Clark Post, No. 153, G. A. R., .at Sar- 
anac, comrade Sprague has been Senior and Junior 
\' ice-Commander and Assistant (Quartermaster. His 
estimable vvife is a member of the Ladies Relief 
Corps, auxiliary to that Post. Both take an active 
part in the affairs that are instituted for the benefit 
of the society in which they move, and are num- 
bered an)ong the most honorable and prominent 
people of their neighborhood. Their lives have 
been well spent and they are enjoying the fruits of 
their industry, and association with those by whom 
they are respected. Mr. Sprague is a stanch Re|)ub- 
lican. 



'' » *^, 



WjILLIAM P.SMITH, who has a line farm 
on section 9, Ronald Township, Ionia 
^ „ County, was born in Fairfield Township, 
near Adrian, Lenawee County, this State, February 
10,18 10. The father, Americus Smith, was mar- 
ried in Ailrian, Mich., October 23, 1831, to Martha 
Bcal, a native of New York. About 1845 they 
removed to Ionia County, and thence to Palo, 
Ronald Township, where they resided until the 
death of the father in 187!). The mother having 
now passed four-score and three years, makes her 
home with her son, our subject. Americus Smith 
and his wife were the parents of seven children, 
five of whom grew to maturity, namely; Elmina, 
Mrs. Town; William P.; Edwin, a State Senator in 
Idaho; Sylvester and Kmiline, the latter two now 
deceased. 

The subject of this sketch was ordy a little lad 
of nine years when he came to Ionia County with 
his parents. His received his fust education in the 
district school of Ronald Township. He then 
attended school at Adrian, and when only sixteen 
years of age began work for himself. His father's 
health was poor and he had the care of him and 
the charge of the family from that time on. His 
marriage December 28, 1880, united him with 
Mary E. Eldrcdge, a native of Laiieer, Micii. 



338 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Two j-ears after their marriage tbey took up their 
residence upon tlieir present farm. One buudreil 
and sixty acres of well-improved land form the 
home place and sixty acres are upon section 10, the 
same township. His handsome residence was erected 
at the expense of $1,500. He has a well arranged 
and commodious barn and all the improvements 
necessary to make up a first-class farm. In i)olitics 
he is a Republican. He was at one time Justice of 
tlie Peace, also Township Collector; be has been 
Superintendent of Schools and member of the 
Board of Review. He is a useful member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and in that organiza- 
tion fills the responsible positions of Trustee and 
Steward. He is highly esteemed and more than 
ordinarily popular in his neighborhood and one 
who is relied upon to help forward all good works. 



'AMES SLEMONS, Chief Engineer of the 
Water Works at Edmore, Montcalm Count}', 
is the oldest resident settler in the town. He 
(j^jl/ is a practical experienced engineer, having 
had charge of important works in various parts of 
country. He spent the years 1856-57 in Omaha, 
Neb., being attached to the Government survey', 
and was department foreman of the engineering 
corps to lay out the present city of South Omaha. 
He is well-informed and converses readily on every 
topic, but mechanical engineering is his specialty, 
and in this work he is very enthusiastic. His wife 
is an excellent business woman, being engaged in 
the dry-goods business under the firm name of M. 
E. Slenions. 

William Slemons, the fatiier of our subject, was 
born in Ireland thirty miles from Belfast, and is 
of Scottisli descent, his grandfather a weaver by 
trade, having come from Scotland. When still 
quite young William Slemons came to America, 
and located in Philadelphia and pursued weaving 
for four years. lie then removed to Mercer Ceunty, 
Pa., and buying an improved farm engaged in stock 
raising, making Pittsburg his market. He made a 
good success in this line, carrying on three farms 
and putting much money in stock. He was an en- 



thusiastic breeder of horses. Later he removed to 
Trumbull Countj', Ohio, where he died in 1874. 
He was a stanch Republican, and a true blue Pres- 
byterian of the old-fashioned Scotch kind. The 
mother's ancestry was much the same as the father's. 
She was Margaret Calderwood by name, born Feb- 
ruary 3, 1803, near Belfast in Ireland. Her ances- 
tors were banished from Scotland during the perse- 
cution of Mar^', Queen of Scots, and came over 
from Scotland to Ireland, shipped as produce in 
barrels. The mother of our subject came to this 
country during the War of 1812. The ship in 
which she sailed was captured on tiie seas, and the 
able bodied seamen were pressed into the service 
of the British, who brought their passengers to 
Philadelphia. She was then only eight years old, 
and resided in Philadel[)hia for fourteen years. Siie 
was married in Mercer County, Pa., and now resides 
in the old home in Ohio. 

The subject of this sketch is the eldest of five 
children. He was born near New Castle, Mercer 
County, Pa., April 28, 1837. Although early put 
at farm work, his natural love for mechanics led 
him to undertake building, and he erected a house 
on the homestead. He quickly absorbed what edu- 
cation he could gain at the district schools and re- 
mained at home until 1862, when he located at 
Youngstown and engaged in the manufacture of 
lumber, and the inanagement of a planing mill and 
lumber yard. He also acted as contractor and 
builder, and turned his hand to every kind of work 
wiiich came to him. For two years be represented 
the firm of Marsteller, Wallace & Co., in Genesee 
County, Mich., in the manufacture of lumber and 
sliingles. In this firm he was a partner from 1864 
until 1867. They were then burned out, and he 
lost all that he had put in the business. After this 
he went to Cedar Springs and undertook the manu- 
facture and wholesaling of lumber. He was the 
first inspector for the general public and engaged 
in buying lands and shipping lumber. He made 
considerable money in these transactions, but lost 
it in 1873. After this he followed the business of 
lumber inspector until 1878, when he located here 
permanently. 

Mr. Slemons has engaged here in contracting and 
building, and has bought lots and sold them again 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tiSif 



after improving ond placing buildings upon tlicm. 
He bus also bandied lumber, and has iuspecled the 
buildiiii^ of public works, espetially the water works, 
llie oi)cra house, the fire tower, and lliescboolliouse. 
He has been Chief Kugineer of the water works for 
three years, and they are in ever}- way a credit to 
his ability and honesty. 

The marriage of Mr. Slemons in 1874, took place 
in Flint. He was tiien united with Mary E. Coun- 
tryman, a daughter of Nehcniiah Countryman, a 
retired farmer of South Lyons, Mich. This gentle- 
man is now managing the elevator at Swartz Creek. 
Mrs. Slemons is well educated, and taught school 
for some months before her marriage. In addition 
to the cares of her household and the education of 
her two children, Clyde and Elmer, she has found 
time for outside work, and has carried on since 
1887 a flourishing business in dr3'-goods, clothing, 
and gents furnishing goods. Mr. Slemons is a mem- 
ber of the School Board, and has been for seven 
years Justice of the Peace. When in Ohio he be- 
longed to the Union League, and is a prominent 
Republican. He is always a member of the County 
Central Committee, and often a delegate to the 
county and State conventions. His wife is an earn- 
est and very useful member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 



=s=^st^=«= 



Sl)^*" 



EPHANIAH GATES, an old settler of Home 
Township, Montcalm County, is a man who 
reflects credit in every way upon the com- 
munity in wbicii he resides. He is the son of Harry 
P., tiie son of Zepiianiah, Sr., who was born in 
Rhode Island and was one of the early settlers Qrst 
in Cattaraugus, later in Chautauqua County, N. Y., 
and after that in Erie County, I'a. Later in life 
lie emigrated to Indiana and died therein Delaware 
County. He was of English parentage. 

The father of our suliject, after his marriage in Erie 
County, Pa., removed by team to Indiana in 184t. 
In 18lo with his wifeand three children he removed 
by ox team and wagon to Michigan. One cow fol- 
lowed In their wake and their purse contained 11.50. 
The journey took fifteen days and the total ex- 



penses were seventy-five cents. They reached Ionia 

County, Mich., and bought fifty acres on the south 
side of the Grand River, giving in exchange for 
liic land his ox-team and wagon. He built a log 
house and the happy family contentedly began the 
pioneer life. Mr. Gates improved this land and 
added to it until at one time he had one hundred 
and sixty acres, but has given most of this away to 
his sons. He still resides on the old homestead 
and is an old-time Democrat and Deacon in the 
Baptist Church. His good wife who has aided liim 
in this pioneer life was Sallie Stephens, daughter 
of Rozell Stephens of Niagara County, N. V. This 
family traces its lineage back to the blue blood of 
Plymouth Rock. 

The parents of our subject had four children ; 
I.ydia (Mrs. Disbrow), Zephaniah, Clinton and 
David. Zephaniah was born May 22, 1838, in Erie 
County, Pa. Here his early childhood was passed 
until the family emigrated to Indiana and later to 
Ionia County, Mich. He was only seven years old 
when he first entered the Wolverine State. As he 
grew up he engaged in true pioneer life, helped to 
clear the land and began the manufacture of black 
salts. His schooling was obtained in the cobble- 
stone school-house. When he reached his majority 
he came into possession of forty acres of timber 
land. In 1873 he traded this land, now finely- im- 
proved, for a house and lot in Westville, and eighty 
acres in Home Township, where ho now resides. 
For three years he resided in Westville and engaged 
in teaming. In the pursuit of this work he often- 
times was stuck in the muddy roads and heroically 
carried the greater part of his load, flour, shingles 
or whatever it might be, uphill to some dry spot 
where he might reload and start again. 

In 1877 our subject located on his present place 
which he cleared and improved and added to it 
until ho had two hundred acres. Of this he now 
retains only forty acres, having given away the 
remainder to his sons. He has a valuable location, 
good orchards and fine springs, raises a good grade 
of stock and makes a specialty of potato and hay 
i-aising. He also deals in agricultui'al implements. 

In 1856 Mr. Gates celebrated Christmas day at 
Saranac by his marriage with Laura, daughter of 
.losepli Granger, of New York. Mr. Granger 



340 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



brought bis family to Michigan in 1854, and made 
Ids home on the banks of the Grand River, wliere 
he worked a farm till his death in 1871 at the age 
of sixty years. Mrs. Granger was Esther Lane, 
whose grandfather was notable in New York State 
as a weaver of high grade goods. Mrsr Gates was 
educated in Owego, N. Y., where she was born 
July 20, 1838. She came to Michigan in 18.')4. 

Five children have blessed the home of Mr. Gates: 
Albro, a farmer in Home Township, who has taught 
school for fourteen j-ears; Herbert C, a farmer in 
Home Township; Flora, the wife of Edgar Arnold, 
a farmer in Ionia County; Harry P., on the home 
farm ; and Ella, who is also at home. The subject 
of this sketch has been Commissioner of Highways 
and has been for years Moderator of the School 
Board. He is an active and prominent member of 
the Independent Order of Good Templars at Ed- 
more. He has been a member of the Baptist 
Church for over thirty years and has been Deacon 
of the church at P^dmore since its organization. He 
is one of its most efficient members, liaving been 
especially active in helping to erect its house of 
worship. He was Superintendent of the First Union 
Sunday-school opened at Ed more, and continued 
in that work for seven years, since which he has 
been Superintendent of the Baptist School and has 
the Banner Class at Edmore. He organized the 
Sunday school at Wyman and has been its Super- 
intendent. His wife is a member of the Ladies 
Aid Societ3' and active in the Woman's Christian 
Temperance Union. They are both w.arm hearted 
and hospitable and their good qualities are cor- 
dially appreciated by their neighbors. 



'if/OnN N. HODGE. This prominent agricul- 
turist and leading citizen of Easton Town- 
ship, Ionia County, has an extended circle 
of acquaintances, as he has been living on 
section 28, since the spring of 1852. He settled 
practically in the woods in a log cabin, 16x24 
feet, that sheltered him and his for a num- 
ber of years, but was finally replaced by a 
substantial dwelling of more modern appearance. 



The estate of Mr. Hodge consists of ninety acres, 
the greater part of which is under cultivation. 
Neatness and order prevail over the farm and the 
crops raised are second to none in the locality. A 
visitor to this farm will find modern machinerj' in 
use and well-fed stock of good grades grazing in 
the pastures. 

In Oneida County, N. Y., January 16, 1836, Mr. 
Hodge was born, and there he lived until lie was a 
lad about entering his teens. His parents were 
John and Amy (Nelson) Hodge, the former of 
whom died when the son was ten years old and the 
latter survived until March 31, 1888. Our subject 
has a ])rother Albert now living in Muskegon, and 
two sisters, Mrs. Sylvester Crocker in New York 
State and Mrs. Harvey Stanton in Lake View, 
Mich. After the death of his father he was thrown 
largely upon his own resources for a liveli- 
hood, and he aideil in the support of his mother, 
living with her until he was twenty years old and 
in later years having her company in his own 
home. Soon after the father's death the widowed 
mother brought her family to Ionia County, and 
for a short time their home was on the farm now 
occupied by Ezra North, in Easton Township. They 
subsequently occupied other tracts of land and he 
of whom we write learned habits of industry, prac- 
tical economj' and integrity. When he could he 
attended school, gaining his fundamental instruc- 
tion in his native State and adding to it in the early 
schools of Michigan and still more by reading and 
personal observation. 

The lad3' who became the wife of Mr. Hodge 
November 12, 1851, bore the maiden name of Ann 
C. Finch. She was born in Cattaraugus County 
N. Y., November 15, 1838, and is a daughter of 
Isaac and Almeda Finch. Her father was a soldier 
in the AVar of 1812. When she was a mere child 
her parents came to tliis State and settled in Easton 
Township, Ionia County. They carried on pioneer 
work there and in their lives represented the sturdy 
nature of those who opened up the way for civili- 
zation in the great Northwest. Mr. Finch was a 
Democrat in politics. He died November 4, 1875, 
some years after his wife bad been borne to the 
tomb. He has one son surviving; Silas, and one 
daughter, Mrs. Hodge. The latter has two ohil- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALRUM. 



841 



dren: Almeda, wifeof John Ryer,and Louisa, wife 
of Guy Conner Mr. and Mrs. Hodge have four 
grandchildren — Lulu, Freddie and Lena Hyer, and 
Ethel A. Conner. 

Mr. Hodge has served as School Director three 
years and is acting as Highway Commissioner for 
the twelfth year. He has always shown himself 
interested in public improvements, and the fact 
of his long continuance in office as Highway Com- 
missioner is proof that he has efficiently worked 
and given universal satisfaction in that station. In 
politics he is a Democrat, with strong leanings 
toward the Greenback doctrines. He is identified 
with the Patrons of Industry. January 16, 1862, 
he enlisted in Company B, Sixteenth Michigan In- 
fantry, and remained in the service until July 20, 
spending his tunc chiefly in drilling and guard 
duly in this State. He and bis wife are among the 
honored members of the society of their locality, 
and their hospitality and generous neighborly 
qualities, together with their sterling integrity, are 
well known to their acquaintances. 



-^ 



lff_ IRAM N. LEE, a prominent citizen of 
lf]ji Keene Township and ex-Sheriff of Ionia 
/^^^ Count}', resides on section 23, of above 
(^) named township. He is a native of this 
county, and was born on the 14lh of June, 1848. 
He is the son of Hiram S. and Elvira (West) Lee, 
both natives of New York State, of English des- 
cent. Hiram S. Lee emigrated to Ionia County in 
about 1840. He located in Odessa Township and 
resided there a number of years, being one of the 
early settlers of that township. His father was one 
of the soldiers in the War of 1812. In 1851 he 
came to Keene Township, where lie settled on sec- 
tion 2;i, and still resides there, enjoying a hale and 
hearty old age, having passed the limit of llirec- 
score years and ten. He is one of the representa- 
tive pioneers of the county and an earnest Re[)ub- 
lican in politics. Of his five children three are 
living — our subject, Judson and Henr}'. 

Hiram N. Lee has been reared to manhood In 
this count}' and inured from childhood to the hard- 
ships of pioneer life. He received his education in 



the district schools of Keene Township and private 
and High schools of Ionia County. He has been 
an extensive reader all his life and is well informed 
on matters of general intelligence. Ills marriage 
took place in September, 1868. Ills bride Chris- 
tina Converse, was an orphan. She was born in 
Ontario, Canada, and a daughter of Adin Converse. 
One son has blessed this union — Adelbert — born 
March 7^ 1880. 

Jlr. Lee settled on his present farm in 1868 and 
with the exception of the four years when he served 
as Sheriff of Ionia County, and when he lived In 
Ionia, he has remained there continuously. He owns 
one hundred and ninet^'-five acres of land in ex- 
cellent condition and well Improved. He has a 
fine residence and first-class barns and outhouses. 
He has served three years as Supervisor of Keene 
Township, and w.as clerk of the township two jears. 
He was first elected Sheriff In the fall of 1884, on 
the Democratic ticket with a majority of nearly 
five hundred votes. He took charge of the Sheriff's 
office in January, 1885, for a term of two ^ears, at 
the expiration of which time he received the re- 
nomlnatiou by acclamation at the Democratic 
count}' convention in the fall of 1887 and was re- 
elected for another term of two years. He served 
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his 
constituents. His majority at his re-election was 
about seven hundred. He and his good wife are 
active members of society, in favor of everything 
that will improve and elevate the standing of the 
community. He Is a courteous and entertaining 
gentleman and Is unusually well Informed on politi- 
cal topics. The hospitality of this excellent couple 
is proverbial in the community. In his official ca- 
pacity while serving Ionia County as Sheriff he 
inaugurated a wise, conservative, business-like ad- 
ministration, which has given him popularity and 
the coun-ty a good reputation. The same may be 
said of his administration of affairs while serving 
in the several oflBcial capacities to which he has 
been from time to time elected by the people of 
Keene Township. He has throughout all applied 
those sound, judicious business-like principles for 
which he is so notable. He h.as a large and influ- 
ential acquaintance In Ionia County, of which he is 
a thoroughly representative citizen. 



342 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



A. Judson Lee, a brother of the subject of this 
sketch, is tlie present eflicient Supervisor of Keene 
Township, and resides on his well-improved farm 
on section 23. The date of his birth is June 1, 
1851. He was educated in the schools of Keene 
Township and Ionia City. He has been twice mar- 
ried. His present wife boro the maiden name of 
Marian Thompson. He is the father of two sur- 
viving children, namely: Maud A. and Jessie. He 
owns a well-improved farm of eiglity acres of rich 
and productive land on which he has resided most 
of the time since 1874. He has served two years 
as School Inspector of Keene Townsliip, and is now 
serving with credit his second term as its Super- 
visor. He is a Democrat in politics and identified 
with the Grange, and also with the Patrons of In- 
dustry. The Lees are among the representative 
pioneer families of Ionia County and it can be said 
that the}' among the corner stones of Keene Town- 
ship. 



tf?OHN R. PURDY. Among the native-born 
citizens of Otisco Township, Ionia Countyi 
may be mentioned John Purdy, who was 
born December 24, 1848. He is a son of 
John D. and Rosilla (Rowley) Purd}-, who were 
natives of New York and who came to this State 
in 1846. They took possession of a farm of one 
hundred and sixtj' acres, on which Mr. Purdy 
spent the most of his remaining years, although he 
died in Smyrna in 1869. His father was Samuel 
Purdy, also a native of New York and a farmer, 
who came to this State in 1848 and died near Lan- 
sing. Our subject is the j'oungest child of his 
parents, whose remaining children are Eliza B., 
James P., George W., Jane, vSarah A., Ruth and 
Rosilla. 

He of whom we write remained at home until he 
was eighteen years of age, pursuing liis studies in 
the neighboring school and fitting himself for the 
occupation which lie has since followed — that of 
farming. He now owns a tract of one hundred and 
and fifteen acres in his native township, which is 
managed so as to be the source of a very satisfactorj- 



income. During the past three years Mr. Purdy 
has been engaged in evaporating apiiles — an enter- 
prise in which he has proved himself to be very 
successful. He cannot be called a politician, but 
he keeps well informed regarding the questions of 
the day and is suffleienlly interested in good gov- 
ernment to vote, and his ticket is a Republican 
one. 

In Smyrna, April 2, 1871, the marriage of Mr. 
Purdy and Laura E. Davis was solemnized. The 
bride was the third child of Alvin and Emily 
(French) Davis, her brothers and sisters being 
named Flora, Virgil, Eva, Daniel, Lemuel, Robert 
R. and Charles. Her father was born in New 
York and her mother in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. 
Purdy arc the parents of a son, Guy Alvin, who 
was born September 24, 1874, and is at home at- 
tending school. 



•^=^=*C 



^^EORGE P. WICKES, son of A. C. Wickes 
iff j-_ of Day Township, Montcalm County, whose 
^^( sketch ai)pears in this book, is a prominent 
young farmer whose enterprise, public spirit and 
liberality entitle him to the respect which he re- 
ceives in the community. He is the eldest of four 
children born in Grand Rapids, his natal day being 
November 21, 1858. His early years were spent 
upon the farm and he took advantage of what 
education was provided in the common schools in 
Ottawa and Kent Counties. "When he reached bis 
majority he went to work in a sawmill at Jennison- 
ville. After that he went to Derby Lake and to 
Windsor's Mill, both in this county. In about 
1882 he began to work for Cutler & Savage at 
Spring Lake. He became head sawyer and held 
this position with credit to himself and benefit to 
his employers, until 1886 when he left them and 
located on this farm, where he now resides and 
which has been bought by himself and his brother 
several years previous. The farm is situated on 
section 36, Day Township, is well improved, neatly 
fenced and in every way in a good condition. He 
here carries on general farming and stock-raising. 
Our subject chose as his life partner Winnie 






1 



''s^^~';iS<4*' 



^ yl^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



345 



Hnmlnger, daughter of John Ilaininger, a Hollander. 
Her father and grand fatlior came to America and 
made llicir home in Georgetown, Ottawa County, 
Mich., where they took a farm and imi)roved it 
from the dense forest to a finely appointecJ estate. 
The father also engaged in lumbering as well as 
farming. He is a prominent and representative 
man, and with his wife who bore the maiden name 
of Catherine Plow, is active in the interests of the 
Reformed Dutch Church. One of the eleven chil- 
dren of this worthy couple is our subject's wife. 
She was born in Georgetown, April 24, 1853, 
and there she was reared and educated. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Wickes have been born three 
children — Krnest E., Leroy a.id a babe unnamed. 
Mr. Wickes is School Assessor and Pathmaster, 
has been a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and is an active worker in the Patrons 
of Industry. He is a lJei)ublican in politics and 
his church relations are with the Mcthoilist Ei)is- 
copal Church. 



fl OHN J. FOSTER. The firm of John J. Fos- 
ter & Co., consisting of John J. Foster and 
H. N. Anderson, was organized in 1882 
and has been carrying on a constantly in- 
creasing trade at Greenville, Montcalm County. 
Tlie}^ handle thirty-five million feet of lumber per 
j'ear, and have a steam sawmill in Newaygo County 
that has a capacity of fifty thousand feet per day 
and gives emiiloynicnt to a number of men. The 
force engaged there and in the lumber camps num- 
bers eighty, the firm having large tracts of pine land. 
Lumber is sold by the firm at their mill in carloads 
and an immense business is done by them there 
and in Greenville. Our subject is also the owner 
and sole proprietor of the Greenville Gas Works, 
and is one of the firm of Foster <k Miller, dealers in 
all kinds of produce, which they ship all ovtr the 
United Slates. 

John C. anil Julia A. (Haseltine) F< stcr were 
natives of New York and Vermont respectively. 
The father taught school in his younger days and 
stibserpiently engaged in the grocery business. He 



next became a contractor on the Erie Canal, one of 
his contracts being for the building of the largest 
acqueduct on the line, at Montezuma Marsh and 
the Seneca River. He also dredged Crooked Lake 
where Penn Yan is now built. Mr. Foster put in 
operation a peat crushing machine for Spaulding, 
of New York, which proved to be a failure. His 
next enterprise was to engage in the lumber busi- 
ness at Port Hyron and he soon worked up a large 
run of custom. From that point he went to Brew- 
erton on Oneida Lake, where he maile lumber and 
staves for six years. He then began moving his 
mill to Forest Port, Oneida County, on the Black 
River, but before the task was completed he was 
taken sick and died in 1872. He had held a num- 
ber of ottices, among them that of County Super- 
intendent of Schools in Cayuga County, where he 
had taught. He was an active temperance worker 
and member of the Presb^'terian Church. 

Our subject was born at Port Byron, Cayuga 
Count}-, N. Y., September 2'd, 1852. He received 
his education in his native place at Brewerton and 
Syracuse. He was nineteen years old when his 
father tlied and was at that time associated with 
him in business. In company with his father's 
brother, Jacob T. Foster, who went to New York 
State fiom Chicago, the young man finished moving 
the mill, and the two continued to run the same 
until the har<l times came on and they were 
obliged tosell in 1874. They were unable to real- 
ize much on the property, as it was impossible to 
raise money, and our subject made his way to this 
State to begin again the battle of life, this time 
empty handed. He reached Greenville Alareh 1 8, 
1874, and being offered the |)Osition of inspector 
of lumber at Trufanl, in Montcalm County, by the 
firm of Hilcman, Ilesser & Co., he accepted. He 
remained with the firm seven years' acting as fore- 
man, inspector, book-keeper and traveling sales- 
man, at different periods. While he was traveling 
he conceived the idea that certain lumber was worth 
more than it was selling for and that it could be 
shipped with profit. Having accuunilatcil a few 
hundred dollars he began to buy pine and .sell the 
same and from the start he met with success. 

Since the partnership between Foster and Ander- 
son w.as formed the}' have carried on an extensive 



346 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



business. Mr. Foster is one of the organizers of 
the City National Bank and a Director of the cona- 
pany. He owns tlie Foster ]?lock on Main Street, 
which is three stories high anrl is built for two 
stores on the ground. He has a fine farm a quarter 
of a mile from the city limits, and with Mr. Miller 
is interested in a four hundred-acre tract two and 
three-quarter miles from the city. On this place 
Shropshire and fine Merino sheep, Short-horn cat- 
tle and draft liorses are being raised in considera- 
ble numbers. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Jacob Foster who was born in Connecticut and 
went thence to New York, settling near Auburn. 
He was a man of fine literary talent, self-educated 
and in his younger days was a teacher of excellent 
reputation. In New York he was extensively en- 
gaged in farming. In 1810 he removed to Wis- 
consin and settling at Port Washington, carried on 
his work there until death. His wife, formerly 
Louisa Brooks, also died there. Mr. Foster was an 
ardent Republican and he and his wife were work- 
ing members of ti>e Presbyterian Church. Their 
family consisted of eight children, the father of 
our subject being the third in order of birth and 
he was born in Washington Connty,N. Y., in 1812. 

The mother of our subject was born in Rutland 
County, Vt., in 1818. Her parents were Daniel 
and Elizabetli (Sunderland) Haselline, natives of 
tiie Green Mountain State and farmers there until 
1821, when they removed to New York. They 
made their home in the city of Auburn and Mr. 
Haseltine was engaged in various business enter- 
prises until his deatli in 1834. Mrs. Haseltine died 
at Port Byron December 23, 1858. The daughter 
who became Mrs. Foster received her education in 
select schools in Auburn and possesses more than 
ordinary culture. Her marriage w.as solemnized in 
her home in that city January 26, 1837. She is 
the mother of five children, two deceased, and 
David H., Frances J. and John J., living. She is 
now an inmate of the home of her youngest son. 

Mr. Foster was married in 1871 to Miss Minerva, 
daugliter of Edwin and Catherine Hill Brewerton, 
Oneida County, N. Y. His wife is an educated, 
refined lady, and their daughter Kittie M. is a cul- 
tured and gracious young lady. Mr. Foster and 



his family occupy a beautiful home on the corner 
of Benton and Franklin Streets, surrounded with 
shade trees and furnished in accordance with the 
means and taste of the occup.ants. Mr. Foster is a 
member of the City Council. He is connected with 
the social orders of Masonry and Knights of Pythias. 
He has good reason to be gratified with the finan- 
cial success he has achieved and to be proud of 
his home and family. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Foster appears in 
connection with this sketch. 






HARLES S. COWLES. A traveler through- 
out Ionia County will see many farms that 
give evidence of enterprise and good judg- 
ment on the part of their owners, and indicate in 
an unmistakable manner the prosperity tliat attends 
them. Among those of this class in Otisco Town- 
ship is one on section 32, that consists of two hun- 
dred and thirt}' acres, two hundred of which has 
been placed under cultivation and supplied with a 
full line of substantial farm buildings. Inquiry 
elicits the fact tltat this property belongs to Charles 
S. Cowles, who, in addition to his farm work is a 
breeder of Cotswold sheep. His present residence 
has been occupied by Mr. Cowles only since 1880, 
at which time he came hither from Kcene Town- 
ship. 

Solomon CowleSj the father of Charles S., was a^-K^ 
native of the Green Mountain State. When a 
young man he was engaged in farming, but he 
learned the trade of a m.ison, to which he devoted 
his time to some extent. In quite an early day he 
removed to New York and from that State he went 
to Canada, where he sojourned twenty-one years. 
His next removal was to Keene Township, Ionia 
County, in 1859. There he bouglit, one hundred 
and twenty acres of land, to which he subsequently 
added until his farm included three hundred and 
sixty acres. He died there in 1866. He was a 
member of the Congregational Church. Previous 
to going to New York he was married to Persis 
Shaw, daughter of Eben and Persis (Wilder) Shaw 
and a native of Massachusetts. This faithful help- 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



34T 



male survived him some years and breathed her 
last in 1888. Their children are Ford3-ce U., 
Edward R., Clarissa J., Charles S., Richard 15., and 
Louisa. 

The birth of Cli.irlos S. Cowles occurred near 
Lock|)()rt, N. Y., Januar}- 23, 1832, and he accom- 
panied his parents to Canada during his boyhood. 
His education was acquired in the common schools 
and his knowledge of farming under his father's 
instruction. When twenty-two years old he came 
to this State and spent one summer in Kalamazoo, 
lletlien came into Keene Townsiiip, Ionia County, 
and worked at the carpenter's trade for three years, 
after which he turned his attention to agriculture. 
In this occupation he has retained his interest, and 
by it he has done well for iiiraself financially .ind 
won a good name as a tiller of the soil. 

June 1, 1859, Mr. Cowles was married to Miss 
Jane Carr. This estimable woman and capable 
liel[)mate is a daughter of John and Jane (Gibson) 
Carr, who were born in Belfast, Ireland, and whose 
family also includes James, John, George, Jlargaret 
and Isaac. Mr. and Mrs. Cowles are the happy 
parents of six children named respectively, Pru- 
dence, Kdward C, Reuben S., Karl and Carl 
(twins), and liela. 

For a number of years iMr. Cowles voted tiie 
Republican ticket but he is now connected with the 
Democratic partj-. While living in Keene Town- 
ship he served as .Supervisor two terms, lie is 
identified with the Patrons of Industry. 

(.^^^nOMAS HALL. Among the many bright 
(fjf>^^ find capable citizens of our county born of 
\^i7 Irish ancestry is Thomas Hall, who has a 
line farm on section 4, Ronald Township, Ionia 
County. He was born April 12, 1831, in Green- 
wood Township, Crawford County, Pa. His father, 
John Hall, came to America from the Kmcrald 
Isle in 1824, and reshles now where he first settled 
in Crawford Countj-, Pa. He has now reached the 
advanced age of four-score an<l eight years, the 
completion of wliicli period he celebrated the 22d 
of February. He is a good scholar, well read and 



very smart for his years. He made a visit to bis 
son in Michigan in last September. 

The mother of our subject was Margaret Walker, 
a native of Ireland who accom|)auied her husband 
to this country. They were married in Ireland 
and lived together until her death in August, 1849. 
The father married a second time and his second 
wife is still living. Nine children blessed the 
first union, three of whom survive — Eliza, Mrs. 
Smock; Thomas and Katie. Tiiree children of tlie 
second marriage survive — Edward, William and 
Ida. 

Thom.as Hall was reared in his native town until 
eighteen years of age when he came West. He 
went on the lakes as a sailor. This work he fol- 
lowed for six years, and did so well in it that he was 
promoted to the position of first mate. He now felt 
that he had made a sufficient start in life to estab- 
lish a home, and married Rachael Minier in ()hio. 
She was born in Ottawa County, that State. Of 
this union there are three children: Martha, de- 
ceased; Margaret, Mrs. Edward Staines; and .Susan, 
deceased. The mother of these children was called 
to her heavenly home June 28, 185'J. The second 
marriage of Mr. Hall was with Mrs. Rachael 
Griffin, born in Erie County, N. Y., February' 2G, 
1838. She was reared in her native place. Her 
maiden name was Rachael North. Three children 
crowned this second marriage: Freeman; Dor.i, 
now Mrs. U. W. Griffin, of Palo; and Pearl. 

The subject of this sketch came to Michigan in 
1850 and worked for Mr. N'anVleck for eighth-ears 
in Talo, and in 18G5 located where he now resides 
on an unimproved farm. He built a board house 
lCx22 feet, one story high. The first spring he set 
out thirty apple trees. He has put in many a 
hard d.ay's work aiul is now doing a fine business. 
He is a Republican, a member of the P.itrons of 
Industry and he and his wife and two daughters 
are members of the Baptist Church, having their 
membership in Palo. They take an active part in 
the Sunday-school. The (ine residence of our sub- 
ject is much admired in the neighborhood. The 
wooilwork inside is all ash in the natural finish. 
The |)lace is well improved in every res|)ect and 
most of the work has been done b^' his own liands. 
His large barn is well ai ranged and everything 



848 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



about the farm is first-class. Helms always been a 
great worker. In 18.53 he cut seven and one- 
fourth cords of four-foot wood in ten hours. This 
was done on a wager, the bet being tliat he could 
cut one more cord in ten hours than the other 
man. He cut one and one-fourth cords more than 
his opponent. 



-^ 



FRANCIS S. BROWER. This representative 
farmer of Keene Township belongs to a 
family that is numbered among the early 
settlers of Ionia County, having come here in 1840. 
He was born in Monroe County, N. Y.,January 11, 
183G. and his parents were Zaccheus and Elizabetli 
(Goodwin) Hrower. His father was a native of 
the same State as himself, and his mother wag born 
in New Hampshire. Upon removing to this State 
they made their home in Easton Township a few 
months then took possession of the land now oper- 
ated by our subject. It consists of eighty acres, 
which was secured from tiie Government at $1 .25 
per acre. 

Mr. Brower, the father, felled trees and built a 
log cabin about 18x22 feet, which was still his resi- 
dence when he was stricken b}' a fatal illness and 
died in 1856. The widowed mother survived until 
1883 and saw many changes on the homestead and 
in the surrounding country. In the death of Zac- 
cheus Brown the county lost an estimable citizen, 
who had been industrious and public spirited and 
who had cheerfully endured the untoward circum- 
stances of pioneer life. He had served as School 
Director and Justice of the Peace. He voted witli 
the Democratic party. 

Of the ten children comprising the parental fam- 
ily the present survivors are S3ivester, Francis S., 
Harmon, Oliver, Fillmore and Arabella, now Mrs. 
Joseph Monk. Francis has been a life-long farmer 
and during his boyliood took part in the labor by 
which the section in which he lives was reclaimed 
from the forest wildness and wrought into fair and 
fruitful farms. He obtained his education in schools 
which afT#rded advantages decidedly inferior to 
those of the present day, but like other men of nat- 



ural intelligence and ambition be has gained wis- 
dom from various sources since leaving the school 
room. 

The lady who has charge of the domestic econ- 
omy at Mr. Brower's home became his wife May 
27, 181)9, prior to whicli date she was known as 
Miss Anna Street. She was born in the Province 
of Ontario May 5, 1846, and is a daughter of Eras- 
tus and Jane (Folwell) Street. Her father was 
born in St. Catherine's, Ontario, and her mother 
was a native of Niagara County, N. Y. The father 
died in Canada, April 21, 1852. The mother with 
her family removed to Iowa when Mrs. Brower 
was about ten years old, and came to Ionia Count}' 
in 1866, making her home in Saranac, and dying 
there -January 18, 1867. Of the eight children 
born to her the only survivor beside Mrs. Brower 
is Charles D. whose home is in Washington. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brower have had eight children, but 
three have been removed from them by dejith. 
The living are Francis H., Orpha E., Harvey E., 
Orln E., and Mary A. Orpha is now the wife of 
Peter D. Sparks. 

The political allegiance of Mr. Brower is given 
to the Democratic party, bnt he has a decided lean- 
ing toward Greenback principles. He has often been 
chosen' for town offices but would accept no public 
position, preferring the quietude of home life. His 
sterling iutegrit}' and conservatism are well known 
to his acquaintances, and he and his capable and 
intelligent wife arc respected members of society. 



SAAC DICKASON. There are still living in 
Montcalm County many who have passed 
through the experiences common to all pioneers, 
having come to the county when it was sparsely 
settled and when much of the land that now pre- 
sents such an attractive appearance was clothed 
with a dense forest. One of this number is Mr. 
Dickason, who for many years has been living in 
Bl' omer Township. He made his present location 
in 1855, when wild game such as deer, bear and 
turkeys was plentiful, and he could kill deer from 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



349 



his own doorway. He did a great deal of liiinting 
and remembers tiialone time lie killed two deer, one 
weighing one lumdred and niuely-four pounds, the 
other two hundred and four pounds when dressed. 
Mr. Dickason saw some hard times while clearing 
and developing his laud, but he also enjoyed the 
ple.isures of association with a whole-souled, warm- 
hearted circle. Among the incidents of his pioneer 
life was that of grating corn for bread, and carry- 
ing a bushel and a half of wheat on his back to 
mill eleven miles distant and in the same manner 
bringing the llour to his home. 

The birthplace of Mr. Dickason was Ashland 
County, Ohio, his parents James and Mary (White) 
Dickason, and his natal day December 19, 1830. 
His father fought in the AVar of 1812 and was a 
soldier under William Henry Harrison in the Indian 
War where that General gained renown. His occu- 
pation was farming, and the early years of our 
subject were spent in the country with but limited 
school privileges. His education therefore, has 
mainly been obtained by his own efforts and since 
he grew to manhood. His parents were natives of 
the Keystone State and by inheritance and training- 
he has the thrift and energy that almost invariably 
characterize the peoiile of that State. He learned 
the blacksmith's trade and worked at it a part of 
the lime, when by so doing he could iin[)rove his 
condition. 

In 1854 Mr. Dickason c:ime to Montcalm County 
and the next year took up one hundred and sixty 
acres of land. He was obliged to cut his road 
from the center of the town to his new location, 
and by his personal efforts the timber was removed 
from the land. He now has but half the original 
acreage, but upon this he has excellent improve- 
ments, including the needful buildings and a fruit- 
ful orchard. He has a good sugar camp of about 
four hundred trees and often gets a thousand 
pounds of sugar therefrom. 

Mr. Dickason was married to Miss .losi'iihine E. 
Miner, May G, 1856. The bride was a daughter of 
Anderson and Delilah (Armstrong) Miner, and has 
been a resident of Montcalm County -since 1852. 
Her mother is now living with her at the advanced 
age of ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Dickason 
have had two children — Mary Delila, who was born 



April 28, 1858, and died October 24, 1862, and 
Lillian C, who was born July 18, 1877. Mr. Dicka- 
son lias always taken an interest in education and 
his daughter has received excellent schooling and 
good instruction in music and is a fine musi- 
cian. He has lilled the various school offices and 
has also served his neighborhood as Pathraaster. 
He owns a nice residence in Carson City which was 
built for his own use, although he still occupies 
his rural home. Mr. and Mrs. Dickason are well 
respected by their extended circle of acquain- 
tances and are always classed among the better 
citizens. They both joined the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church in 1855, and are in good standing. 



-^f= 



<» I^ILLIAM WHITE, editor and proprietor of 
\&//l the Edraore Journal, has lived in Mont- 
V^!^ calm County since 1869. He was born in 
Ft. Wayne, Ind., March 18, 1858, and was left an 
orphan in his early childhood, his father being 
killed in the battle of Bull Hun while serving in an 
Indiana regiment. The boyhood of Mr. White was 
spent in his native State and from an early age he 
was obliged to work his own way. After coming to 
tliis State he did such work as his strength wouki 
permit, and in 1873 became an inmate of the home 
of William H. Stevens, of Stanton. There he had 
the advantage of abundant food, good clothing 
and an opportunity to attend school until ho had 
completed the High School course. 

In 1879, when his studies were done, Mr. White 
engaged in painting, but two years later he formed 
a partnership with P. S. Dodge and founded the 
Stanton CUj'pi')-. In 1882 he sold out to his part- 
ner and spent tlie summer in Hastings, Minn. In 
February, 1883, he came to Edmore and bought 
the Journal, which he has since carried on with 
pleasing success. The paper is a weekly, five- 
column quarto, has a good circulation and is deserv- 
ing of the patronage it enjoys, as its columns are 
filled with well selected news, such local items ns 
will be enjoyed by the citizens, and stir^ng utter- 
ances on various questions in which they are con- 
cerned. The polilicul leaning of the i>aper is 



350 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



toward the Republican party and its editor is out- 
spoken in his expressions regarding public affairs 
and tenets of Governmental policy. Mr. White can 
well look with pride over his business career, for 
lie lias been more than ordinarily successful, now 
owning his business block and a pleasant residence. 
At the head of the household in Mr. White's 
home is the lady who became his wife November 
24, 1884. She was known in her maidenhood as 
Miss Lillian Carveth, was born in Barry County, 
and for several years was engaged in teaching in 
Montcalm County. Two bright children have 
come to bless the happy home — Fay B. and Leon. 
Mr. White is Secretary of Rdiuore Lodge, I.O.O.F., 
and is identified with the Knights of the Macca- 
bees. He is a Trustee in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The mental culture of himself and wife, 
their social qualities and excellent characters, alike 
give them the respect of their associates and their 
friends are counted by the score. 



-^^ 



^fi LBERT S. FRENCH, of Lake View, Mont- 
(@^Jj| calm County, was born in P^llicottville, 
(& Cattaraugus County, N. Y., February 1, 
1828. He is a son of Abel and Angelinc 
(Rust) French, natives of Massachu.setts and Ver- 
mont, respectively. They took up their residence 
in New York at an early date and lived there for 
many years. The mother of our subject was called 
from earth while living in Ellicottville and the 
father came to Michigan about 1844 and made his 
home in Virgens, Kent County. A few years later 
he removed to Greenville, when that village was 
in its initial existence. He later removed to Chi- 
cago, 111., and after a few 3'ears of residence there 
he returned to Michigan and spent the remainder 
of his daj'S in Colon. He was a merchant and 
through most of his life was a man of considerable 
means. For four years he was Sheriff of Mont- 
gomery County', and an earnest and consistent 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 
In his earlier years he belonged to the AVhig party 
and later cast his vote with the Republicans. His 
father, Daniel French, was a soldier in the War of 



1812 and lost his left leg on the battlefield, in con- 
quence of which loss he received a pension from 
the Government. At an early day he came West 
and died at Ypsilanti, Jlich. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject was 
Justin Rush, a native of Massachusetts and a Rev- 
olutionary soldier who died at Ellicottville, N. Y. 
Mr. and Mrs. Abel French had but two children, 
namely : Justin R. and Albert S.; the former was 
one of the pioneers of Lake View and died about 
two years ago at his brother's home. 

When thirteen years old Albert left his native 
county and came to Kent County, Jlich., with his 
father. His early life was passed on the farm 
where he received only a limited education. When 
seventeen years of age be left home and wont .as a 
sailor on the lakes. He followed this calling for 
four years, when he returned home to his native 
town, and was there joined in marriage, December 
31, 1848, to Miss Amanda M. Brjant, who was 
born in the same town, April 18, 1827. She is a 
daughter of Samuel and Anna (Stanton) Bryant. 
Mr. and Mrs. French were born within one-quarter 
of a mile from each other, and were friends and 
playmates from their earliest days. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bryant ended their days at the old home in Elli- 
cottville. 

The subject of this notice and his good wife 
have been the hap|iy parents of eight children, 
namel}': Franklin H., vflio married Anna Childs, of 
Stanton, and who has one child, Jessie. He is an 
insurance and loan agent at Stanton. Charles F. 
is a farmer and lumberman at Lake View; he mar- 
ried Ida Dunham, of Stanton, and has two chil- 
dren — Earl and Thomas. Albert D., a lumbernian 
and farmer at Lake View, married Miss Mary 
Covey and has two children — Harlan and Glenn. 
Truman, a lumberman in Lincoln, Neb., married 
Miss Leora Bissel, of Lake Mew, and has had two 
children — Lincoln, and Gladys (deceased). Ida A., 
Mrs. Thomas R. Welch, of Reed City; Stanley; 
Anna M. and John W. deceased. 

Mr. French remained in his native town after 
his marriage for a few years and then removed to 
Greenville, Mich., where he lived until 1857, when 
he removed into the woods and settled on a tract 
of Government land, upon and about which the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



351 



village of Lake View now stands. Here in this 
primeval forest he erected a lojj cabin, with punch- 
eon lloor and benches for chairs, and befjan clear- 
ing up a farm. Deer, wolves and wild game of all 
kinds abounded, as also did the red man. The site 
of the loji cabin was an old Indian cam[)ing ground. 
In 186C the village of Lake View was platted on 
his farm. lie is recognized as the father of the 
town. He has a pleasant and comfortable resi- 
dence in the village and is today one of the solid 
men of Lake View and of Montcalm County. He 
is and has been for several years a land agent, and 
controls the sale of large tracts of timber land, 
having about one thousand acres in his own riglit. 
He has also for many years been more or less en- 
gaged in the lumber business. He started in life 
poor and by his enterprise and industry has made 
all that be [wssesses. He suffered a ^10,000 loss by 
a contract on the Saginaw Valley A- St. Louis Rail- 
Toad when it was in course of construction, but ho 
is now in good financial condition. He is also largely 
interested in rich mineral lands in Northern Wis- 
consin. In his early manhood he was a Whig but 
is now a strong Republican. For many years he 
was Township Supervisor and .luslice of the Peace. 
In 186 4 he was Treasurer of ftlontcalm County-, 
being elected on the Republican ticket anil has been 
three times re-elected to the same ollice, serving in 
all eight years. Ho is a Knight Templar Mason 
and was the first President of Lake View village. 



^^HOMAS THOMAS. It affords the publish- 
m^^ ers of this Album pleasure to incorporate in 
^^gf' its pages an outline of the life of this re- 
spectetl citizen of Ionia County, who is now serv- 
ing efKciently as Treasurer of Kaston Townshii). 
It is impossible to follow his course in life in every 
detail, but the reader can easily fill out the picture 
which will be sketched in these paragraphs. Mr. 
Thomas comes of Welsh Idood, his parents, John 
and Mary Thomas, having emigrated from their 
native land a short time before hin birth. They 
located in Orleans County, N. Y., and there the 
youth of our sulijcct was cliielly passed. He was 



born there Septeml)er 8, 1837, and in his boyhood 
went with his parents to Genesee County, but when 
about sixteen lelurned to his native county wlicrc 
his parents subsctjuently died. 

Tiie parental family consisted of ten children 
and two were brought by their parents from Wales, 
and the others born in America. Those who are 
now living are Ann, wife of Henry Vacon in Or- 
leans County, N. Y. ; George, whose home is in the 
same county; Thomas, the subject of this notice; 
Frederick, whose home is in Ionia; Francis, who 
lives in Orleans County; Jane, wife of Wayne 
Simpson of Toledo, Ohio, and Mary, wife of Ed- 
ward West of Orleans County, N. Y. 

When he was about eighteen years old Thomas 
Thomas began learning wagon-making with iiis 
father, who was a mechanic in that line, and for 
several years he followed the trade. With that ex- 
ception his time h.as mostly been spent in farming, 
he having learned the details of that occupation in 
liis youth, as his father owned a farm which the 
sons carried on under his supervision. When our 
subject came to this State in 1863 and settled on 
his present estate he found it in a condition far 
from what he wished and he has labored hard to 
make the improvements which he thought neces- 
sary. He has ninety-eight acres under excellent 
cultivation and the estate be;us such buildings as 
arc usually erected by a man of enterprise and 
good judgment. 

Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Soiihronia 
Brown, December 18, 1862, and the happy union 
has been blessed by the birth of three children, 
whose names and natal days are as follows: Minnie 
B., born October 19, 1873; Frank IL, .September 
17, 1875, and George W., February 22, 1878. Airs. 
Thomas is one of five children born to Ilirara and 
Mary (Hutchinson) Brown who were natives of 
Canada and Vermont respectively. She has a 
brother and sister living, Edwin R., being a resi- 
dent of Ionia Township, and Charlotte O., the wife 
of Robert McKendry in Easton Township. She 
was born in Orleans County, N. Y., in September. 
1839, was carefully reared and has been eflicient, 
judicious and devoted to the interests of her fmnily 
and to the good of those about her. She is a metn- 
lier of the B:i|itist Church, an cllicient worker in 



352 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the Ladies' Aid Society and was formerly connected 
with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 

A? Supervisor of Easton Township Mr. Thomas 
served four consecutive years with credit to him- 
self and constituents. He is now filiing the office 
of Treasurer for the third year. In politics he is a 
Democrat with leanings toward the principles of 
the Greenback party. He is identified with the 
Grange and the Patrons of Industry, and manifests 
an interest in every movement nhich has a ten- 
dency to improve the condition of thei^eople in the 
locality in wliich he lives. lie had but common- 
school advantages, but he has read and thought, 
and is recognized as one of the intelligent and 
well-informed, as well as progressive and influen- 
tial, agriculturists of the county. He has been 
faithful to the trusts reposed in him, and has won 
the confidence of the people and become popular 
by reason of his courtesy, hospitality and pleasant 
disposition. 



1^ EN MAN W. WOODMAN, belongs to a fam- 
I jj) ily of English descent who trace their ances- 
^!^ try back to the "Mayflower" that landed at 
Plymouth Rock. He resides on section 13, Kccne 
Township, Ionia County. He was born January 
27, 1820, in Jefferson County, N. Y., and is the 
son of Joseph and Sallie (Wright) Woodman. His 
father was a native of New Hampshire and bis 
mother of Massachusetts. The father was a physi- 
cian by profession and served as a surgeon in the 
War of 1812. In 1837 there was a family emigra- 
tion to Oakland County, Mich., and the settlement 
was made in Novi Township. His father lived but 
a siiort time after their arrival in the new home, 
expiring August 15, 1838. The mother died in 
Ionia County, and both lie side by side in the 
cemetery in Oakland County in the township where 
he settled. Six children were' given to these par- 
ents, four of whom still survive: Elias S., living in 
Wayne County; William W., in Jefl'erson Count}', 
Wis. ;Denman W., and Benjamin F., in Saranac, 
Mich. 

Our subject received his education in the schools 
in Jefferson County, N. Y., and in those of Oakland 



County, Mich. These were, of course, less com- 
plete in their course of study and less thorough in 
their drill than tlie schools of today. But an ex- 
tensive course of reading indulged in throughout 
life has made this man intelligent and progressive 
in his views. He has made political questions a 
si)ecialt}' and is more than ordinarily intelligent 
in their discussion. 

February 15, 1857, saw tlie union of our subject 
with Irene Bogart, who was born in Wayne 
County, Mich., May 3, 1836. Her parents, Henry 
and Jane (Swift) Bogart, were early settlers in that 
county, having come there in Territorial da3S. 
They are now quite aged and have brought up 
a large family of children. The following of their 
household now survive: Elizabeth, wife of Edward 
AVhittaker, residing in Wayne Count}'; Thomas E., 
in Oakland County; Irene; Marvin, residing in Oak- 
land County; Eliza Jane, Mrs. Harry Seeley, resid- 
ing in Minnesota; Juliet, wife of Eugene W.^ 
Husted, in Muskegon County; Susan, Mrs. B. Re- 
quay, in Oakland County; Emma H., wife of Robert 
Richardson of Detroit; Howard M., in Owosso, 
Mich., and Henry in Minnesota. Mr. Bogart was 
an earnest Republican in politics. Mrs. Bogart 
brought up her children in the faith of the Baptist 
Church. 

Two children only have been granted to Mr. and 
Mrs. Woodman, William W. and Emmet M. Mr. 
Woodman came to Ionia County, in 1852, and 
made his home on what is now his present farm in 
Keenc Townshii). For several years his mother 
kept house for him. He purchased forty acres of 
land from the Government a1 ^1.25 per acre, and 
at the same time bought eighty acres of land for 
which he paid ii2.50 per acre. His first home was 
a log house about 18x26 feet in dimensions and 
this sheltered his home for years, until he built the 
fine residence which now adorns his farm. He 
settled in the woods and developed and made the 
farm what it is today. He saw much of |)ioneer 
life and has done much for the development of the 
county. Eighty acres now constitutes his home 
farm. His political views are embraced in the 
platform of the Democratic party. He has served 
as School Inspector of Keene Township, and also 
as Township Treasurer. 




<:^<^:;^^^'^Z^^^t^ 



\u^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



355 



Mrs. Woodman is an earnest and cfflcient mem- 
ber of the Seventh Day Adventist Cliurcli. ]Mr. 
Woodman is identified wilii Boston Lodge No. 1 I(i, 
A. K. & A. M. He and liis wife are both active 
members of society. He is one of the charter mem- 
bers of Keene t^irange No. 270. and is now serving 
ns Chaplain of the Grange lodge, which position he 
has filled witii tlie exception of a few montlis ever 
since its organization. His has been a successful 
life antl one which is crowned with hont)r. 



^^EOHGK W. TUCKKU was nn eaily pioneer 
[I| ^j' "f Sidne3- Townsliip, Montcalm County, as 
^^^jj he was born in this townsJiip, April 27, 1860> 
in the days when nune lived here except pioneers. 
He is the son of Daniel and Diantha (Gilmore) 
Tucker. (Jreat hardships and small advantages 
were his in early boyhood and he grew to man- 
hood surrounded b^' intlnences which tended to 
strengthen liis sturdy independence and make him 
invulnerable to the temptations of ease and luxurj'. 
From his twelfth year he has cared for himself and 
he has kept up the battle of life most courageously 
and untiringly. 

This young man worked at milling and lumber- 
ing and by hard work, strict economj' and the help 
of a good Providence has acquired a fine farm of 
eighty acres and a handsome residence in Sidney 
Center, also a half interest in a large shingle mill 
situated here. At the age of sixteen years he left 
liis native State to see what he could find in other 
parts of our country. He visited Indiana, Illinois, 
Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri, and re- 
turned to Michigan in about a year and a half, 
thoroughly satisfied that no part of the United 
States can excel Michigan as the home of an honest, 
industrious man. 

Mr. Tucker has but one brother, Henry, who re- 
siiles in the State of Washington, and one sister, 
Mrs. Lucina Beigle, who resides at Cliflford Lake, 
Montcalm County. June 13, 1884, saw the cele- 
bration of his marriage to Hannah V. Doddridge, 
of J.ay Count}-, Ind. Four children have blessed 
this |)leasant home, namely: Prank, born May 14, 



1885| E. B., January 21, 1886; Plum Guy, August 
19, 1888, and George, May 17, 1890. The lives of 
all this household have been spared to the present 
time. 

Mr. Tucker's mill employs from twenty-five to 
twenty-eight men and he operates his farm by hired 
help, but oversees everything in person. He en- 
joyed the hardships known to all settlers of this 
count}' and h.as lived for months on johnny cake. 
At other times the bill of fare was all comprised 
in the word "beans." All this prepared him keenly 
to appreciate the improved condition of things in 
this day. 

In connection with his biographical notice a litho- 
graphic portrait of Mr. Tucker is presented to the 
readers of the Album. 



'\¥|OHN PEOPLES. Perhaps no better repre- 
I sentative of the agriculturalists of Montcalm 



W 



Count}' can be found than in the person of 
Mr. Peoples, who is one of the oldest set- 
tlers in Home Township. His original homestead 
here consisted of one hundred and sixty acres on 
section 21, now occupie<l in part by the village of 
Edraore. Mr. Peoples was one of the first home- 
stead(!rs in Montcalm County, and probably in the 
State, although Government land had been settled 
upon in various parts a number of years before his 
coming. The township was a dense, dark forest, 
in which not a clearing bad been m.ide, and the 
Peoples brothers found it slow work to prepare a 
small patch for their first crop of vegetaliles. Our 
subject hewed out a sp.ace in which to build a log 
cabin and then began chopping down the trees 
that surrounded it. As soon as [lossible he planted 
potatoes, and later added to the cultivated land 
and to t!ie variety of the products he raised. The 
first few summers he worked in Fair Plains during 
harvest and haying time. 

Mr. Peojiles is of Irish birth and ancestry, but 
several generations prior to his own birth the fam- 
ily went from Scotland to the Emerald Islo. They 
were of the old Presbyterian stock, so many of 
whom settled in Ireland during the years of the relig- 



356 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ious troubles in the two countries. Hugh Peoples, 
grandfather of our subject, spent his entire life in 
Ireland, following the occupation of farming. His 
son Edward, who was born in County Donegal, 
carried on a similar occuj)ation there until he re- 
tired from active life. He thtn went to Ayrshire, 
Scotland, where the son of whom we write was liv- 
ing, and late in the '50s emigrated to America. 
He was quite advanced in years, and from that 
time until his decease resided with his children. 
He pa.ssed away in Home Township, Montcalm 
County at the ripe age of eighty-four years. His 
wife died while on the way to America and was 
buried at sea. She bore the maiden name of Jennie 
Hunter, was born in the same Irish county as her 
husband, and was the daughter of John Hunter, a 
lifelong farmer there. 

John Peop'es, who is the third of five children, 
was born near Welford, County Donegal, Ireland, 
in 1834. He was reared on the farm and had no 
educational advantages, as the schools were carried 
on under a tuition system, and his father had not 
the money to pay for his attendance. He is, there- 
fore, a self-made man, the deficiencies in whose 
early opportunities have been made up by his close 
observation and careful reading in later years. 
When fifteen years of age he went to Scotland and 
found employment in the Hamilton Bleach Factory, 
at Blakely Mill, Ayrshire. He worked there about 
five years and became foreman in the blueing 
department, where the cloth was Starched and 
blued. He saw that he could not make any great 
headway in that country, and determined to seek 
to better his condition in America — the land of 
whose resources he heard many glowing accounts. 

In April, 1855, Mr. Peoples left Liverpool on 
the sailing vessel ''James L. Boogar." When eight 
days out a severe storm was encountered and the 
vessel was badly wrecked, the masts being swept 
away and the deck cleared. The passengers and 
crew scarcely expected to see land again, but they 
put forth ever}- effort to save themselves from a 
watery- grave, and succeeded in reaching harbor at 
Cork, whence they took steamer to Liverpool. 
There they made arrangements for a new start and 
the voyage proved a pleasant one. They reached 
New York City in a little more than a month, and 



Mr. Peoples went direct to Philadelphia, Pa., where 
he had two sisters. During the summer he worked 
at Schuylkill Falls, whence he went to Brandywine 
and found employment in a powder-mill. The 
following spring he engaged as a hand on a coal 
wharf at Port Richmond, Pa. 

In the fall of 1857 Mr. Peoples came to tiiis 
State and for a couple of j'cars he was emplo3'ed on 
a farm in Wayne County. He then rented land 
and worked for himself until the spring of 1863 
when he came to Montcalm County. He was ac- 
companied by his brother Hugh and a brother-in- 
law, and they cut their way through the woods 
from Westville to where they homesteadcd land. 
For some time after making their location they 
were obliged to haul their provisions from a dis- 
tance, and many a time our subject was mired so 
that he had to cairy his load to a dry, hard place, 
and it would require the full strength of the team 
to pull the empty wagon out of the mud. Such 
incidents consumed much time and often necessi- 
tated sleeping in the wagon and going without 
food, because the time until nightfall was not su(B- 
cient to allow of reaching his destination. 

By cutting, rolling and burning, Mr. Peoples 
got rid of the timber that covered his land, and 
finally was able to begin farming. About 1877 he 
traded his homestead for one hundred and sixty 
acres on section 20, where he is now living. Taking 
up his residence here, he has by hard work and per- 
sistent energy placed about seventy acres under 
the plow, and at the same time has given consid- 
erable attention to the lumber business. His estate 
is fenced into fields of convenient size, has a good 
orchard upon it, and as nice farm buildings as anj' 
in the township. Mr. Peo[)les finds a convenient 
market for his grain and stock in Edmore, which 
is but a mile and a half from his dwelling. 

The marriage of Mr. Peoples and Miss Eliza 
Sweeney was solemnized at Port Richmond, Pa. 
The bride was born in County Donegal, Ireland, 
in 1838, and is a daughter of John Sweeney who 
died in Philadelphia. Mrs. Peoples went from her 
native land to Ayrshire, Scotland, and thence came 
to America. She had nine children, three of whom 
are deceased, namely: John, Hugh and Ella, the 
last named having deiiartcd this life in 1885. The 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



357 



survivors are Jennie, the wife of J. Elliott, living 
in Edniore; Annie, who is teaching in Home 
Township; Etlward, who is fanning with his father; 
Kmnia, whose home is in Grand Rapids; Lizzie, 
who is teaching in Pine Township; and Lottie, 
who is a member of the class of ''M in llie Ediuorc 
High Scliool. 

Mr. Peoples has been connected with many of 
the first things of Home Township. Ho helped to 
organize the township, attended the first township 
meeting, aided in building the first schoolhouses, 
and has been foremost in advocating every meas- 
ure which would tend to elevate the people mor- 
ally, mentally or materially. He has been .School 
Treasurer, and Palhm.ister. Politically he is a 
faithful Republican, unswerving in his belief in 
the principles of the party, and in the good which 
their observance will bring to the Nation. Mr. 
Peoples holds to the ancestral faith in religious 
matters, believing in Presbyterianism, and showing 
by his true and upright life that his faith is a living 
one. Unlike some men who have risen by their 
own efforts, lie is modest and unassuming, and 
without selfishness. The many privations through 
which he has passed and the hardsliii)s which he has 
endured only make him the more considerate of 
others and the more anxious to give to posterity' 
advantages and privileges which he did not enjoy. 
That he is wjdeli' respected and that iiis wife shares 
in the esteem of their acquaintances needs not to 
be said. 



r/;ILLIAM S. BATES, like many Michigan 
farmers, belongs to one of those fine New 
England families, which, sifting through 
nn early settlement in New York State, finally 
found in Michigan a land of promise. His father, 
Philo Bales, was a native of Canandaigua, N. Y., 
where he was born September 22, 1797. His father 
the Hon. Ste()hen Bates, was born in Granville, 
Mass., August 2)S, 177;5. The parents of Stephen 
Bates were Phineas and Esther (^Curtis) Bates. 
Phineas was the son of Stephen and Lois and 
grandson of .Stephen and Paliencc Bates. The 
father of Phineas Bates died on the road to (.Quebec 



during the French and Indian War. The Bates 
family came to America during the latter part of 
the seventeenth centur}', and this branch of the 
family settled in Durham, Conn. The grandfather 
of our subject was a member of the New York 
State [.legislature and was made the recipient of 
many other public ollices. In 1780 he and his 
father, Phineas Bates, went West as it was then 
considered, and settled on a tract of land which 
now lies in the heart of Canandaigua, on the south 
side of Main Street, and opposite the well-known 
Granger residence. They were very early settlers 
there and Stephen being then eighteen years old 
helped clear off timber from land that is now Main 
Street. He was also useful to that [)rimitive com- 
munity in carrying the mail from Canandaigua 
to Ft. Niagara. Grandfather Hon. Stephen Bates 
died in Sauk County, Wis., in 1846, about two 
years after his settlement there. 

The mother of our subject is Frances (Babcoek) 
Bates, a native of the township of Hopewell, On- 
tario County, N. Y. She was born June 10, 1810, 
and was a daughter of William and Julia (Reed) 
Habcock, natives of New England, who settled at 
an early date in Ontario County, N. Y., and 
moved to Michigan in the fall of 183G. Previous 
to their coming here the}' had in 1835, located a 
large tract of land, two and a quarter sections, in 
this locality'. From the time of Mr. Babcock's ar- 
rival until the day of his death he was one of the 
prominent and influential men in the community. 
11 is inlluence was good and strong. He took a lead- 
ing part in ))olitical and also in church matters, be- 
ing a Deacon in the Church. 

Philo Bates came here at the same time as Dea- 
con William Babcoek, and also located the same 
amount of land in 1835. While the}' were walk- 
ing about looking at the land and choosing what 
they intended to claim, they saw a man looking at 
the same land. They called to him in a friendly 
fashion and after finding that he hail chosen the 
same land as they had, they compromised b}- divid- 
ing upon the section line. This man, Mr. Bentle}', 
took the western section, and it w.as known long 
after as the Benlley section in Berlin Township. 
After locating their land Deacon Babcoek and Pliilo 
Bates relurncil home and when spring came the}' 



358 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



each sent a hired man with his family, teams, etc., 
to build log houses and comraenco work. The 
man sent by Mr. Bates was Amos Bliss, while 
Mr. Babcocksent Ijenjxmin Brand. Both are now 
defeased. 

In May, 1831), Mr. Bates left his home in New 
York to look after this laud. After he left home 
his wife Frances B. Bates died June 19, 1836. 
When he received news of iier death in July or 
August, he was out on tlie prairie cutting ha}', 
while his household goods were scattered along the 
line of the lakes from Buffalo to Grand Haven. He 
returned to New York and September 17, 1836, 
he married Dollie Babcock, a sister of his second 
wife, who had been since the death of Mrs. Bates 
earing tenderly for the infant she had left. Dollie 
Babcock was born June 21, 1812. After their 
mairiage they went on to Michigan that fall and 
took possession of their new log house. 

William Babcock and wife were the parents of 
fifteen children, most of whom grew to maturity, 
five of them being yet living: Herman Babcock; 
Dollie B., now Mrs. Overhiser, who was the third 
wife of Philo Bates; Mrs. L. O. Clark; Marcus 
Babcock; Mrs. Elizabeth Harter. Mr. Babcock 
vvas in comfortable circumstances and did not have 
to endure the privations which made the settle- 
ment of the country so full of hardships to man}-. 
He used to go to Grand Rapids and New York for 
supplies. Philo Bates cleared and raised crops on 
one hundred acres and built the first frame house 
that was built in this township and let contracts for 
building a grain barn, also a contract for clearing 
off forty acres of land. This was all accomplished 
within two years. Philo Bates died December 20, 
1838. He married Susan Watkius December 27, 
1818, and by that marriage there were three cliil- 
dren, two now living — Harriet A., now Mrs. H. H. 
Smith of Jackson, Mich.; Orpha E., was the wife 
of H. B. Lathrop, both now deceased; and Susan 
C, wife of Charles R. Knickerbocker, of Jackson, 
Mich. By his second marriage he had three chil- 
dren — George P., deceased; William S., our sub- 
ject; and Francis B., who died in 1853. By his 
third marriage he had Philo T., a resident of Ionia. 
The mother of this youngest son still survives and 
after the death of Mr. Bates was married to the 



Rev. George C. Overhiser, a pioneer minister of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, afterward con- 
nected with the Congregational denomination. He 
is now deceased. The father of our subject was 
one of the founders of the Presbj'terian Church 
here. He was also active in the organization of 
township and county affairs and in politics belonged 
to the Whig party. His influence was pronounced 
in all these lines and his opinions bore great weight 
in the community. He will be long remembered .as 
one of the most prominent men of those early days. 
Our subject was born October 4, 1834, in Hope- 
well Township, Ontario County, N. Y. He w.as 
two years of age when brought to Michigan. His 
childhood was passed with different branches of 
the family. His father died when he was only four 
years of age. He lived at different times with his 
grandfather and uncles, and later with Mrs. H. B. 
Lathrop, a sister who resided at Jackson, Mich. 
While with her he attended Union School there 
fur a season. From 1836 to 1847 he attended 
school during the summer season in the first school 
established here, the first teacher of which was Har- 
riet A. Bates, now Mrs. H. H. Smith. He began 
fur himself at seventeen years of age, hiring out as 
a farm hand for $10 per month in Summit Town- 
ship, Jackson County. At least he bargained to 
receive the $10 but he has never yet collected that 
just and early debt. He worked in this way until 
twenty-one years of age, in Jackson, Cass and Mon- 
roe Counties. Upon reaching his majority became 
back home and took possession of his portion of 
the estate. He soon after began improving his 
present i)roperty on section 31. It was all in a 
raw state so he at once built a log house. A fine 
crayon sketch of which, done by Mrs. Bates, now 
hangs in his residence. Two hundred acres of this 
two hundred and thirty acres of laud is now under 
the i)low in a high state of cultivation. The land 
was of the character of heavy oak openings, which 
he cleared off himself and brought to its present 
S[)lendid condition. His handsome and tasteful 
residence was built in 1885. His barns bespeak a 
first class farmer. In fact the farm is remarkably 
well appointed in every respect. He carries on 
mixed farming and raises wheat, corn and clover 
and also raises horses, cattle and sheep. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



859 



Williams. Bates married May 18, 1864, Miss 
Eliza A. Goodenow, a daughter of Henry and 
Eliza (Butler) Goodenow, natives of New York. 
The father was originall}- of Holland-Dutch descent, 
and was born June 7, 171(9, in Cherry Valley. The 
Butler brothers were of New England descent. 
Grandfather Butler was a Captain ou a sailing- ves- 
sel!. His son Charles was the Captain of liie first 
boat to pass through Erie Canal, carrying Gov. 
l>e Wilt Clinton to Albany. He was also Captain 
of a companj' during the War of 1812. Mrs. Hates' 
parents removed to Michigan in Jlay, 1850, and 
settled in the township of Grand Blanc, Genesee 
County. Her uncles, Charles, Moses and John 
Butler were pioneers of that county and are now all 
deceased. Mrs. Bates' father died April 6, 1859, 
and her mother about 1866 came to live with this 
daughter where she died July 21, 1870, at the age 
of sixty-seven years. This pioneer couple were 
the parents of six children, two of whom are now 
living — Mrs. Bates and Henry B. Goodenow of 
Flint, Mich. 

Mrs. Bates was born August 18, 1834, at Le Ro\', 
Genesee County, N. Y. J^lie received a good com- 
mon-school education. Mr. and Mrs. Bates are 
the parents of three children- — Frances E., born 
May 13, 1867; Harry P., February 11, 1870; Har- 
riot G., November 22, 1875. The}' have all been 
students in the Ionia Citj* Schools. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bales are both members of the Presbyterian Church 
and in the work of which they take an active in- 
terest as the}' do also in the Sunilay-school. 

The numerous positions of trust and responsi- 
bility to which the commnnity has appointed Mr. 
Bates, shows the estimation in which he is held by 
lliem and his magnificent farm and surroundings 
testify to his success in life. He has been a mem- 
ber of the local .School Board. He and his wife 
were charter mendjers of the Grange and both hold 
offices therein. He is an active member of the Dis- 
trict Agricultural Association. By political pre- 
ferences he is a Republican. His record as a 
temperance man is another item in his character. 

His brother-in-law, the Hon. Henry B. Lathrop, 
after the death of his son made his home with our 
subject from 1882 till 1890, when he died August 
20, having been a very prominent man in Michi- 



gan politics. The Hon. Mr. Lathrop was a mem- 
befof the State Pioneer Society, also of the Mich- 
igan Legislative Association. In 1844 he was a 
delegate to the National Conventional Baltimore 
and in 1840 was a member of the Michigan Assem- 
bly and in 1847 of the Slate Senate. He helped to 
locate the Stale Capitol at Lansing, and donated to 
the State the land upon which the jirison is located 
at Jackson, Mich. 



tr SAAC E. TYLER is one of the oldest settlers in 
I Orange Township, Ionia County, and one of its 
/1\ original organizers. His pioneer experience was 
full of interest and exem))lified strongly the neces- 
sary' qualities of early settlers in a new country. His 
father, Dean M. Tyler, was a Vermont farmer, later 
in life a mason. His mother Phoebe (Post) Tyler, 
was a native of the same State. There they were 
married and resided for a number of years. Then 
removing to Cayuga County, and later to Living- 
ston Cou'ity, N. Y. 

In 18.36 the family started for Michigan, .and 
halted one year in Oakland County before coming 
on to Ionia County, where they settled in 1837, 
upon section 13. Taking his farm of perfectly raw 
land directly from the Government, he set about 
cultivating it. In 1848 Isaac Tyler had the an- 
guish of witnessing his father killed before his ejes 
by the falling of a tree, July 13. The widow re- 
mained on the farm for about a year, and then 
went to live with her youngest daughter in whose 
home she died April 13, 1863. Both she and her 
husband were members of Ihe Baptist Church be- 
fore coming West, and in their new homo they 
helped organize the First Baptist Church in Port- 
land, Mr. Tyler ofllciating in this church in the 
capacity of Deacon. He was always interested in 
public affairs, helped to organize Orange Town- 
ship, and was one of the first Justices of the Peace 
here. He was born August 12, 1793. His wife 
was horn July 4 of the same year. His parents 
were Moses and Mehitable (Merrill) Tyler. 

The parents of our subject were married in 



360 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



"Whitestowii, Oneida County, N. Y., December 25, 
1815. Of their seven children, five are now living: 
Isaac E.; Betsey A., widow of John Brown; Dean 
M., Jr., who lives in Lapeer County; Laura R., 
Mrs. Crawford, of Owosso; and Caroline R., now 
Mrs. Briggs, of Clinton Counts*. Isaac E. was born 
January 15, 1816 in Oneida County, N. Y. There 
he received a common-school education, and began 
work for himself at twenty-one years of age. Com- 
ing to Michigan in 1836, he spent two years in 
Oakland County and came to tiiis county in 1838, 
settling upon eighty acres of land on section 24. 
Having built a log house and thus prepared for a 
liomc, he returned to Oakland County and married 
Januarj' 5, 1810, p;iizal)elh Brown, a daughter of 
Jabez and Ann Brown, pioneers of that region and 
natives of Yarmouth, England. He lived with this 
wife upon his eiglity acres, clearing and improving 
it, and establishing a happy home until June 22, 
1854. Of their five children four are now living: 
Amelia J., born September 17, 1840, is the wife of 
Dr. John Smith, now living in New Decatur, Ala. 
Thoy have three children. Dr. Smith was a cap- 
tain in the Civil War in the Ninth Michigan Infan- 
try. Emerson, deceased; Sarah A., born Septem- 
ber 9, 1845; Louisa M., born September 21, 1846, is 
the wife of James Page; they live in Nebraska and 
have one child. Melvina C, born July 26, 1850, 
lives in Nebraska with her husband Donald McCel- 
lum and her two children. 

Mr. Tyler was a second time united in marriage 
with Mrs. Sarah (Brown) Fields, a sisterof his first 
wife. There were no children as the offspring of 
this union. She died July 20, 1858. He again 
married January 1, 1860, Eliza G. Hitchcock, a 
daughter of Otis and Sarah (Delano) Hitchcock. 
Mr. Hitchcock was born in Massachusetts, May 0, 
1795, and his wife in New York, April 25, 1796. 
They were married in the Empire State in 1819, 
in Herrietta, near Rochester, and in 1823 removed 
to Cattaraugus Countj^, and always resided there 
upon a farm. He served in the AVar of 1812, and 
died June 19, 1873. His wife survived him three 
years. Of their twelve children seven are now liv- 
ing. Mrs. Tyler was their sixth child, and was 
born August 11, 1828 at Randolph, N. Y., where 
she grew to womanhood and was given by her par- 



ents a good education. Mr. Hitchcock was a Dea- 
con in the Baptist Ciiurch, in the affairs of which 
both he and his wife were deeply interested. Local 
schools found in him a warm friend and promoter. 
Being a pioneer in Cattaraugus County, and a man 
of pronounced views and life, in temperance and 
in religion he carried great influence, and was al- 
ways a prominent man in the neighborhood. He 
brought up a fine famil}' of children, sending his 
youngest son into tlie array during the Civil War. 
This son, Alvin, died during the war from disease 
incurred while in the service. 

Mr. and Mrs. Tyler have been blessed by the 
birth of four children : Adeline C born January 
15, 1861, is the wife of 'John Rossman, and is liv- 
ing in Belding; Otis D., born September 28, 1862, 
has married Alta Tenney; they live on section 24. 
William I., born January 31, 1865, is a practicing 
physician at Niles, Mich.; Mary Elizabeth, born 
January 22, 1867, was at her death in the freshness 
of j'outli, and the center of a large circle of loving 
friend. She was just entering upon tlie tiireshold 
of young womanhood, crowned with all the graces 
that well adorned that period of life, and well-fitled 
in head and heart to take up the duties of life, and 
discharged them in no ordinary manner. She was 
graduated from Portland High School in the Class 
of '85, and was soon employed as teacher in the 
grammar department until failmg health compelled 
her to give up her chosen and loved profession. 
She was one of those rare characters whose sweet 
intluence and nobility, coupled with natural and 
acquired culture and attainments, leaves its impress 
upon all who come in contact with it. She united 
with the Baptist Church in February, 1884. Her 
faith was pure and holy, such as is productive of 
the works which are an index to the outward world 
of an inward and si)iritual grace. Her influence 
was of that subtle, magnetic kind,which draws asso- 
ciates to its possessor, and she used this God-given 
gift to impress upon her young friends the ines- 
timable riches of the grace of her Saviour. The lamp 
of hope burned brightly and never flickered until 
within one week of the end, when she realized that 
her time was near at hand. Then she clearly ex- 
emjjlified the hope within her, and leaving the cir- 
cle of dear sorrowing friends, entered into the pos- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



361 



session of her eternal reward. She sleeps in the 
cemetery at Portland, but her memory lives in the 
hearts of all who knew her. 

'•Blessed is it for her to sleep; 
Can it be wrong for us to weep? 
We who loved her so well and knew 
All llic worth of her loving too, 
And jiatience sweet. 

"Happy Mary! would tiial we 
Might share the myster}- 
Of the beyond, where a thonghir of sin 
Never, O never, can enter in 
Through eternity." 

Mr. and Mrs. Tyler are both members of tiie 
Baptist Church, in which !ie has been a Deacon for 
fifty years. They are both deeply interested in 
Sunday-school work, and are active in this line. 
The subject of this sketch is one of the two men 
now living of all those who helped to organize Or- 
ange Townsliip. He has for years been a Highway 
Commissioner and Director of Schools. He now 
has one hundred and sixty-five acres of land, most 
which is under cultivation. He carries on the farm 
work himself, and practices mixed farming. All 
the buildings have been put up bj' liimself. He 
has long been a member of the Republican party, 
and prominent as a temperance man. He joined 
the first temperance society organized in Living- 
ston County, N. Y., and his wife is a member of 
the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 



ATHIAS BILLINGER, residing on section 
14, Keene Township, Ionia County, is a 
native of Austria, the date of his birth 
being 18.58. He is a son of Ignace G. 
and Anne Billinger, residents of Keene Township. 
When about lliirteen years ohl he began to serve 
an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade and 
after three years of this service he set up for him- 
self. He has a fine shop, located on section 14, 
Keene Township, wliicli is in a two-story frame 
building 24x40 feet in <limensions. This house he 
put up in the spring of 1888, but had carried on 
the business for some three years previous in a less 



commodious establishment. He handles wagon 
work, horse-shoeing and repairing besides general 
blacksmithing. 

Our subject came from Km met Count}', Mich., 
to Ionia County, in 188.'3. His wife was Catherine, 
daughter of Jacob and Apalonc (Kuhn) of Keene 
Township. By their union there have i)een born 
two children, Clara, born November 7, 1885, and 
Joseph, June 17, 1887. Forty acres of excellent 
land surround the home and shop of our subject. 
He received an excellent education in (Jermany 
and also in this country after coming here. He is 
a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. 
Biliinger, is meeting with goo<l success financially, 
doing about ^1,000 worth of work each year and 
is classed among the substantial, honest and intel- 
ligent German-American citizens of the township. 
He is A No. 1 mechanic and his work gives good 
satisfaction, as his rural neighbors will confidently' 
attest. The lower part of his shop is devoted to 
the iron and wood-working department and the 
upper floor is set aside as a p.iint shop. Ho enjoj's 
the confidence of the business community and liis 
word is everywhere considereil as good as his 
bond. 



of this BioGRArmOAL Albusi pleasure to 
incorporate in its pages an account of the 
^) chief incidents in tlie life of the above- 
named citizen of Ionia Count}'. He is especially 
prominent among the .agriculturists of Easlon 
Township, having a fine farm on section 2, from 
the cultivation of which he has a good maintenance. 
The estate comprises eighty acres of well-tilled 
land, whereon are to be seen the buildings usuall}' 
put up by men of enterprise and judgment, and 
the garden plat and orcliards that belong to a really 
goo<l farm. 

The parents of our subject were Samuel and Sal- 
lie (ChiMs) Gould, natives of Connecticut and 
New York respectivel}', and tlie father w.as a mem- 
ber of the American navy during the War of 1812. 
Their home was in Orleans County, N. Y., where 
Reuben w.as born, August 14, 1820, and when he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was seven years old they migrated to Monroe 
County, this State. This was in 1836, when that 
section was comparatively unknown to settlers and 
was still the haunt of Indians. There he of whom 
we write remained until 18G4, conning his lessons 
in the district school, and finally learning the trade 
of wagon and carriage making. The handicraft of 
Mr. Gould was mastered by him and followed un- 
til late in the '70s, he being in business for himself 
eight years in the city of Ionia. He came to the 
county in 18G4 and about 1878 settled upon his 
farm. 

On December 27, 18G5, Mr. Gould was married 
to Miss Adifj' Holly, an estimable lady who was 
born in Wyoming County, N. Y., August 22, 1841, 
to John and Lucretia (Gibson) Holly. She was 
bereft of her mother when but six years old. She 
grew to maturity in her native State and was en- 
gaged in teaching for a few years. She is a woman 
of keen intelligence, generous hospitality and kind- 
ness of heart and has made many friends in her 
Michigan home, as she had in the East. Mr. and 
Mrs. Gould have four living children — Ellis W., 
Harry J., Luella E. and Mabel A. — and lost their 
first born, Elbert C. 

In former years Mr. Gould was connected with 
the Masonic order. His political belief is expressed 
in the platform of the Republican part}', and he is 
an unfailing supporter of its candidates. Ilis per- 
sonal character is that of an honest, earnest and 
energetic man. whose work has been systematically 
carried on and who received from his 'acquaintan- 
ces the meed of respect. In his labors he has been 
aided bj' his true-hearted wife, whose counsel and 
symp.athy are apjjreciated by him, as well as the 
comforts with which she supplies the home. 



OSCAR GOOLTIIRITE. This gentleman is 
owner and occupant of one of the well-de- 
veloped farms of Montcalm County, pleas- 
antly located in Bloomer Township. The farm 
consists of one hundred and ninety acres, a large 
part of which has been cleared by the personal 
exertions of our subject, who has also removed the 



stumps and stones and placed the land under ex- 
cellent tillage. He has replaced the log buildings 
that once st0( d here by substantial frame struc- 
tures, and has a good bearing orchard, and a sugar 
grove of five hundred trees, from which fifteen 
hundred to eighteen hundred pounds of sugar are 
annually produced. Mr. Goolthrite bought this 
property in 1875, at which time there was about 
fifty acres cleared. He completed the work neces- 
sary to bring the ground under subjection and 
within three years had put up a good barn and in 
1882 built his present residence. 

The parents of our subject were Orin and Susan 
(Covey) Goolthrite, who were natives of the Empire 
State, and in St. Lawrence Count}' the son was 
born March 28, 1829. The father was a farmer 
and the boyhood of our subject was passed amid 
the surroundings common to farm-life in any part 
of the country that is well settled. His education 
was confined to that which could be obtained in 
the common schools during the winter months and 
prior to his sixteenth year. He was away from 
home most of the time after he was fifteen, working 
out for his own support. After his marriage, which 
occurred when he was .about twenty-four years old, 
he established a home, and about four j-ears later 
he removed to this State. 

Mr. Goolthrite located in Hubbardston, Ionia 
County, and lived there a year and a half engaged 
in milling. Thence he went to North Plains Cen- 
ter, and turned his attention to farming, and from 
that point he came to his present location. He has 
been industrious and hard woiking, as is shown bj' 
his having cleared so much land, and he operates 
his farm according to approved methods, and keeps 
upon it good stock. 

In March, 1853, Mr. Goolthrite was married to 
Lenora Townsend and the union resulted in tiie birth 
of two children — Byron, born May 13, 1855, and 
Frances, born .lanuary 15, 1860. Both are married 
and living in homes of their own. Byron wedded 
Lucy Holmes formerly of Clinton County, and Fran- 
ces married Eli Boyer. The wife and mother died in 
Ma}', 1861, and after living a widower until April 
5, 1864, Mr. Goolthrite was again married. Ilis pres- 
ent wife is a native of New York and bore the 
maiden name of Drusilla De Long. They have 




'$'y 



'vCilu.^A^Ay 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AI;BUM. 



365 



soTsn living children and lost one in its infanc}'. 
The suryivors are Evelyn, born May 10, 1865; 
James Clinton, November 14, 1867; Clarence E., 
November 17,1869; Vernon, May 3, 1870; Joseph, 
February 28, 1874; Robert, September 12, 1877; 
Carrie L.. Jantiar}- 30, 1881. Eva is now tlie wife 
of William Kreighbaiim and lives in Clinton County ; 
Eugene married Jennie Einney, and they too live in 
Clinton County. 

In his political views Mv. Gooltiirite is a stanch 
Republican. He takes an active part in educational 
matters and does all that he can to give his family' 
good advantages. He is not an office seeker, but 
pursues the even tenor of his way, devoting his 
attention to the im|)roveraent of his own finances, 
the enjoyment of domestic life, and the social |)leas- 
ures that all respected citizens enjoy. 



'^-+^r^C ^ I I * 



ILLIAM NOAH. The life of a farmer, 
r^jg although ofttimes presenting no salient 



features to the biographical writer, being 
unmarked by anj' event differing from those which 
commonly fall to the lot of mankind, is yet one of 
interest in its bearing on socict}', business and morals. 
No where is there a better field for the exercise of 
the best qualities of manhood than in agricultural 
communities, where not only thoughts but deeds 
are interchanged, and the brotherhood of man is a 
prominent feature. Among those who in Mont- 
calm County have been worthil}' filling a place 
among the farmers is William Noah, whose home 
is in Sidney Township. His portrait is presented on 
the opposite page and in the accompanying para- 
graphs we record for the perusal of the present and 
future generations the main events in his life. 

Mr. Noah was born in Portage County, Ohio, 
August 14, 1831, and is the son of Joshua V. and 
Ruth (Fox) Noah. His early life was spent on the 
farm in Ohio, but he afterwaid learned the carpen- 
ter's trade with liis father. His educational advan- 
tages were very limited as he was not so situated 
as to avail himself of anj-tiiing above the common 
schools. He came to Montcalm County-, Mich., in 



1856, and settling in Sidney Township bought his 
first acre of land. He cleared this of timber and sell- 
ing the logs got money euougii to buy more acres; 
thus he proceeded, clearing, selling and buying 
more land until he controlled a large tract. He 
thus earned his farm without running in debt and 
preserved himself from the perils which befell so 
many who had contracted for proiJcrt}- upon which 
they were never able to complete the payments. 
All the money which he obtained from his lumber 
he turned into land. His only other means of 
gaining money was by making shingles; he shaved 
and hauled them to market, selling them there at 
the not very profitable price of from seventy-five 
cents to ^1.75 per thousand. He continued to work 
in this w.ay during the first ten years of his life in 
Slonlcalm Count}'. 

The year after he reached his majority and while 
still residing in Ohio, an event of great importance 
took place in the life of our subject. December 
18, 1853, he was united in marriage with Hannah 
Goble. She was the mother of nine children: 
George E., born October 31, 1854; Asher R., No- 
vember 13, 1855; Kulh, April 18, 1858; Mary M., 
August 2, 1860; Ellen L., November 11, 18G2; 
Rosa L., May 4, 1868; William U., March 8, 1870; 
Cora E., January 1, 1873, and Amy 15., November 
12,1879. The mother died March 21, 1882, at 
Sidnc}' Center. Mr. Noah afterward contracted a 
second marriage August 14, 1883, taking as his 
wife Rhobie Leonard, of Ohio. No children were 
born of this marriage. 

In the early days of the Civil War Mr. Noah 
felt that his duty kept him at home, although his 
patriotic desire led him to join the army. In 1864 
lie could no longer withstand the pressure of the 
needs of the country and enlisted in Companj- I), 
Twenty-first Michigan Infantr}-. which was re- 
cruited in Fairplains Township. He was sent with 
his company to Kentucky, Tennessee. Alabama and 
Virginia, and was with Gen. Sherman in his famous 
marc^l from Atlanta to the sea. The only imjjor- 
tant engagement in which they took part after the 
expedition with Gen. Sherman was at Hentonville, 
in March, 1865, about three weeks before the sur- 
render of Lee. In that battle he was seriously 
wounded, so ihat his right arm was necessarily 



866 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



amputated. He was mustered out of service in 
Detroit July 18, 1865. 

The subject of this sketch has always taken an 
actlTe part in politics. He was in his early life a 
Democrat by conviction, but since the war he has 
belonged to the Republican party. He has held 
the office of Supervisor for two years and Town 
Treasurer for ten years and has filled many other 
lesser offices at various periods. He has been at times 
engaged in the lumbering business. He is a mem- 
ber of the Congregational Church and his influence 
and efficiency in that connection are highly prized 
by his friends and neighbors. 



>.^=«Sr* 



ENRY W. BANCROFT is an old settler 
in Montcalm County and a war veteran. 
He holds the position of Postmaster at 
Vestaburg, and also runs an excellent bus- 
iness in the grocery line. Both his father and 
grandfather were residents of Saratoga County, and 
the grandfather was active in the War of 1812. 
They belonged to a branch of the same family as 
the historian, George Bancroft. The father of our 
subject was both teacher and shoemaker. When 
he taught in the old log schoolhouses he used to 
keep his kit where he boarded and make shoes in 
the evenings. He was also master of the cooper's 
trade. In 1847 he removed to Williams County, 
Ohio, and began farming. His house was burned 
and they had a hard time of it. Later he removed 
to Fulton County, Oliio, where he was elected 
Township Clerk. He died July 21, 1861. In his 
religious preferences he was a member of the 
United Brethren Church and in the days before 
the war was known as an Abolitionist. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Sarah J. Wilbur. Her father was born in 
Scotland but coming to America worked on a farm 
in New York, and in 1847 came to Ohio where he 
died in 1857. This family were Presbyterians in 
their belief. The mother still resides in Henry 
County, Ohio. 

Mr. Bancroft is the eldest son of his parents and 



was born at Ballston Springs. Sar.atoga County, 
N. Y., August 9, 1846. Coming to Ohio when one 
year old he was reared on a farm and took his 
course of study in the district schools with a log 
slab for a desk. He early went to work on the farm 
and in the saw mills. The family was strong in 
their Abolition sentiments and he was an ardent ad- 
vocate of the merits of Abraham Lincoln when 
first nominated for the Presidency, training with 
the Wide-Awakes of Toledo, during the campaign. 

When only fifteen years old he enlisted in Feb- 
ruary, 1862, in the Eighty-sixth Infantry, in Com- 
pany E, which entered tlie service for one 3'ear. He 
was mustered in at Cleveland and took part in the 
battles of Wild Cat, Ky., Cumberland Gap, and at 
Powell's River, at which place he was knocked 
down bj' a stroke from a gun stock, and was cap- 
tured with the rest of his company by rebel sol- 
diers under Longstreet. Fortunately, however, the 
company was retaken the same daj' by Union 
troops. He was, however, laid up bj' the hurt he 
received for three weeks, but was out again in 
time for the Morgan raid, and took part in the bat- 
tle of Eaglesport. 

Our young hero was mustered out of service 
with an honorable discharge in February, 1863, at 
Columbus, Ohio. He remained at home until Aug- 
ust, 1863, when he again enlisted in Company K, 
Sixty-Sixth Ohio Infantry. He took part in the 
battle of Chattanooga. During the Georgia Cam- 
paign he went to Atlanta, then joined in the march 
to the sea and afterward returned to Raleigh, N. C. 
He was also in the battles of Goldsboro and Ben- 
tonville. He took part in the Grand Review at 
Washington and was mustered out at Columhus, 
Ohio, June, 1865. During the war his foot was 
crushed b}' a cannon running over it. His clothes 
and hat have many times been pierced witii bullets, 
but he was spared. 

When released from military service Mr. Ban- 
croft went into tlie employ of the Lake Shore & 
Michigan Southern Railroad, but in 1869 he left 
them for the Ft. AVayne & Jackson Road, with 
whom he remained until the death of his wife. He 
then decided to go West and in 1871 he visited 
Nebraska. In 1872 he came to Michigan and lo- 
cated at Coral, this county, and was employed in a 



4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



8G7 



mill. In 1873 he went back lo Ohio wliere he was 
married again and came to Eureka Townsliip, 
Montfalm County, and located on forty acres on 
scftion 111. In 1880 he sold this farm and re- 
moved to Neligli, Antelope County, Neb., where 
he homcsteaded one hundred and sixty acres and 
tree claimed one hundred and sixty. He remained 
six months and not wishing to be longer detained 
tliere he sold his claims and returned to Michigan 
where he engaged in farming and in dealing in 
land until April 11, 1889, when he was appointed 
Postmaster. He then started a grocery and pro- 
vision line and is doing a successful business. His 
first mairiage took place in Green Springs, Ohio. 
He was then united with Elizabeth Sheer. She died 
in Indiana leaving two children — Dora and Caro- 
line. His second wife who bore the name of Eme- 
line Guyman, and to whom he was united in 
Pulton County, Ohio, in 1873, was the mother of 
two children — Edna and Thurza. Mr. Bancroft 
h.as been Commissioner of Highways for three years, 
a member of the School Board for two years; and 
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Pellows, 
and liie Knights of The Maccabees. His wife is a 
warm-hearted Christian and a communicant of the 
Baptist Church. Mr. Bancroft is proud to say that 
he votes the w.ay he shot, for the Republican 
party. 

— ^m- — 

Jl OHN W. KIRTLAND, M. D.,of Lake View, 
Montcalm County, was born in Lodi, Tomp- 
kins County, N. Y., December 5, 1845. He 
is a son of Horace L. and Sarah E. (Jewell) 
Kirtland, natives of Connecticut and Vermont 
respectively. They were married in Chenango 
County, N. Y., but later took up their residence in 
Tompkins County, and in the fall of 1856 removed 
to Springport, Jackson County, Mich. Here they 
lived until the fall of 1861, at which time they re- 
moved to Calhoun County. There Mrs. Kirtland 
died, and the father is now living in Lake Xicyr 
with our subject. He was a farmer all his life until 
of late years. His departed wife was a member of 
the Presbyterian Church, but he has been a mem- 
ber and Class-Leader in the Methodist Episcopal 



^- 



Church for many years. He is a Democrat in pol- 
itics. He has been the father of four children, of 
whom our subject is the eldest. 

Dr. Kirtland's earl}- years were si)enton the farm 
in .lack.son and Calhoun Counties, Mich. Here he 
received a conimonschool education. In the fall 
of 1861 he began reading medicine with Drs. P>ris- 
tol and Bucknum, of Parma, Jackson County. Sub- 
secjuenlly he took a course in and was graduated 
from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. 
He took his di|)loma in 18G7, and at once located at 
Hillsdale. Here he piacticed for one year and then 
engaged in the mercantile business in Battle Creek. 
He continued there until 1878 when he came to 
Lake View, where he has since that time been en 
gaged in the practice of his profession. He has 
also carried on the drug business, being the pro- 
prietor of the Central drug store. He is one of tlie 
leading practitioners of Montcalm County. In 1884 
he took a special course of lectures at Hahnemann 
College. 

This gentleman has taken the Knight Tcm|)lar 
degree in masonry, and is connected with both the 
Indei)cndentOrder of Odd Fellows and the Knigiits 
of the Maccabees. He votes with the Democratic 
party. He has held most of the vill.age offices and 
is now President of the Village Board of Educa- 
tion. His marriage with .Sarah E., daughter of 
Addison and Sarah S. Comstoek, of Adrian, Mich., 
has been a happy one. They were united January 
8, 1868, and have been blessed with four children, 
namely: Ednah A., Addison L., W. Dcane and 
John W. Dr. Kirtland started in life emi)ty 
handed, and has acMjuired a fine property and a 
comfortable independence by push and economy. 



INFIELD S. BARNARD. A cursory view 
•,n.j« of the streets of Lyons, Ionia County, 
is sufficient to indicate the thrift and 
energy of its business men, and denote quite plainly 
the relative merits of their establishments. The 
orderly arrangement of goods, the neatness of the 
premises and tlie air of bustle and stir that charac- 
terixe some of them are sure indications of pros- 



368 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



perity and financial skill, while the opposite is true 
of other places. The subject of this biographical 
notice is at the head of an establishment where 
clocks, watches, jewelry-, stationery, books and 
notions are sold. His home and store are in a sub- 
stantial building erected by him on the corner of 
South Bridge and St. John Streets, the structure 
being 20x70, well arranged and fitted up. 

The parents of Mr. Barnard were Samuel and 
Eveline (Kilbourn) Bariuud, natives of Jefferson 
County, N. Y., their birthplaces being North Adams 
and Lafargeville. The father was a harnessmaker, 
and at his trade he worked until long after he came 
to Michigan. He removed in 1845 and first loca- 
ted in Almont, Lapeer County, later making his 
home at Campbell's Corners, Oakland County. In 
1855 he came to Ionia County and settled in the 
county scat, but from it went to Lowell, Kent 
County, and thence to Frankford, Benzie County. 
At that place he engaged in the grocery business, 
and in the same he was busied at Sherman, Wex- 
ford County, a little later. At the latter place he 
also sold jewelry, and that was his permanent resi- 
dence, his death taking place there in 1884. The 
widowed mother now lives with her children, of 
whom three are living: James, AVinfield S. and 
Martin W. Caroline, formerly Mrs. Beck, died in 
1872. 

In Jefferson County, N. Y., July 4, 1839, the 
subject of this sketch was born. He received his 
education principally at Lowell, tiiis State, and 
when of proper age learned the trade of a harness- 
maker with bis father. He came to Lyons in 1860 
and carried on business sis 3'ears, buying a shop 
on Main Street, but finally selling it and going to 
Wisconsin, where he remained a year. He then 
returned to Lyons and began the sale of books and 
stationer^' in connection with newspapers and pe- 
riodicals, at length adding jewelr}' and other arti- 
cles to his stock in trade. He is reaping a due 
reward for his efforts in business, and is numbered 
among the prominent men of the place. The mar- 
riage of Mr. Barnard and Miss Lydia Coon, daugh- 
ter of Abel and Maria (Withe3') Coon, natives of 
New York, took place in Lyons, Ohio, October 30, 
1865. The father of Mrs. Barnard was born in 
Saratoga County, in 1789, and died in Lyons, Jhis 



iState, in 1870. He had been engaged in farming 
in Allegany County, N. Y., until quite midde-aged 
and he then came West. Jlrs. Coon died in 1834; 
she was born in Bethany, Genesee Count}'. Of the 
seven children born to the good couple the only 
survivors are: Mrs. Barnard; and Mrs. Alfred 
Brac3', of Clare County. 

Mr. Barnard is a believer in the political princi- 
ples advanced by the Republican party, and depos- 
its a corresponding ballot on ever}' election daj'. 
Of the social orders he is identified with the Royal 
Templars. He and his estimable wife have many 
friends in and about their .adopted town and their 
reputation is excellent. 



ENRY J. CHENEY is one of the live men 
of the town of Ionia, Ionia County, and one 
of its very best citizens. He was born in 
Genesee County, N. Y., February 24, 1832, 
and is a son of Elisha P. and Fannj* (Pierson) Che- 
ney, natives of New York. Elijah Cheney, the 
grandfather of our subject, was living in Genesee 
County, N. Y., when the War of 1812 was declared, 
and served in the army during that time. In 1874 
Elisha P. Cheney and his wife came to Michigan 
and located in Easton Township. Of their nine 
children six are now living: Orson lives at Lud- 
ington, Mich., and carries on farming; Uz is living 
in Iowa; Jane, the wife of Harvey Rice, lives at 
Stanton, Montcalm County; Ann is at home; 
Mercy, the widow of James McCue, resides at Bur- 
lington, Iowa. 

Henry J. Cheney was reared to farming pursuits, 
in which he continued until 1880. His first farm 
was in Montcalm County. This he opened up when 
a young man. He married Jane Hubbell, a daugh- 
ter of Alonzo Hubbell, January 9, 1858. He was 
taken with the Western fever, and in 1860 went to 
California and for three and one-half years engaged 
quite successfully in mining. He, however, became 
satisfied that Michigan was the best home for him, 
and returning, he bought a farm in Easton Town- 
ship, which he carried on for eleven years. He 
then purchased in Ionia Township, a farm which he 



PORTRAIT AND BFOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



369 



still owns. He lived in Edmorefor one year when 
it w.as just started, and kept a boarding house. This 
house he exchanged for property in Ionia, and dur- 
ing the year he did well and cleared his property, 
by trading and sale of town lots, being very suc- 
cessful in the real estate business. In 1880, he 
entered into a business connection with his brother- 
in-law, Henry F. IlubboU, with whom he has ever 
since been engaged in handling agricultural nia- 
cbiuery. He is a Deacon in the Church of Christ, 
with which he united in 1864. He does his full 
share toward the maintenance and prosecution of 
church work, being one of its most liberal members. 
He is a Republican in politics, and one who uses 
bis inlluence in the community to elevate its stand- 
ard in every way. He is full of good works, giv- 
ing largely in the direction of many charities. 



-^^C 



j^^TEI'HEN IIAIGHT. One who wished to 
^^^ be thoroughly informed regarding the ex- 
l«0|) psriences of those who established their 
homes in an almost trackless wilderness 
and, far from friends or neighbors, look up the 
work of reclaiming wild land and fitting it for the 
abode of civilized man, could have their questions 
well answered by Stephen Ilaight. He has lived 
in Ionia County since 1841, when a lad of ten 
years he accompanied his pnrents hither. Odessa 
Township was but a wilderness then, roamed over 
by wild animals and savage looking Indians. It has 
fallen to the lot of our subject to see the country 
transformed into a region where fertile farms, com- 
fortable dwellings, substantial sehuolhouses and 
churches are almost innumerable, and thriving vil- 
lages are counted by the score. He has aided in 
bringing about this result, and is now taking part 
in the progress of Lake Odessa. 

The parents of Stephen Ilaight were Reuben and 
Sally A. (Ilight) Ilaight. The father was l)orn in 
Pennsylvania and was of German descent. The 
mother was a native of New York and descended 
from an English family. They lived in Steuben 
County, N. Y., a number of years and left their 
farm there to establish a home in this State in 



1834. They bought land in Livingston County, 
remaining there until 1841, and during the period 
of their residence Mr. Ilaight cleared quite an 
acreage. Thence he came to Ionia County and 
bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, 
Odessa Township. There were but two or three 
families in the township, and he was obliged to go 
twelve miles for help to raise bis log house, the 
country was so thinly settled. The money expended 
on the dwelling did not exceed $2, and the items 
for which this was spent was two sawed l)oards, two 
pounds of nails and glass for two small windows. 

As soon as his family had taken possession of the 
rude dwelling Mr. Ilaight began the arduous task 
of chopping aiul logging. He had brought six sheep 
with him and he was obliged to build a high-fence 
pen close to the house in order to keep the wolves 
from devouring them. The lleece from these sheep 
was made into Sunday clothes for the family each 
year, the various processes by which wool became 
cloth being perfornieil by the mother. The house 
was for a long time used for religious services, the 
people coming with ox- teams and sleds, even in 
the summer, there being no wagons in the country. 
Distance proved no impediment to the pioneers, as 
they were glad to meet their friends and enjoy wor- 
ship together. 

One cold wintry night about nine o'clock an In- 
dian came to Mr. Haight's door with such clothing 
as he wore torn in shreds, and nothing left of his 
gun but the barrel. He had had a hard fight with 
a bear, such animals and wolves also being numer- 
ous, and the latter making night hideous with their 
howls. The nearest store was at Hastings, in Barry 
County, seventeen miles distant from Mr. Haight's 
dwelling. He worked hard and succeeded iu clear- 
ing and improving about ninety acres of land ere 
he was compelled to cease from toil. In 18C1 con- 
sumption laid him low, and in December, 18G2, he 
was called to his final rest. He had gotten his farm 
well slocked, having among other animals a large 
Hock of sheep. He and his wife, who had preceded 
him to the better land about ten years, belonged 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had 
seven children, three of whom still live: Amanda, 
wife of Milo Wheeler, living in Hastings, Barry 
County; Stephen, our subject; David, a resident of 



370 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Woodland Center, Barry County. Two of the de- 
ceased — William N. and Harvey— died in the army. 
The birlhplacc of Stephen Haight was Steuben 
Cuunty, N. Y., and his natal day February 8, 1831. 
He was three years old when his parents came to 
this Slate, and in Livingston County he acquired a 
limited education in the log schoolhouse of the dis- 
trict. After his parents came to Ionia County he 
aided his father more and more each year as he 
grew to manhood. When of age he went to Port- 
land and hired out with a carpenter and joiner for 
a year in order to learn the trade. When the time 
had expired he came to Odessa Township and en- 
tered the employ of E. Cramer, with whom he 
worked three years. He then followed the trade 
for himself in the surrounding country until 18G4, 
when he enlisted in Company E, Third Michigan 
Infantry, and served fourteen months. During 
that time hetook part in a five days' engagement 
at Decatur, Ala., and the second battle at Stone 
River. Being taken sick he was sent to Cumber- 
land Hospital, at Nashville, where he remained 
about two months and then came home on a thirty 
days' furlough. He was ordered to report at De- 
troit, where he was honorably discharged October 
G, 18G5. 

Mr. Haight was living in Woodland Center, Barry 
County, when he enlisted, and thiliicr he returned 
and took up the implements of his trade. Through 
exposure while in the army he had contracted the 
rheumatism, which soon incapacitated him for car- 
penter's work, anil he therefore built a shop and 
bean making coffins. It had been the custom to 
order them as they were needed, but he made them 
in advance. It may be of interest to some of our 
readers to give this incident as an example of the 
customs of the early days. The first coffin made 
by Mr. Haight was ordered for a man who liad 
fallen from a scaffold and broken his neck. Black 
walnut boards were nailed together, and when the 
rough box was finished it was taken by Mr. Haight 
to the house, the corpse placed within and the lid 
nailed on. 

Mr. Haight has followed undertaking since that 
time in Woodland Center, where he still owns an 
establishment. In 1884 he came to Saranac and 
bought a store which, in 1886, he disposed of to 



resume the care of his place at Woodland. After 
two years longer in that town he left his brother in 
charge of the establishment and came to Lake 
Odessa, which was just starting into life and which 
was a convenient locality for him, as his trade was 
largely in this section. Here he formed a partner- 
ship with George A. Weed and put up the first 
store building in the village, filling it with a stock 
of furniture and undertaking goods. In the spring 
of 1890 he sold out his interest in the furniture de- 
partment and assumed entire control of the other. 

When Mr. Haight was twelve years old he killed 
his first deer, and from that time to the present he 
has found great enjoyment in hunting. For more 
than a score of years he has been in the habit of 
taking a trip lo the North where hunting is better 
than in this well-settled region. He has killed deer 
on the site of the village in which he lives. Polit- 
ically Mr. Haight is a Democrat, and socially a mem- 
ber of the Masonic lodge and Grand Array post. 
He has been Justice of the Peace about fourteen 
years, and Road Commissioner several times, and is 
at present Township Treasurer. For his personal 
worth and the interest he has shown in the welfare 
of his fellow-men he is held in good repute. 

The marriage of Stephen Haight and Maigaret 
JM. George was solemnized December 25, 1861. To 
them were born two children, one of whom is now 
living, namely, Dora B., wife of Otis Miner. Mrs. 
Haight is a woman of great kindness of heart, effi- 
cient in householil affairs, and well esteemed by 
by her acquaintances. 



AVID W. MYEKS is the prosperous owner 
'" of a fine farm and a beautiful home on 
section 27, North Plains Township, Ionia 
County. His birthplace was in Perry 
Township, Wyoming Countj-, N. Y., and he first 
saw the light August 25, 1832. His father, James 
Myers, a native of New York, and a farmer by oc- 
cupation was born in 1781). He w.as twice married, 
this son being the second child of the second union. 
His first marriage which took place February 24, 
1807, was with Mary DeWilt. To this mother were 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



371 



I 



born seven children, four daughters and thiee sons. 
She w.is called from earth August 16, 1828. James 
Myers was again married Seiileniber "20, 1829. This 
wife, who is the mother of our subject, bore the 
maiden name of Iluldali Wallace. She was born in 
New York State April 28, 1798, and was the mother 
of four children, two daughters and two sons. 

The first schooling of j'oung David was in his 
native place. The district school was .supi)lemenled 
by the Perry Acadcni}' in Perry Village. After he 
had finally crossed the threshold of the schoolroom 
he engaged in farming in his native State until 
18.59, wlien he came to Michigan, and located wiiere 
he now resides, building a log house and going 
to housekeeping witli his married sister at the head 
of his houseiiold affairs. But in 1862 he decided 
to establish his own real home, and on June 22 he 
was united in marriage to Mary A. Macomber, a 
lady who was born in Livingston Connty, N. Y. in 
1835. Their only child Rliyan, was taken from 
them in early infancy, and the young mother soon 
followed her little son to the other worhl. 

The second marriage of our subject look place 
.lune 29, 1867, and he chose his wife from the same 
family as before. His bride was Rebecca J., a sis- 
ter of his first wife, who w.as born in New York in 
18;59, and came to Michigan when a young girl of 
fourteen years. Four children were sent to this 
happ3' home: Grace (deceased). Dean W., Ralph 
^L and lUanche E. 

^Ir. Myers carries on a general farming business, 
and has two hundreil and twenty acres of excellent 
land in a fine condition. His present residence was 
erected in 1885, at a cost of *3,000. This hand- 
some two-story house will alwaj-s be an elegant re- 
minder of the prinreval forests of Michigan, as it is 
;dl built from wood cut on the farm, the inside 
work being liighl}- finished in the natural wood, 
and an example of the beauties of the lumber of 
Michigan. The first vote of this intelligent citi- 
zen of Ionia County, wns cast for John C. Fremont, 
and he has always continued to vote the Hepublican 
ticket until within the last six years. In 1881 his 
interest in the temperance question led hira to join 
the Prohibition parly. He voted for St. John 
and was himself a candidate on the Prohibition 
ticket for State Representative in 1888. He is an 



earnest and devoted member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and a Trustee in the North Plains 
Union Church. He has been Superintendent of 
the ISunday-school, and is always a great worker in 
church matters, being a liberal contributor to all 
worthy objects. 



NDREW J. GREENHOE is one of the 
[Lm residents of Evergreen Township, Mont- 
Ik calm County, who have made their way 
up, step by step, from poverty and hard- 
ship to prosperity- and honor. He was born in 
Summit County. Ohio, December 17, 1839, and is 
the son of John and Nancy (Wheeler) Greenhoe. 
When a little child of less than fo\ir years old he 
was deprived of a mother's care and his boyhood 
was saddened by this affliction. His father emi- 
grated to Michigan when this son was about six- 
teen years of age, and they settled in Ionia County. 
He took advantage of what few educational oppor- 
tunities came in his way, but found them scanty 
and poor. The home farm in Ionia Count}- was 
hewed out of the forest. The father removed to 
]\Iontc.alm County in 1871, his son, our subject, 
having made his home here since the beginning of 
1867. 

August 13, 18G1, saw this young man an enlisted 
soldier in Company B., Sixteenth Michigan Infan- 
try. He served in the army of the Potomac under 
Gens. McClellan and Grant. The principal en- 
gagements in which he took part were the seven 
days on the Peninsula and the Wilderness and the 
battles of Petersburg, Gettysburg and Fredericks- 
burg. He was with Grant at tlic time of J>ee's sur- 
render. He was nuisteied out of service with an 
honorable discharge at JefTersonville, Ind., .Inly 
8, 1865. Throuijliout all tlie war he escaped a 
scar. 

Mr. Greenhoe has always been a Democat, and 
was such all through the war, being known by 
the term so well understood in those days, a War 
Democrat. He went into the army as a private 
and came out as a commissioned officer, a Lieuten- 
ant, having naade his way, step by step, by virtue 



372 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of bis faithfulness and braverj-. He is a member 
of the Ciiurcli of the United Brethren. He has 
held the offices of Clerk and Treasurer of the 
Count}' for some time. His marriage, April 2, 
1865, united him with Sophia Eave}% of Montcalm 
County. The}' became the happy parents of two 
children: Alice M., born July 5, 18GG, and Grace 
T., November 27, 1875. Alice is now the wife 
of Westly Greenhoe, of this county. Our subject 
belongs to Tom Custer Post, No. 1 78, at Sheridan. 



-^ 



<* IVILLIAM H. HOWARD, a native of Avon, 
\/\l// Livingston County, N. Y., is descended 
W^ from good old British stock. His father, 
Joseph Howard, a native of Buckinghamshire, 
England, was born in 181.3, and was a workman in 
a papermill. About 1833 he came to America, 
spending a short time in Canada, then sojourning 
for three years in Rochester, N. Y., but afterward 
making his permanent home in Avon. His wife, 
Janetta (Giles) Howard, was a native of Bath, 
England, and was born in 1805. She came to 
America on the same ship with her future husband 
and thej' were married during their residence in 
Canada. In July, 1842, the family left their New 
York home for Michigan, and settled on section 
35, Berlin Township, Ionia County. 

The story of their removal is like many another 
record of those early days. The household goods 
and the family were loaded in one wagon and came 
from Detroit by wheel, being over a week making 
the trip from that village to Ionia County. Almost 
all tiie way their rough corduro}- road lay through 
dense woods. The father had secured eighty acres 
of wild land, and for this he owed fully one-half. 
He did not believe in beginning life in this new 
country in debt, and soon induced the man of 
whom he had purchased to take back half the land 
thus relieving him from debt, and leaving him the 
proud possessor of an unincumbered farm and $2 
in cash. He was totally unused to the work of 
clearing and farming in a rough country, for this 
was very different from the agricultural work in 
Livingston County, N. Y. A small man in stature, 



he was nevertheless exceedingly energetic, but 
notwithstanding both these qualifications the ague 
put in a good work with him. During the first 
year of his residence in his log shanty, he made 
seventeen pounds of sugar, which was all the sugar 
the family had that j-ear. To gain this amount of 
sweetness lie carried maple sap in a bucket from his 
trees to his house, eight}- rods and boiled it down. 

In the spring of 1845 he had a cow but no feed 
for it. He took a bag and crossed the river to 
where the prison now stands, to get some rutabagas 
from a man who had left some in the ground the 
fall before. Mr. Howard dug througli three feet of 
snow and found the roots all decayed. He was not 
to be thus thwarted, so he went to the man's house 
and begged from him enough hay to fill his sack. 
Imagine his distress and disappointment when 
upon reaching home he found his cow was dead. 
But he skinned her and sold her hide to procure 
provisions for his family. He was driven to such 
extremities to provide food for his family that at 
one time he took a bushel of millet across the river 
to the mill. In returniutj home his team backed 
off into the river and his sack of ground millet 
went to the bottom. Fortunately he had with him 
a rake and a rigorous notion of using it. He hooked 
up the bag of millet, landed it in his wagon and 
took it home. The unfortunate family were 
obliged to make use of the meal, notwithstanding 
its soaking. 

Besides the forty acres which he cleared for him- 
self, Mr. Howard logged forty acres for Lucius 
Babcock, cleared twenty acres for his neighbor 
Fuller, .and underbrushed ten acres for Alonzo 
Sessions. He also added building to his industries, 
erecting both a log and a frame house. He be- 
lieved in raising fruit and planted six hundred 
trees in an orchard. He added to his farm and had 
one bundled acres all in a good state of cultiva- 
tion before he died. He lost his first wife, April 
19, 1871, and was again married in New York 
State, where he spent his closing years and died in 
June, 1889. He and his wives were members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the affairs of 
which he always took great interest, filling the 
office of Steward and also of Class-Leader. He 
was active in Sunday-school work, being a teacher 




RESIDENCE OF A. J RING.5EC-6. KELNE T P. , lor>JIA CO.,MICh, 




RESIDENCE OF W. H . HO WARD , SEC . 35. B ERLl N TP , IONIA CO .,M ICH 



PORTRAIT AND BIOURAPHIGAL ALBUM. 



375 



and taking his children to Ionia every Sunday to 
Sunday-school, although the walk was quite a long 
one. In local politics he took a great interest, 
always voting the Republican ticket, and for years 
he was a member of the School Board in this dis- 
trict. His influence and example were always for 
temperance in all things. 

The mother of our subject deserves great credit 
for the part she took in assisting her husband dur- 
ing tlie trying days of their early settlement in 
Michigan. She is remembered by many for her 
kindness to the sick in the neighborhood and was 
mourned b}' all when called to her final home. Mr. 
and Mrs. Howard were the parents of three chil- 
dren — Joseph B., Sarah E., now Mrs. William 
Kneale, and William II. The last named and 
youngest child, being born November 12, 1811, 
was about eight months old when his parents came 
to Michigan. He grew to maidiood amid the hard- 
ships and experiences of frontier life, being famil- 
iar from infancy with the many Indians who were 
in the neighboriiood. lie saw this section in its 
wildest state and has watched with interest its 
development into its present highly cultured con- 
dition. His schooling was in the log schoolhouse 
in the oldest school district in the township and 
later he attended the Ionia schools. All these ex- 
periences had their iiitluence upon him, leading 
him to become a man of self-reliance, independ- 
ence, and intelligence. He stayed at home and 
helped his father until his marri.ige. 

I'pon July 20, 1871, he was united in marriage 
with Helen L. fhitler, a daughter of Bennajah I{. 
and Mariette (Washburn) Butler. She was a native 
of Connecticut and he of New York. They were 
married in Ohio in 1842 and resided there until 
they came to Michigan in 1849, and there they set- 
tled in Cascade Township, Kent County, upon a 
wild piece of land. This they improved for eigh- 
teen years and then sold. Thej- both died in the 
year 1889. They were the parents of three chil- 
dren — Mary J., born January 18, 1843, is deceased ; 
Helen L., born February 22, 1845, is now Mrs. 
Howard; Betsey P., born April 24, 1847. These 
all received at the hands of their parents a good 
education and have all of them been in turn school- 
teachers of superior ability and successful experi- 



ence. Mrs. Butler had been a school-teacher in her 
youth. The father was a soldier in Company M, 
Sixth Michigan Cavalry'. He served eighteen 
months, after which he was so seriously injured as 
to receive an honorable discharge. The parents 
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in which the father had been a Class-Leader. He 
was in politics a strong Rei)ublican. 

After marriage the subject of this sketcli settled 
upon his home farm on section 35, where lie has 
ever since lived. He now has one hundred and 
seven acres, one hundred of which is under the 
plow. He carries on mixed farming. On another 
page appears a view of his present residence which 
was built last summer. He and his estimable wife 
have become the parents of seven children, six of 
whom are now living — Burton J., born September 
17, 1872; Clara M., October 19, 1874; Janetta E., 
November 20, 187G; Fred B., September 1, 1879; 
Hattie E. and Harry E. (twins) were born July 14, 
1882. The second of these twins died August 16, 
of the same j'ear. I'erry E., was born March 3, 
1885. Mr. and Mrs. Howard are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Ionia in which he 
is Steward. They are both deeply interested in tiie 
Sundaj'-school, in which he is a teaclier having 
charge of the senior Bible class. Mrs. Howard 
tauglit sixteen terms, part of it in a graded school. 
At their own home they prepare children for en- 
trance to the Ionia schools. Mr. Howard has been 
School Inspector, and takes a deep interest in poli- 
tics, voting the Ive|iublican ticket. He is strictly 
temperate never having drank liquor and sympa- 
thizes earnestly with the tem[)erance movement. 

,,... RMON J. RING, a representative farmer 
iOI and stock-raiser residing on section 6, 
Keene Township, Ionia County, is a native 
of Cuyalioga Counlj', Ohio, where he was 
born March 15, 1841. He is the son of William 
and Rhoda (Daniels) Ring, both New Yorkers, and 
the former was a soldier in the War of 1812. In 
1850, our subject then a boy, migrated with his 
father's family to Ionia County, traveling with 



376 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



horses in a prairie schooner the entire distance over 
mud roads and corduroy highways, camping out 
at night in the wagon. 

Three of the live cliildren born to William and 
Hhoda Ring, are now living, namely : Edward, who 
resides in Kent County, Mich.; Cyrus J., of Otisco 
Township; and our subject. The father upon ar- 
riving in Michigan, settled upon the farm where 
our sul)ject now resides. He was one of the very 
earliest settlers, and but little clearing had been 
done here at the time. He found an old cabin 
partly frame and partly log, about 14x18 feet in 
size. Here they resided for several years until they 
could build a better residence. The second home 
was destroyed by fire. The father departed this 
life September 18, 1886, aged ninety years and 
eighteen days, iiaving been bereaved of his wife in 
Au>rust, 1863. In his death the county lost one of 
her best citizens and most worthy pioneers; the 
Baptist Church one of its most earnest and con- 
scientious members, and the Democratic party an 
ardent advocate of its principles. 

Armon J. Ring saw much pioneer work in his 
boyhood. He knows what it is to clear the forest 
and break so() behind a yoke of oxen. The district 
school and farm work with occasional pioneer frol- 
ics filled out his boyhood d.iys. Scarcely had lie 
attained his majority when he responded to the 
call of his country, and enlisted August 11, 1862, 
in Company B, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry. 
His regiment became a part of Sherman's arm}', 
and participated in the following conflicts: Mum- 
fordsville, Tcbb's Bend, Kingston, Mossy Creek, 
Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face, Resaca, Cassville, Etowah, 
Altoona, Pine Mountain, Lost Mountain, Culp's 
Farm, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Chat- 
tahooche River, Decatur, siege of Atlanta, Enst 
Point, Eutaw Creek, Jonesboro, Cedar Bluff. Pine 
Creek, Franklin, and the siege and battle of Nash- 
ville. He afterward joined Slierman's command at 
Goldsboro, and was with him until the war closed. 
He received his honorable discharge July 2, 1865. 

Our subject now returned to Michigan and re- 
sumed the avocations of pence. He began to realize 
that he ought to establish his own home, and it was 
not long before he had chosen a wife to whom he 
\Tas married October 22, 1868. His bride was 



Clintha, daughter of Austin and Caroline (Sanders) 
Keeney, both natives of New York. Mrs. Ring 
was born January 27, 1846, in Kent County, Mich. 
Her grandfather Keeney was a soldier in the War 
of 1812. Her parents were early pioneers in Kent 
County. Of their eight children but five survive, 
namely: Mrs. Ring; Helen, wife of C. Trumbull, 
of Osceola, Mich.; Mina, Mrs. Clark Iloppongh 
of Ionia County ; Carrie, Mrs. A. Richardson, of 
Kent County; and Clay, who resides in the same 
county. 

Two sons have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Ring: George, born October 2',), 1871 ; and Ray B., 
July 3, 1876. The farm of one hundred and ten 
acres is in a fine state of cultivation, and a view of 
its principal buildings appears on another page. Mr. 
Ring is a member of the Dan S. Root, G. A. R. 
Post, No. 126 at Belding, and he and his wife are 
active members of society. He is a Republican in 
politics, and is identified with the Masonic order. 
He has served on the School Board of his district 
in various cap.acities. It is with no small degree 
of pleasure that we represent the subject of this 
sketch among the many progressive citizens and 
prosperous farmers of Ionia County. 



ELIOTT F. GRABILL. The Greenville "/«- 
dependent is one of the well-known news- 
', pajiers of Montcalm_ County and has a name 
in all Central Michigan. It has been in charge of 
the subject of this biograi)hical notice since Febru- 
ary, 1866, and the long continuance of Mr. Grabill 
as its editor and proprietor affords conclusive proof 
of its being on a paying basis. It is well under- 
stood among newspaper men that a peculiar tact 
and energy is required in carrjing on a local sheet, 
and he who succeeds in such an enter|)rise soon be- 
comes known as a man of ability and wields a cor- 
responding influence. Mr. Grabill has a paper 
that speaks for itself to all who see an issue, and he 
h.as filled some important stations in the manage- 
ment of affairs in which the public are interested. 
In the paternal line Mr. Grabill traces his ances- 
try back to Switzerland, where his grandfather, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



377 



Philip Grabill, was born. Tliat gentleman was a 
farmer and at the same occupation his son Niinrod, 
father of our subject, busied liimself during (i.-itt of 
his life The latter also devoted some time to 
school teacliing and for several years was a mer- 
chant in Pennsylvania, whither he went in early 
life. There he married Zeruah, daugliter of Sam- 
uel and Polly Roberts of the Keystone State. In 
1854 he removed to Iowa, settling at Corydon, 
where he was engaged in the insurance business 
until death. He passedaw.iy in 1884. The motlier 
of our subject died many j-ears before, the date of 
her decease being 184.5. The family consisted of 
six children, but Eliott F. and Ethelbert II., are 
the only survivors. 

Mr. Grabill, the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Washington County. Pa., .June 16, 1837, and 
received a common-school education there. He 
learned the printing trade at Brownsville, Pa. 
He next became a student in the Oberlin (Ohio) 
College, from which he received the degree of 
Bachelor of Arts. He secured the means to go 
through college by his own efforts, working at the 
printer's trade and teaching school during vacation 
time. When the war broke out he was thrilled 
with the spirit of fervid i)alriotisni which swept 
like a tidal wave over the North, and April lU, 
18G1, he enlisted with a com panj- of students in 
Oberlin College. They were mustered into the 
Seventh Ohio Infantry and Mr. Grabill served un- 
til the war closed, although not in the same regi- 
ment during the entire time. 

In 1863 Mr. Grabill was examined before Gen. 
Casey's board for a position at the head of a body 
of colored troops, that branch of the service being 
then in process of organization. November 5, of 
that year he was commissioned First Lieutenant 
and Adjutant of the Fifth United States Colored 
Troops, with which regiment he remained until 
October 4, 1865. During the time he was pro- 
moted to a Captaincy and breveted Major for mer- 
itorious conduct. He served under Gens. Rosecrans 
and Banks, in the Shenandoah Valley, in the Army 
of the Potomac under the different commanders 
from McClellan to Grant, and in tiie North Caro- 
lina campaign of Sehofield. It w.as his fortune to 
take part in several of the most important battles 



of the war as well as those of minor note, the chief 
being Winchester, Port Republic, Antietam, the 
second Bull Run, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, 
siege of Petersburg and Richmond, Ft. Fisher. 

The interesting (leremony that converted Miss 

Anna S. .Jenne^' into Mrs. Grabill took pl.ice JIarch 

8, 1865. The bride was born in Greenwich, Huron 

County, Ohio, being a daughter of Benjamin and 

Anna M. (Birdsall) Jennej', natives of Massachu- 

I Setts and New York, respectively. She is the eider 

I of their two living children. Her mother died in 

Greenville in 1888, and her father resides here, but 

I was formerly engaged in farming. Mrs. Grabill is 

intelligent and well-read, social and charitable, and 

counts her friends among the best people of the 

place. She is the mother of three living children — 

Clara E., Carl E., and Ethel V., and her fust born 

Florence, died at the age of eight years. 

In his political beliefs Mr. Grabill coincides with 
the Republican party and his influence is thrown in 
with it. lie belongs to tbe Ancient Order of United 
Workmen and to the Grand Army of the Republic, 
his post being William A. Kent, No. 83. Twice he 
has been Postmaster in Greenville and is now liold- 
iug the office again. In 1888 he was one of the 
Stale Electors, whose province it was to voice the 
people's wish for Harrison to be their President, 
and on other occasions he has taken a conspicuous 
part iu carrying out the desires of his fellow-men 
for improvements or reforms. He was formerly a 
member of tiie Board of Managers of the Michigan 
Soldiers' Home at Grand Rapids. The personal 
character of Mr. (Jrabill is such as to secure the 
respect of his acquaintances and his mental power 
is recognized by all who read his editorials or hoar 
his conversation. 



SAAC B. GUNN. Among the men now living 
in Ionia County whose lives present exaini)les 
Ij worthy of emulation, in ihat the}' have been 
characterized by integrity, industry and determi- 
nation, ma)' be mentioned Isaac Gunn, a prominent 
resident of Easton Township. He was born in 



378 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Geneva, N. Y., August 31, 1821, bis parents being 
Isaac and Huklah (Riggs) Gunn, natives of Con- 
necticut. Josiab Gunn, grandfatber of our subject, 
was born in England and emigrated to tbis coun- 
try, wliere be spent bis last days. His maternal 
grandfatber was a soldier in tlie AVar of 1812. He 
is one of four surviving cbildren born to bis pa- 
rents, tbe otbers being William S., who is at tbe 
bead of tbe Gunn Hardware Company at Grand 
Rapids; Nancy, wife of Josiaii White, of Chicago, 
III.; and Schuyler, who likewise resides in the 
Garden City. 

Jlr. Gunn grew to maniiood in his native State, 
beginning bis education in the common schools 
and continuing it by personal investigation and 
reading in later years. In bis earlier life he 
worked at various occupations, following carpentry 
for a number of years, but for the last twenty he 
has given his attention exclusively to farming. In 
bis efforts to build up bis fortune and surround 
himself with comforts he has been ably seconded 
by tbe lady who became bis wife January 6, 1842. 
His industr}' and good judgment and tbe value of 
her counsel and prudence in household affairs is 
attested by their present standing among tbe prop- 
erty owners of Ionia Count}'. They came to this 
Slate in 1814 and spent two years in Ottawa 
County, tlioii removed to Grand Rapids, and then 
removed to Iowa, where they spent six years, 
and then again took up their residence in Grand 
Rapids, and thence came to Ionia County in 
1868. When tbej' arrived in the State their cash 
capital consisted of ^2.50, and with that small 
amount they made a beginning in the AVest. AVben 
the}' came to Ionia County eighty-two acres of land 
were bought, thirty of which were partially cleared. 
This was further improved and about thirty-five 
acres added to the cleared tract by Mr. Gunn. He 
built his present fine residence in 1880, doing 
nearly all tbe wood-work himself. 

Mrs. Gunn bore the maiden name of Olive 
Ellis. She was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., 
August 4, 1826, and is one of the three surviving 
cbildren of Lyman and AVatic (Randall) Ellis. 
The others are AValter Alpbonso and Emily, wife 
of AVillard Mitchell. Mrs. Gunn was well reared 
f>.nd given instruction in those domestic arts by 



which she w.as qualified to aid her husband in her 
mature years. To them have been born three 
cbiklren — Laura, wife of Scott Garrett, now living 
in Colorado, and is the mother of nine cbildren; 
Melissa, wife of C. M. Linington, proprietor of an 
extensive mercantile establishment in Chicngo; 
they have two children; and Albert, who is in the 
mercantile business in Shelby, this State, married 
Alice Jackson, of Lowell, ]\Iich. In addition to 
the grandchildren Mr. and Mrs. Gunn have one 
great-grandchild. 

Much pains have been taken by Mr. and Mrs. 
Gunn to educate their children and fit them for 
useful and honorable positions in society. They 
themselves show an interest in all that is for the 
good of the section in which they have made their 
home, and take part in various enterprises which 
point toward that end. They belong to a grange 
in Keene Township and have held offices therein. 
Mr. Gunn is a member of the Democratic party, 
lie and his wife belong to the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and it is their constant aim to 
govern their lives by the principles of Chris- 
tianity. 



IM^^im 



OSEFH S. JACOBUS was left an orphan 
by the death of bis mother when he was 
only four years old, and instead of spending 
j bis early life in the schoolroom be was put 
when very young at hard work. That he has risen 
as he has above tbe disadvantages which came with 
tbis misfortune, is greatly to bis credit. He was 
born in Essex County, N. J., June 3, 1849, and 
was the son of Gould and Jane (Personett) Jaco- 
bus. His father was a turner by occupation and 
continued to reside in New Jersey until Joseph 
was nineteen years old. 

The subject of this sketch came to Michigan in 
1869 and settled in Sidney Township, Montcalm 
County. His first business here was milling, which 
he has followed more or less closely all through his 
residence in the State, although be has also engaged 
quite extensively in agriculture. He now has a 
well improved farm of eighty acres on which he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



»79 



resides, and wliicli is considered one of the finest 
in tiie township. It was his custom to carry on 
milling in winter and farming in summer. His 
marriage October 21, 18G0, witli Lucy GiUnore, 
has been blessed by the birth of one son, Jesse, 
born September 10, 1871. He has spent much time 
in clearing the forest in various |>arts of the county, 
and is a man of indomitable industry and perse- 
verance. 

Mr. .laeobus is the proprietor of a shingle mill 
which he is successfully running at Sidney Center. 
He appreciates for the rising generation the educa- 
tional advantages which stern necessity withheld 
from him. An earnest promoter of all school in- 
terests he has held the position of School Director 
for two years. He is a deserving citizen who en- 
joys the confidence and esteem of all about him, 
and his neighbors hearlilj- rejoice in his business 
prosperity. 



^^^ 



^^ 



w 



^ OSEPHUS DASEF, a son of Alexander and 
Sarah (Mitchell) Dasef, was born near Tor- 
onto, Canada, August 3, 1833. His father 
was of French origin, and first saw the light 
of day while his parents were crossing the ocean in 
search of a new home in Canada. His mother was 
of English birth. Alexander Dasef was a cooper 
by trade, but in his later years became a farmer. 
Two sisters of our subject reside, one in Penns}'l- 
vania, and the other in Canada. 

■Tosephus Dasef spent his early life on the farm 
in Canada, and until he was seventeen years of age 
his educational advantages were very poor, but at 
that time he availed himself of night schools and 
made real advancement in his studies. At the same 
time he began to learn the trade of a carpenter, and 
for two years served an apprenticeship, receiving 
16 per month during that time. For four years he 
worked independentlj', and by that time had gained 
suflTiciont standing in his trade to take contracts, 
and be an employing carpenter. 

In 1862 he celebrated Christmas Day by uniting 
himself in matrimonj' with Christiana Stuart, of the 



in the town of Glandford, Wentworth County, 
Canada, a daughter of Alexander Stuart. This 
worthy couple h.id been blessed with seven chil- 
dren, namely: John W., born October 4, 18C3; 
Alnm W., August 25, 1865 ; llornianus S., Octo- 
ber 19, 1867, and Major L., his twin; Lilllc, Feb- 
ruary 26, 1870; David W., February 16, 1871; 
Margaret F]., October 16, 1871. Three of these 
children have been removed by death. All the oth- 
ers are either at home or settled near home. Their 
father has ever taken an active interest in educa- 
tional matters, and h.'is given his children an excel- 
lent education. Ills eldest sou is principiil of the 
schools at Pierson, Mich. The second boy gradu- 
ates at the State Normal School in 18;)!. 

When Mr. Dasef came to Michigan in 1869, he 
settled in Day Township, Montcalm Count3% and 
undertook the business of lumbering and the manu- 
facture of shingles. After remaining there four 
years he removed to Stanton, where he resided for 
three years. In the spring of 1876 he took up the 
farm where he now resides. He cleared and im- 
proved eighty acres of the one hundred and sixty 
and built his fine residence, a two-story brick, as 
well as other buildings on the farm. In politics 
he is a Republican, and in the late campaign ho 
was the Republican nominee for member of the 
Legislature. For four years he has been Justice of 
the Peace, and w.as Conimissioner of Highways for 
two years, refusing the oflice the third term. At 
four different times he has been Chairman of the 
Township Republican Committee, and Is always an 
member of that Board. He has been a delegate to 
county conventions, and a member of every State 
Republican Convention in which he always takes 
an active interest. 



-^— 



ellADWICK A. I.EE, one of the tinifty and 
industrious farmers of Ionia County, owns a 
fine piece of property in Keene Township. 
The two hundred and forty broad acres that com- 
prise the estate are well cultivated, and during the 
seasons of planting and reaping are the scenes of 
busy life, and at harvest time show heavy heads of 



380 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



grain anil fruitful shocks. The buildings that have 
been erected on the farm are ample for every need 
and all are substantial and in good repair. The 
dwelling is a liomelike and comfortable one and 
has an air of neatness sufficient to stamp it as tiie 
residence of a family of refinement and good taste. 
That Mr. Lee has been successful in his life work, 
and that he pushes his enterprise according to 
modern ideas of progress, is indicated by every 
appointment of his estate. 

Mr. Lee is a native of Ionia County, and is the 
son of Arclieleus C. and Harriet (Bowen) Lee, 
who are now residing in Clinton County. His 
fatlier was born in New York, came to this State 
during his youth and attained to his majority in 
Keene Township, at what is now called Potter's 
Corners. The family had located in what was vir- 
tually a wilderness and lie bore his share in pioneer 
labors and became well known as a public-si)irited 
•and enterprising member of society. About 1870 
he removed, to Saran.ac, where he lived until 1888, 
when he removed to Elsie where he is now enjoy- 
ing the fruits of his labors and acting the part of a 
good citizen. Politically he is a Republican. 

The birth of Cliadwick A. Lee took place Octo- 
ber 14, 1852, and he grew to manhood amid tiie 
surroundings of rural life in Ionia County, and 
from his early j'ears has been taking a part in farm 
work. He attended the district schools and then 
spent three j^ears in pursuing his studies in the 
public school of Saranac,and has still further added 
to his store of knowledge by considerable reading 
and keen observation of men and things. Decem- 
ber 24, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Cornelia Bush, daughter of George W. and Mary 
Bush, who are now living in Grand Rapids. Mrs. 
Lee was born in this State, received a good educa- 
cation and learned how to manage the household 
affairs that generally fall to the lot of women. She 
is the mother of one daughter, Myrtie E., who was 
born May 29, 1875. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lee are among the most active 
members of society in their section of the count3- 
and take a deep interest in the common weal. 
Keeping themselves well informed regarding the 
progress of mankind, the}' favor that which will 
give to future generations still better opportunities 



than are enjoyed at present, and do what they can 
to elevate the status of opinion and upbuild the 
county in all that is best. In the accumulation of 
his fine propertj'^ JMr. Lee was ably assisted by the 
good management of his wife and together they 
arc enjoying the results of their planning and labor. 

^i(gi^)IRGIL G. CONNER, one of the oldest citi- 
Vl\ # zens of Ionia County, resides on section 30, 

\^' Easton Township. He was born November 
10, 1842, and is the son of Thomas H. and Mary 
A. (Hunt) Conner, natives of New York. His 
paternal ancestry is of Irish blood and his mother 
is descended from (Juaker ancestry. His father was 
au emigrant to Ionia County in 1835, and was 
.active in opening up the country and clearing it of 
timber. His death took place on the home farm, 
October 17, 1885. He and his brother Jared Con- 
ner, owned a pole- boat or flat-boat and took out the 
first wheat that was exported from Ionia County, 
transporting it to Grand Hapids. 

The father of our subject was surrounded by 
Indian neighbors with whom he carried on trade. 
He was the first Constable of the town, being 
elected at the first town meeting. For a number 
of years he worked for the Rev. William M. Ferry 
of Grand Haven, in the lumber business, but in 
1852 he returned to his farm in Easton Township, 
and lived here until his death. His wife survived 
him but piissed to the other world December 7, 
1889. Their three children are, our subject; Mrs. 
Mason of Osceola County, Mich.; and Mrs. Tun- 
more. He was an active church worker in the 
Congregational denomination, and his enterprise, 
character and ability stronglj' emphasized his loss 
when he w.as taken away. 

The subject of this sketch received the rudiments 
of his education in what is known as the Dexter 
district school of P^aston Township. These oppor- 
tunities have been supplemented by a life-long 
habit of re.ading, and he has in this way become a 
well-informed man. In the early daj's of the Civil 
War he became greatly interested in the conflict and 
enlisted August 8, 1862, in Company K, Twenty- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



381 



first Michigan Infantry, whicb became a part of the 
army of the Cumberland, under Sheridan, Buell, 
Rosccrans and Sherman. He participated in the 
battle of Perryville, and was ail through Buell's 
campaign in Kentucky in the fall of 18C2. At 
Chickaniaugft he receive a gunshot wound in the 
left side, which now entitles him to a pension of 
$4 per month. In the summer of 18G4 ho was 
stationed at Chattanooga, and his regiment was 
detailed as engineers and built the military bridge 
across the Tennessee River. He was also in the 
battles of Aver3-sboro and IJentonville, took part 
in the seigc of Savannah, and was in numerous 
skirmishes of minor importance. He marched with 
Siicrman to the sea and cherishes with pride the 
old rille which he carried all through that wonder- 
ful march. This is an Knfield rille of Engl-isli man- 
ufacture, carrying an ounce b"»ll about a mile. 

After his honorable discharge June 8, 18G5, our 
subject returned to Ionia Count}', where he still 
makes his home. His marriage took place May 
19, 1881. He was tlien united with Mrs. Sarah J. 
Dexter, widow of the late S. T. Dexter. She is 
a native of Orange County N. Y., where she was 
born October 17, 1831. She is of New York par- 
entage, iier father being Benjamin Conner, and her 
mother l)earing the maiden name of Catherine 
Bronson. Slie was an emigrant at a very early 
age, coming to Michigau when about five months 
old. Her parents made their first 4iome in Oakland 
County, but later came to the Grand River \'alley 
and settled in Easton Township. Her parental 
family consisted of seven children: Sarah J., Will- 
iam H., Virgil B., Oeorge W., Arthur A., Ellen M. 
and Catherine A. Her first marriage which united 
her with S. T. Dexter, took place February 28, 
18.50. This gentleman came to Ionia County when 
only eight years of age, and belonged to one of 
liie pioneer families of the township. Her marriage 
with Mr. Dexter gave her two children — Marshall 
S. and lienjamin C. Marshall S. was a student in 
the High School, w.as taken sick and went to Cali- 
fornia for his health, but died in Woodland, that 
State, and was buried there; Benjamin C. was a 
young man of bright promise, who served as guard 
at the prison, and later as keeper, and returned 
home to recuperate, but died in a short time. He 



left a widow who was formerly known as Miss 
Mathie A. Stebbens; she too Is now deceaseil. Mr. 
Dexter was a man of prominence and held several 
offices of public trust, and was Justice of the I'e.ace 
for a number of years. He was a Christian gentle- 
n)an and died in tlie faith of the Congregational 
Church. 

Mr. Conner is a stalwart Republican in politics, 
a man greatly interested in matters of public Impor- 
tance; he h.as seventy acres of land in an excellent 
state of cultivation. Mr. Conner has served both 
in 1880 and in 1890 as United States Census Enum- 
eriitor in Easton Township. He has filled the 
ofBces of Township Clerk and School Director. 
Mr. and Mrs. Conner are among the most honored 
and esteemed pioneers of the Grand River Valley. 
Their hospitality is widely known and they are 
greatly admired by their neighbors for their benev- 
olence and sociaI)llity. In the business c'onimiinit}' 
Mr. Conner's veracity is unquestioned and he re- 
ceives deserved credit for his record both as a citi- 
zen and a soldier. 



/^ ALEB H. ROIil? was born in Jackson, Ohio, 
(/(^ on the 18lh of February, 1851. He is the 
^^y son of Andrew and Jane (Lockhart) Robb. 
His father wiis a native of Ohio and his mother of 
Pennsylvania. He has a brother Joseph residing 
at Mancelona, Antrim County, Mich., and a sister, 
Mrs. C'arr, at Grand Rapids. Andrew Robb moved 
to Hillsdale County, Mich., and began farming 
there when this son was only six years old. For 
nine years tills was his home. He attended school 
only about a year, and is entirely a self educated 
man, having been a close student from his early 
boyhood, and having improved ever}' opportunity 
which came to him. At the age of fifteen years 
he moved to Stanton, Mich., and began lumbering, 
milling and shingle-making. He remained there 
about two years. 

The next home of our subject wjis Amsdon, 
Fair Plains Township, whore he lived for one year, 
when he came to Sidney Township, Montcalm 
County, and ra.ade It his permanent home. From 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



that time on fanning and lumbei-ing have engaged 
his full attention. He has a fine farm of eighty 
acres which he cleared and improved himself. 
His mother died on his place here three years 
ago, leaving iiim very much alone as he had never 
married. In politics he is a Democrat, although 
he cares nothing for office himself, but he has 
been made Assessor and has done the work of 
that office four j^ears. He takes a very active 
interest in everything that pertains to education. 
The family have experienced some severe afflic- 
tions: one brother, Alexander, having died at Flint, 
Mich., juBt as he was going into active service into 
the army; another brother was taken prisoner in 
the war, and confined in Andersonville for eight 
months in 1864. He was reduced in weight from 
one hundred and eiglity pounds to fifty -six pounds, 
being almost starved to death. Mr. Robb himself 
passed through severe experiences during the hard 
times here in 1864 to 1866. He had no way to 
make money except by shaving shingles at a very 
low price and the cost of all provisions was exorb- 
itant. Meat could be procured at no lower price 
than twenty-five cents per pound; sugar was 
twenty cents and flour $8 to $10 per hundred 
weight. 



'BNER HALL is one of the adopted chil- 
KM dreu of our country who have helped to 
enrich her by their sturdy character, and 
capability for and willingness to work, and 
to sacrifice generously for the sake of a home in a 
free land. The subject of our sketch was born in 
Nottingham County, England, December 12, 1833. 
He was the son of Charles A. and Mary (Lidget) 
Hall. During his early life in England he worked 
at whatever he could find to do, usually at very 
low wages. The last year of his stay in thatcoun- 
tr}' brought him $38 in wage money. He came to 
America at the age of nineteen years, settling in 
Portage County, Ohio, where he worked at farming, 
but at the age of twenty-three years he removed 
to Montcalm County', Mich., and settled in Sidney 
Township, where he now resides. His first settle- 
ment was about two miles from his present home. 



He found only a forest and saw no easy times. He 
and his famil}' bravely lived on Johnny cake and 
tea while he cleared the forest and built a log 
cabin. At this time of great necessit}' he received 
$.50 from relatives in England, anrl he could find 
but one man in the whole county who could cash 
the exchange; that man was J. M. Fuller, than resid- 
ing at Greenville. 

Mr. Hall used tocarr}' his provisions from Green- 
ville to his home, a distance of some twelve miles 
on his back. He often carried a load of one 
hundred pounds in this manner. At one time he 
agreed with a neighbor that he would carry home, 
a distance of six miles, a large iron plow, and he 
kept his word. In clearing his farm he cut down 
timber which would to-d.ay be worth double the 
value of the land. He sold this farm and about 
eighteen years ago moved to where he now resides, 
one mile west of Sheridan, on a fine place of eighty 
acres, highly improved and of very fertile soil. In 
the early days he once borrowed a neighbor's hoe 
and broke it during the first day's work. He had 
to walk to town to buy another to replace it and 
was obliged to spend for it the money which his 
wife had laid aside to get him a pair of trousers. 
His worthj' companion sui)plied the place of the 
lost articles of clothing by a pair made out of bed 
ticking, which her good husband bravely wore on 
Sundays. Potatoes then cost $1.50 per bushel, and 
were paid for by days' work at fire bits, (sixt}-- 
two and one-half cents) per day. 

The subject of this sketch chose as his partner 
in life Hannah Mistetter. Their union was cele- 
brated November 24, 1853. They have seven 
children, as follows: Henry A., born August 4, 
1855, married Efla Savocool; Mary J., born Octo- 
ber 30, 1857, married Joiin Davis; George E., born 
June 10, 1860, married Eva Savocool; Emma J., 
Mrs. Peterman, was born June 16, 1862; Anna M., 
Mrs. Griggs, December 2, 1867; Elmer T., June 2, 
1871; Jesse B., June 16, 1874. All these children 
are living except the last two named. 

The subject of this sketch spent one j^ear in the 
arm}', doing picket duty around Petersburg. In 
this service he was twice wounded. He is a Demo- 
crat in his political affiliations and is always active 
in promoting the interests of the community. 



J 




^-^^^^^^i^TuyG^^/^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



385 



^^KORGE W. SNYDER, M. L). The medical 
1 11 ^— profession is represented in Sebewa, Ionia 
^^^41 County, by men of extended knowle(1ge 
and practical skill, and an honorable place amonj^ 
tlieni is held by Dr. Snyder, who belongs to the 
Eclectic School. He hung out his "shingle" here in 
the fall of 1878, immediately after his graduation 
from the Dennett Medical College in Chicago. He 
has successfully' comijcted with other practitioners, 
and has won the confidence of the comnninit}- and 
secured a practice that is the source of a good in- 
come. A lithographic portrait of this successful 
physician appears on the oi)posite page. 

Dr. Snyder is of Dutch descent in the paternal 
line, but prior to the American Revolution one of 
his progenitors was living in Canada and crossed the 
border to enter the Colonial aruij'. By so doing he 
lost his properly, it being confiscated by the British 
(iovernment, and at the close of the war he settled 
in J'ennsylvania. Another of the ancestors was 
John Cooper, who also fought in the Revolution- 
ary forces, he having emigrated from Ireland prior 
to the Declaration of Independence. 

.Tohn A. Snyder, father of the Doctor, was born 
in Schoharie County, N. Y., and removed to this 
State in 186"/, settling in Barry County, where he 
is still living. His wife, formerly Fanny M. Palma- 
lier, was of French and Dutch descent, and was a 
daughter of Thomas and Martha (Drumni) Palma- 
lier. She was a native of the same count}' as her 
husband, and a member of the same church, the 
Methodist Episcopal. She entered into rest in 
\SC>i). The parental family comi)rised seven sons, 
all but one of whom are yet living. The exception 
is Thomas, who died in adult years. The surviv- 
ors arc William Henry, George W.. Francis M., 
Charles N., .lohn L. and .lamos A. William. 
George and Charles are physicians; .John is a min- 
ister of the I'nited Brethren Churcli; and .lames 
and Francis are farmers. 

Dr. Snyder of whom we write, was b:)ni in Che- 
mung County, N. Y., August 20, 1815, and with 
the exception of one summer si)ent in Pennsyl- 
vania, he lived there until his parents came to 
Barry County. At the new home he remained un- 
til the last of .Sei)teniber, 18G4, when his father and 
older brother went to Hastings, leaving him to fin- 



ish cutting the corn, there being but half an acre 
standing. When this was done he had nothing to 
do but follow the bent of his own inclination, and so 
went to Jackson, and on October 1 enlisted in Com- 
pany II., Twenty-first Michigan Infantry. Eight 
days later he started to the front and joined the 
regiment at Chattanooga, Tenn., whence ihcy went 
to Dalton, Ga., and took up the line of march with 
.Sherman to the sea. 

Mr. Snyder was at Savannah during the seven 
da^'s' siege, after which the troops rested thirty 
days before starting on the return trip. Tliey 
marched to CJoldsboro, captured Fayetteville, and 
reached Bentonville March [9, 18G5, meeting the 
combined forces of Gens. Bragg and Johnston. 
The hardest fight in the march to and from the sea 
took place there, and the last engagement led by 
Gen. Sherman. In one charge made by three hun- 
dred men, nearly a third were left on the field, so 
great w.as the slaughter. Continuing on toward the 
North after witnessing the surrender of Gen. John- 
ston, Mr. Snyder was afflicted with rheumatism and 
was sent to Washington via Newbern, N. C. He 
was placed in tlic hospital at Alexandria, ^'a., where 
he received his discharge June IC, 186.'). 

Returning to his home in Barry County with the 
$G00 he had carefully saved from his soldier's earn- 
ings, Mr. Snyder bought eight}- acres of wild land 
in Ma[)le Grove Township, and for two years 
labored at its development and at tlie carpenter's 
trade. He then sohl the property, bought in the 
town of Barry, and began the stud}' of medicine 
under Dr. Watson, of Bedford, Calhoun County. 
He entered the medical college before mentioned, 
and after his graduation and establishment at Se- 
bewa, exchanged his Barry County properly for 
land in Ionia County. He now owr.s one hundred 
and thirty acres which he superintends, having the 
work thereon done by hired help. 

In Febrnar}", 18G6, Mr. Snyder was united in 
marriage with Mary C. Bowman, daughter of Henry 
and Mary Bowmin of Johnstown. Barry County. 
Mr. Bowman was a native of New York, but im- 
migrated to the wilds of .Michigan about 183G. 
He was by birthright a member of the .Society of 
Friends, and never departed from his faith, al- 
though he was deprived of association with any 



386 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



body of Quakers after he came West. Doctor and 
Mrs. Snyder are the parents of five children — Ed- 
win M., Fanny E., Winnie B., George W. and 
Henry P. The oldest was graduated from a De- 
troit Medical College in the Class of '88, and is 
now a practicing physician and druggist at Sunfield, 
Eaton County; Henry P. married Eva, daughter of 
Benjamin Probasco. Fanny is pursuing her studies 
in Portland, .and is now in her junior year; Win- 
nie died when seven 3'ears old. 

Dr. Snyder belongs to Henry Rice Post, No. 151, 
G. A. R., at Sebcwa, and is a member of the Odd 
Fellows Lodge, in which he has held all the Chairs. 
He has always taken an interest in politics, and has 
frequently served as a delegate to county, State 
and Congressional conventions, where he lias been 
quite active. He is an unwavering Republican. 



E^^^ 



"f]AMES G. CONNER, M. D. The city of 
Ionia, Ionia County, has been the home of 
Dr. Conner but a few years, but he has ob- 
<^^Ij tained a good following and is advancing 
in medical ranks. In September, 1890, he formed 
a copartnership with Dr. Artliur P. Crofts who is 
one of the most promising young physicians of the 
city and is able to relieve the senior i)artner in many 
ways, while each works for the mutual advancement 
and brightens the mind of the other by discussion 
of scientific principles and theories ol<l and new. 
Dr. Conner had a thorough education in tlie Eng- 
lisli branches before entering upon iiis medical 
studies, and look his professional course in schools 
that are of national reputation. His practice has 
extended over a score of years, during whicli 
period he has been thoughtful and judicious in 
his treatments. 

Pennsylvania is the native State of Dr. Conner 
and is that in which his parents, John and Nancy 
(Moon) Conner, were born. Ilis father was Jus- 
tice of the Peace for manj' years. He died in 
1851, when his son James was but ten years old, 
the latter having been born at Landisburg June 
16, 1841. Our subject is one of two surviving 
members of the parental family, the other being 



William M., a merchant at Indianapolis, Ind. 
First in the common schools and then in Mt. 
Dempsey Academy, James G. Conner pursued his 
studies, and at their conclusion he entered upon the 
profession of teaching. Tlie outbreak of the Re- 
bellion roused him from his peaceful pursuit and 
ere many months he had determined to abandon it 
in favor of military life. 

August 8, 1862, Mr. Conner was enrolled in 
Company G, One Hundred and Tiiirty-third Penn- 
sylvania Infantry, becoming Fourth Sergeant. He 
had little personal knowledge of battles as the 
command of which he was a part had the fortune 
to reach the scenes of combat the day after the 
engagement more frequently than the day before. 
He had other experiences wliich belong to the life 
of a soldier during the months in which he re- 
mained in the South. He was discharged March 
10, 1863, on account of hernia, and returned to 
his native State, becoming connected with the 
Fifteenth District of Pennsylvania as Enrolling 
Otiicer and Deputy LTnited States Marslial. He held 
the position during the three drafts that were 
made in the State. 

Mr. Conner began his medical studies in the 
office of Dr. James Galbraitii at Landisburg, and 
after two years' reading attended lectures at tlie 
University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 
1864-65. He llien began practicing at Indian- 
apolis, Intl., but not being satisfied with his pro- 
fessional schooling, he left tlie city in 1866-67 and 
gave his attention to lectures in Rush Medical Col- 
lege, Chicago, from which he was graduated the en- 
suing spring. He then went to Sangamon Count}', 111., 
and for two years was located at Pleasant Plains, 
after which he traveled as a specialist in diseases 
of the eye and ear until 1873. That year he lo- 
cated at Belding, this State, which was the center 
of his practice until 1882, when he went to Kau- 
kauna. Wis. In that jilace he remained until Sep- 
tember, 1887, and then located in Ionia. 

Dr. Crofts, partner of Dr. Conner, is a young 
man of liberal education, having taken a literary 
course at Ypsilanti and a medical course at Ann 
Arbor, and continued his professional studies in 
the Long Island Collegiate Hospital, from which 
he was graduated in March, 1890. He opened an 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



387 



office in Detroit and practiced tliere three months, 
then came to Ionia and formed a connection with 
Dr. Conner. 

Dr. Conner was married in 18G9 to Miss Anna 
P. Claspill, and their union has been blest by the 
birth of five cliildren, named respectively: A'ir- 
ginia B., Leona, Nannie; Isabel (deceased); and 
Grace. Dr. Conner has been a life-Uinj;; Repub- 
lican, liis first Presidential ballot having been cast 
for Abraham Lincoln. He belongs to the Grand 
Army of the Republic and to the Royal Arcanum. 
lie is not onlj' a reputable physician, but a good 
citizen and a highly regarded member of society. 



ENRY N. ANDERSON, of the firm of 
Anderson &, Foster, is one of the financial 
pillars of Greenville, Montcalm County. 
As one of tbe most prominent business men 
of the place and one of its soundest capitalists, he 
has inlluence. and the public spirit that he mani- 
fests whenever the welfare of the city is at stake 
makes his position among the citizens still more 
important than it would otherwise be. While 
exercising good judgment regarding his personal 
affairs and making them foremost, he does not for- 
get that he is only one of many and seems to fully 
realize that his real good is bound up in that of 
the other dwellers in the town. The firm of Ander- 
son & Fosterowns the Greenville Gas Works and is 
also engaged in the manufacture of lumber; and 
Mr. Anderson is Vice President of the City Na- 
tional P.ank and the founder of the Anderson 
Packing Companj'. 

In the Emerald Isle Samuel Anderson, father of 
our subject was born and grew to manhood and 
became engaged quite extensively in farming and 
stock-dealing. Led to America by what he ha<l 
heard of her resources and institutions, he located 
in Pennsylvania and became one of the wealthiest 
men of Blair County. He settled there when the 
section was new and known as Huntingdon County. 
He gave financial aid to the building of school- 
houses, churches and roads, and took an active 
part in church work, belonging to a Presbyterian 



soeietj'. He married Susan Weaver, a Pennsyl- 
vania lady who also belonged to the Presbyterian 
Church. To them were born eight children, the 
living being George W., a detective at Alloona, 
Pa.; Henry N. of this notice; and Margaret, wife 
of Henry Painter, living in Altoona. The father 
died June 22, 1819, and the mother in March, 
1875. Mr. Anderson belonged to the old Whig 
party. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these 
paragra()hs was born in Blair County, Pa., August 
2, 1839. After his father's death he left the pa- 
rental roof and started out to "paddle his own 
canoe" on the stream of life. He had received 
some schooling in a log house where the seats were 
made of slabs and the roof of clapboards, but, 
although his book knowledge was comparatively 
limited, he knew there was a large world before 
him and plenty of work to do. Plucky and ener- 
getic he made up his mind to find employment, and 
going down on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad 
he was soon hired out to drive a two-wheeled cart, 
hauling ballast for the road. For some months he 
was a driver, then he helped to ballast the road and 
later worked on the repair force, continuing on the 
road allogether three years. He then went into 
the carshops of the same road and worked until a 
telegram was received announcing that Ft. Sumter 
bad been fired upon. 

When the telegram was read Mr. Anderson and 
Stephen I'otts threw off their outer shop clothes 
and started for Hollingsburg, not waiting for a call 
for troops. The morning after their arrival the 
call for seventy-five thousand men came, and going 
to Altoona they enlisted for three months. The3' 
wore sent to Harrisburg, thence to Baltimore, then 
to Little York, Pa., where they remained some 
li-ne, and then to Marlinsburg, Va., where Mr. 
Anderson received his discharge. He returned to 
Alloona, became foreman of the Keystone Bridge 
Company and as soon as he had finished a bridge 
over the Ohio River at Steubenville, he again en- 
tered the army. He enlisted as a private in Com- 
pany E, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantr}-, 
which formed a part of what was known as the 
Western army. During bis second enlistment he 
had charge of the wood department. He served on 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



this occasion fifteen montlis, wliich brought the 
time down to tlie close of the war. 

When his army life was over Mr. Anderson re- 
turned to Altoona and engaged in contracting and 
building for five years. He then built the City 
Steam Flouring Mill in which he carried on an 
extensive trade until 1878, when he rented the 
plant and came to Michigan. He stopped at 
Greenville and embarked in the lumber business 
as one of the firm of Loudon, Anderson & Co. 
They did an extensive business, building in Kent 
County one of the largest steam sawmills at that 
time to be seen in this part of the State, and put- 
ting up another large mill in West Troy, Newaygo 
County. They bought great quantities of pine 
land and a large force is still kept at work by the 
present firm. The first change in the proprietor- 
ship of the business was to Anderson & Grillin 
who carried on the mills a number of years, Mr. 
Griffin then giving place to Mr. Foster, the present 
partner of Mr. Anderson. The firm is Joiin J. 
Foster & Co. 

The firm of Anderson <fe Foster bought the 
Greenville Gas Works in 1887 and now supjily the 
city with gas. Mr. Anderson established his pack- 
ing company in 1890, and lias put up splendid 
buildings in which a number of men find employ- 
ment. By means of these various business enter- 
prises he has done much to build up the city, 
adding to the number of dwellings and business 
houses necessary to accommodate the inhabitants, 
and increasing the circulation of money. He owns 
a large farm in Kent County and a fine herd of 
blooded cattle. He has also a good city [iroperty 
on Franklin Street. 

The marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss .Sarah 
W. Counsman of Altoona, Fa., was solemnized in 
1862. Mrs. Anderson, who is a pleasant, well- 
informed and Christian woman, is a daughter of 
.Jacob and Sarah Counsman. Our subject's family 
consists of Ida, now Mrs. B. Miller of Altoona, 
Pa.; Carrie; Martha, wife of A. W. Middleton of 
Greenville; Manola, Samuel A., Henry N., Jr., 
Edger G., Daisj' M.; Jessie deceased; Lulu G.; and 
Bertha, deceased. The oldest daughter has four 
children — Jessie, Ada, Downs and Maggie. 

Mr. Anderson is a member of the Republican 



party and is identified with the social order of 
Knights of Pythias. He is a Trustee of the Con- 
gregational Church, of which he and bis wife are 
members in good standing. That he possesses 
business ability of a high order is proved by his 
connection with important interests, and that he is 
held in good repute ii needs but a mention of his 
name in Greenville to show. 



<* I^ILLIAM BROWN. It is due to the pio- 
\fj// neers of Michigan that their names be held 
^'^ in remembrance, and their labors recalled 
by those to whom the benefits of the present civili- 
zation have been given through their means. 
Among those who have been potent factors in de- 
veloping the natural resources of this great com- 
monwealth, comparatively few of the oldest settlers 
survive; but in Edmore, Montcalm County, there 
is living one who has been connected with affairs 
in this State for considerabl3' more than half a 
century; this is William Brown who came hither 
in 1832, accompanying his parents from the Em- 
pire State. They settled on wild laud in the south- 
eastern part of the then territory, where game 
abounded and the Chippewas roamed Ihrougli the 
forests. In later years Mr. Brown did pioneer 
work in a more central part of the State, and in'all 
the years that have passed from his boyhood he has 
been characterized by industry, enterprise and a 
desire for the good of posterity. 

Grandfather Brown was born in England whence 
he emigrated to the colonies prior to the Revolu- 
tion, in which struggle for independence he took 
part. He made his home in Rensselaer County, 
N. Y., and carried on farming there until death. 
His son AVilliam, father of our subject, was born 
there and followed in his father's footsteps .as a 
farmer and patriot, entering the service during the 
War of 1812. When he came to this State early 
in the '30s he established his home in Macomb 
County. He lived there until he had reached tlie 
ripe age of seventy-eight years when he entered 
into rest. His faithful wife, formerly Miss Annie 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



380 



Abi'atns, also breathed her last in that county. Her 
parents ivcre from New Eiiglanfl but were living 
in Rensselaer County, X. Y., when she was born. 

The parental family' included seven sons and 
daughters, and the name of our subject was third 
on the roll. His natal d.ay was October 28, 1814, 
and he was reared on the farm in the Emjiire State, 
having the advantages of the district scliool. The 
removal of the family to this .Slate was made 
on the canal to Buffalo, by steamer to Detroit and 
from that point the .young raau went on foot to the 
new home in Macomb County. He remained with 
his parents until he was twenty-two years old and 
aided his father in opening up the wild land and 
making their location comfortable and profitalile. 
When he started out in life for himself he bought 
eighty acres in Orange Township from the Govern- 
ment, and in the midst of the forest made a small 
clearing and built a log house. The floor of his 
humble dwelling w.is of basswood, split and hewed 
by his own strong arm. Around it he removed the 
forest growth and placed acre after acre under 
cultivation. For some time his nearest neighbor 
was two and a half miles distant. 

In the fall of 1841 Mr. Brown decided to change 
his place of residence to Genesee Count}', and he 
therefore bought timber land in Flushing Town- 
ship. He built upon the property and set about 
its improvement, also engaging in the manufacture 
of black salts. For five years he worked upon the 
eighty-acre tract, then removed to St. Joseph 
County and operated rented land until 1852. Dur- 
ing that year he removed to Kent County buying 
eighty acres in Cannon Township. Again he had 
arduous labor to perform in fitting his property 
for use and making it a pleasant home for an intel- 
ligent family. In connection with his agricultural 
work he engaged lo a considerable extent in lum- 
bering, and from 1876 to 1880 he gave his atten- 
tion exclusively to work connected with the hanil- 
ling of timber. He bought four hundred and eighty 
acres of pine land at Cedar Springs and manufact- 
ured shingles and lumber from all of it. 

In 1880 Mr. Brown bought one hundred and 
sixty acres in Home Township, Montcalm County, 
and eslahlished his home here. He improved the 
land, manufacturing shingles from the trees cut, 



and finally sold off one-half the estate. The acre- 
age that remains is situated on section 29, and is 
one of the most comfortable farms in the county. 
Mr. Brown still gives his attention to raising grain 
and stock and also deals in real estate. In the 
summer of 1881 he laid out an addition to Edmore, 
planting forty acres. He was poor when he began 
his life work, but his persistence and good judg- 
ment have brought him financial success and he has 
surrounded himself with many comforts, made 
|)rovision for his declining years and given his 
children considerable capital. 

Mrs. Brown has lived in this State even longer 
than her husband, having accompanied her parents 
hither in 1825. Her maiden name was Eliza A. 
Jacox. and she was born in Ohio, March 19, 1822. 
Her parents, Abijah and Mar}' (Cronk) Jacos, were 
born near Lima, N. Y., and both died in W.ayne 
County, Mich., twelve miles south of Detroit. The 
mother was of Dutch descent, being the daughter 
of Joseph Cronk, who emigrated from Holland. 
The father was a soldier in the War of 1812. 
Their family included twelve children who grew 
to maturity and Mrs. Brown was next to the 
youngest. She spent some years in Wayne Count}-, 
remaining under the parental roof until the death 
of her f.ather, when she went to Mt. Clemens, Ma- 
comb County. There she made her own living un- 
til her marriage in February, 1837, at the age of 
fifteen years. 

Of the children born to Mr. and .Mrs. Brown we 
note the following: James died when twelve years 
old; Mary L. married B. Phillips and lives at Ed- 
more; Charles E. is a farmer near that place; 
Aurilla married A. Swift and lives at Courlland, 
Kent County; Colonel Edward died when quite 
small; Harvey operates the old homestead in Kent 
County; Ella is the wife of Benjamin Rector and 
lives at Rockford, Algonia Township, Kent County. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brown celebrated their golden wed- 
ding in 1887 and received from their relatives and 
friends a number of choice gifts commemorative 
of their half century of wedded life. They take a 
just pride in the wonderful improvements that 
have taken place in Michigan during the past half 
century, and notwithstanding the hardships they 
endured and. the toilsome hours they spent, they 



3'JO 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



rejoice in liaviug liad a part in the work that has 
resulted in making this one of the finest States in 
the Union. Mr. Brown has been Vice President of 
the Edmore Agricultural Society since its organi- 
zation. His political adherence is given to the 
principles laid down in the platform of the 
Uei)ul)lican party. Mrs. Brown belongs to the 
Congregational Cliurch. The friends of the good 
couple are not confined to the community in which 
they now live, but are scattered broadcast over the 
State whose history they know so well and whose 
[)rosperily affords them so much gratification. 



-^^ 



rfF^ TKPIIEN H. KIMBALL. The simple rec- 
ord of the life of an honest, industrious man 
is the best testimonial to Ins worth and the 
best monument on which to inscribe his vir- 
tues and tlieroby infiuence others. In the following 
paragraphs we purpose to thus deal willi the gentle- 
man above named, who is too well known and iion- 
ored in tills part of Michigan to need our commend- 
ation, lie is a farmer, pleasantly located on section 
16, Lyons Township, Ionia County, where he has 
an estate consisting of two hundred and eighty 
acres. The tract is well improved and, with the 
exception of sixtj'-five acres, was cleared and 
brought to its present condition by him. The res- 
idence he occujiies was built in 1880 at a cost of 
i>.5,000 and is a neat, substantial brick structure, 
which is furnished in keeping with the financial 
ability and good taste of those who occupy it. 

Stei)heii Kimball, the father of our subject, was 
born in New Hampshire, and -there grew to man- 
hood and began his life work as a farmer. He went 
thence to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he 
married Mercy Stiles, a native of the old Bay State, 
who went to New York when a young lady. Early 
in the '30s Mr. KimbflU deci led to come West and 
with his family he traveled with a team to Calhoun 
County. He made his home where the cit)^ of 
Marshall now stands, until 1858, then came to Ionia 
County and finally died at the home of his son, oui 
subject, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. 
Mrs. Kimball died in Marshall in 1812. Within the 



limits of Calhoun County there were but few homes 
of white settlers when they located there, and the 
work they did was a potent factor in the develop- 
ment of the country. 

The family of Stephen Kimball and his good wife 
included ten children of whom we note the follow- 
ing: William, who was born in Russell Township, 
St. Lawrence County, N. Y., died there at the age 
of fourteen years; two died in infanc}'; Julius 
breathed his last in Marshall when that place was 
being colonized, and Emily died there of scarlet 
fever; William L. passed away in Iowa, and Oliver 
S. in Ionia County, this State; Laura died in Cal- 
houn County; Albert W. is a resident of Iowa; 
Stephen II., the youngest of the family, is the sub- 
ject of this life histoiy. 

The natal day of the gentleman whose name in- 
troduces these paragraphs was February 2, 1828, 
and his birthplace the town of Russel, St. Lawrence 
County, N. Y. He was a child of four years when 
his parents located at Marshall and there he re- 
mained until he was twenty years old. He studied 
in the first schoolhouse built in Calhoun County, 
and made good use of the limited opportunities of 
the place and period to acquire a knowledge of 
book lore. When he left home he came to Ionia 
County and began working b}' the month for his 
brother. He continued this for some time, but in 
1852 went to California via New York and Panama. 
Oil the shi|) were two hundred and fifty persons, 
fifty-five of whom died in one week of cholera. 
After reaching the coast Mr. Kimball spent one 
month splitting rails, receiving $75 for his labor. 
He then engaged in mining and at that occupation 
put in the rest of the two jears of his sojourn. He 
made from twentj'-five cents to $55 per day and 
averaged about IslOO per month from the time he 
left home until his return. 

Mr. Kimball returned to Michigan via (iray town, 
the Pacific steamer being "Uncle Sam," and the 
Atlantic, '-Northern Lights." He spent a week in 
the metropolis, whence became by rail to Marshall, 
then walked to Lyons, Ionia County. He had one 
hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 21 and 
22, Lyons Township, but after his return from the 
coast he bought the place he now occupies. He made 
some improvements here before bis marriage and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



391 



eontiiiuccl the work in later years, altliough the log 
house that still stands on the farm was occupied as 
a dwelling until the present residence was built. 

Mr. Kiraball was married in 1858 to Miss Mary .1. 
Wright, who was born in Marsiiall in 1838 and was 
reared there. For thirty years she looked after the 
comfort of her husband and children and did all 
she could to equip her family for the duties and 
obligations imposed upon them. She exchanged 
time for eternity in December. 1888, and her mor- 
tal remains were deposited in L^'ons Cemetery. 
Her children are, Henry L., wiio lives on the farm 
with his father: Frank H., who died when five years 
old; Flora B., wife of Frank A. Herron, living on 
a farm in Gratiot County; Minnie C, Emma A., 
and Laura A., who look after the home comfort of 
their father; Frankie M. and H. Howard, who are 
also at liorae. 

During one term Mr. Kimball held the office of 
Township Treasurer, but with this exception he has 
given his attention to general farming and .otock- 
raising. the enjoyments of social and domestic life, 
and the duties that devolve upon all good citizens. 
He possesses the true public spirit, contributes 
liberally to worthy enterprises and takes pride in 
noting the advanceraentof the people. He is social 
and agrcable, intelligent and well-read, and an hour 
spent in his society is never thrown away. 

^ I^ILLIAM A. INMAN. The farmers of 
\/\/// ^onici Count}' number among thera the 
\!y^ gentleman above named, who is a promi- 
nent citizen of Easton Township. He is the owner 
and occupant of seventy-five acres of land on sec- 
lions 23 and 2;"), which acreage has been thoroughly 
tilled in accordance with the most approved meth- 
ods and made to yield abundantly of such croi)sas 
are sown. I'pon the estate there may bo seen the 
usual farm buildings and a substantial brick resi- 
dence which was built in the fall of 1884 and pre- 
scnt« an appearance of liome comfort attractive to 
every passer-b}-. 

Mr. Inman is a native of Saratoga Count)', N. Y., 
and was born April 2, 182C. His parents were 



Daniel and Lucy (Iluyck) Inman, who were like- 
wise born in the Kmpire State and who occupied n 
farm there during the early years of the son. The 
lad pursued his studies in the district schools and 
made the most of the a<U'antages of the lime and 
place until sixteen years old, when he began to 
learn the cooper's trade with bis father, who car- 
ried on a shop in connection with farming. In the 
fall of 1 804 Mr.Inman came to Ionia County and for 
aboul ten years was engaged at his trade in Ionia, 
which was then but a small vill.age. At the expi- 
ration of tiiat period he turned his attention to 
farming, which he has carried on continuously, 
although at various limes he has given some atten- 
tion to other enterprises as well. For a number of 
years he spent the winter in lumbering. He made 
his present location in 1869. 

When quite young Mr. Inman was married to 
Miss Jlargaret Annabel, daughter of Ephraim and 
Lottie Annabel, the ceremony being performed 
December 24, 1845. The wife died in New York 
August 27, 1852. To her had been born a son, 
Marion M. now deceased. May 11, 185G, Mr. In- 
man was married a second time, his bride bein" 
Jane E. Rolfe, who survived only until January 
21, 1857. Once more Mr. Inman entered into the 
marriage relation, winning for his companion Mrs. 
Sarah M. Inman, nee Wilcox, with whom he was 
united May 27, I860. This lady was born in Sara- 
toga County, N. Y., January 17, 1825, and is a 
daughter of Joseph and Lovina (Rogers) Wilcox. 
Her paternal ancestors were Englisii and her mater- 
nal, (ierman. She was first married in the Empire 
State June 30, 1853, to Alva Inman who departed 
this life September 30, 1855. In the spring of the 
preceding year they had come to Ionia County 
where she has remained and where several years 
after becoming a widow she became the wife of our 
subject. 

The infiuential position occupied by Mr. Inman 
is due to his worth of character and the manner in 
which he has served iiis fellow-men in positions of 
trust and in his genuine interest in their prosperity. 
He has been Township Road Commissioner, was 
President of the Ionia County Agricultural Society 
three years and Vice President, Treasurer and 
Director ,Ht other times. Politically he i.sa Rennl.- 



392 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lioan. He is identified witii Ibe county Grange. 
Although he began his career in life with little 
means lie has had a goodly acreage and his present 
possession is sufficient to stamp him as one of the 
substantial farmers of the township. He sold to 
the State a part of the land now occupied by the 
buildings of the House of Correction. He and his 
" wife are active in the social affairs of their neigh- 
borhood and in the benevolent and church work, 
both being identified with the Christian Church, in 
which Mr. Inman is Trustee and Deacon. They 
have the goodwill of all who know them and many 
are they who feel a much warmer friendship. 



'jf? EVI SHOTWELL is the owner and occu- 
I (?g) pant of one of the pleasant farms of Ionia 
ji'—^. County. It consists of one hundred and 
forty acres of fertile laud on section 2, Danliy 
Township, every part of which is under good culti- 
vation or devoted to the use of the occupants and 
the pasturage of the stock raised. This farm has 
been the home of Mr. Shotweli but a short time, 
but he has been identified with the interests of the 
county for more than a quarter of a century, and 
is well known among the farmers and those with 
whom that class has dealings. 

Mr. Shotweli is a son of Benjamin and Sarah 
(Hoag) Shotweli, who were natives of New Jersey 
and New York respectivel}% and belonged to the 
Society of Friends. The grandparents, both pa- 
ternal and maternal, were also of that religious 
faith. The father died about 1866, and the mother 
followed hi in to the silent land three years later. 
He of whom we write was born in Genesee County, 
N. Y., January 2, 1827, and is the fifth of the nine 
children who grew to maturity and represented the 
family traits. He attended the district school, and 
at the age of eighteen years started in life on his 
own account, agreeing to give his father $200 for 
his time until he was of age. Before he reached 
his majority he had saved that amount and about 
$100 besides, and making a prompt payment of his 
indebtedness to his father, he was ready to estab- 
lish a home with the fund remaining. He contin- 



ued to reside in the Empire State until 1864, when 
he came to Ionia County and located on section 9, 
Portland Township. There he pursued his indus- 
trious career until the fall of 1889, when betook 
possession of his present place of abode. 

The wife to whom IMr. Shotweli was married Oc- 
tober I, 1848, bore the maiden name of Sarah Ee- 
tes. Her parents, Allen and Eliza (Pope) Estcs, 
were born in Maine, and shortly after their mar- 
riage removed to New York, where the husband 
died in 1864, and the wife in 1880. Both were of 
English descent, but their ancestors for several 
generations have been American born. They were 
the parents of nine children who grew to maturity, 
and five of whom reside in this State. 

Mr. and Mrs. Shotweli have reared a son and 
daughter, of whom we note the following facts : 
Freeman was born July 21, 18G3, and when grown 
to manhood married Sophia Culver, daughter of 
Charles and Lovinia Culver. His wife died ten days 
after the birth of a son, Levi, and the infant found 
a home with its grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Shot- 
well. Eliza supplemented the knowledge gained in 
the district schools by two years' attendance in the 
High School at Portland, and has taught several 
terms. She was married to Charles D. Riker, Jan- 
uary 19, 1875, and has one child, lieva. Mr. Riker 
died in March, 1889, and the widow with her child 
has gone to her parents' home. In 1850 Mr. and 
Mrs. Shotweli took an infant upon whom they be- 
stowed the name of Josephine Shotweli. Siie be- 
came the wife of Benjamin Aldrich, but died at the 
home of her foster parents seven years later. Not 
long after adopting that child, our subject and his 
good wife took to their home a ten-j-ear-old boy 
named James Cornell, and he too received affection- 
ate care, and was given equal opportunities with 
their own children. He was still living with them, 
although on a visit to friends in Illinois, when 
stricken by an illness which terminated his life at 
the age of twenty-one years and five months. 

It falls to the lot of few men to be as prominent 
in local offices as Mr. Shotweli has been. He was 
Township Supervisor six years, and Highway Com- 
missioner sixteen, and there was scarcely a time 
that he did not hold a school otBce, either Director, 
Moderator or Assessor. His political record is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



305 



equalled by tliat of few men, and excelled by none, 
as he has never missed a Presidential, State, or 
even townsiiip election since he became a voter, 
and cast his first ballot for Zachary Taylor in 1818. 
He is an unfaltering Republicau, and has often been 
the representative of his party in county and State 
conventions. Mr. Sliotwell belongs to a Masonic 
lodge at Porllaiul, and in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at that place the names of himself and wife, 
son and daughter, are enrolled as members. 



'if OSEPH P. POWELL. In looking over louia 
County for a man whose life can be held up 
as a worthy example to those who are becom- 
ing discouraged with their progress, the 
history of Joseph P. Powell attracts attention. 
This p-entleman whose portrait appears on the 
oi)posite liage is a farmer located on section 33, 
Ronald Township, and has made such good use of 
his natural abilities as to have become wealthy, and 
in accumulating his property has been guilty of no 
act unbecoming a gentleman. His home farm con- 
sists of four hundred acres of land and he has six 
hundred acres in other parts of the State. He also 
owns property in Lansing, Palo and Ionia, and has 
considerable live stock, that on the home place in- 
cluding one hundred and fifty head of well-bred 
sheep and thirty head of cattle. Although his 
abundant means give him great influence, yet his 
fine character is a belter model than his financial 
skill. 

Mr. Powell was born in Oneida County, N. Y., 
February' 28, 1821, and is the thiril son and fifth 
child of John L. and Margaret (Hulbert) Powell. 
His father was born in Massachusetts, January' 1, 
1780, and his mother was a native of Middletown, 
Conn. The former was a graduate of Williams 
College. During the War of 1812, John L. Powell 
took part in the figiit at Sackett's Harbor. He 
was married in Trenton, Oneida Count3', N. Y., 
in 1806, and spent the balance of his life there, 
dying June 2.5, 1871. His faithful wife passed 
away July 7, following, and they ^ were buried in 
the same grave. The husband had attained to 



the venerable age of ninety-one years and the 
wife was eight3'-four. They had ten children, those 
now living being Herbert, Jane, Joseph P. and 
William. 

The subject of this biographical notice acquired 
his fundamental edtication in the neighborhood of 
his erirly home, and he then attended the academy 
at Holland Patent. He remained with his parents 
until he was twenty years old, then came to this 
State and spent the winter in Calhoun Count3-, 
eng.aging in teaching. In the summer he worked 
on a farm, and after a sojourn of about twelve 
months he returned to his native State. A year 
later he again turned his footsteps westward, but 
located in Desplaines, twentj-tliree miles from 
Chicago, 111., where he spent a year in the butcher's 
business. Thence he came to Ionia County and 
settled where he is still living, taking possession of 
a tract of land on which not a tree had been cut. 
He built a log house, began clearing and gave the 
winter months to teaching in the district sciiool. 

The com))anion with whom Mr. Powell estab- 
lished his liome in Ionia County, became his wife 
November 11, 1846, prior to which date she was 
known as Miss Ruth Ann Goodwin. .She was born 
in Oneida County, N. Y., September 14, 1831, an<l 
came to Michigan with her parciits when but nine 
years old. Her father was a Deacon in tlie Baptist 
Church. Both parents, Chauncey and Sarah (Hub- 
bard) Goodwin, were born in Connecticut. Mrs. 
Powell was carefully reared and given an under- 
standing of domestic affairs as well as S'jhool 
branches, so that she is intelligent in a general sense 
and in all that pertains to housekeeping. Mr. and 
Mrs. Powell have three daughters and four sons. 
The eldest child Fannie, is the wife of William E. 
Normington and lives in Ronald Township; Henry 
W. is pastor of the Baptist Church in Travis City ; 
Mary, who is still at home, is an artist and has 
adorned the residence with many products of her 
brush; Ella M., Mrs. W. G. Barnes, lives in Coopers- 
ville, her husband being a publisher and editor there ; 
Horace H. is living in Montcalm Count3-; Harmon 
J. is pastor of the IJaptist Church in Creston, Iowa; 
Herbert E. is farming on section 34, Ronald Town- 
ship. 

Mr. Powell does not seek public honors but has 



396 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIC iL ALBUM. 



accepted some local offices, such as Highway Com- 
missioner. Townsliip Treasurer and School Inspec- 
tor. In politics he is a Republican. He and his 
wife, as well as the various members of their fam- 
ily, belong to the Baptist Church. Mr. Powell has 
always been temperate in all things and never uses 
tobacco in any form. He is a liberal giver to all 
worthy enterprises, has been hard worliing and 
thrifty, and has so sound a reputation that his name 
was accepted as one of the bondsmen when the 
courthouse in Ionia was beiiig erected. He is 
quite popular, having in addition to his sturdy 
qualities of character, u cordial and friendly man- 
ner. 

!)IIOMAS REGIS is one of the best known 
and most thriving of the business men of 
Edmore, Montcalm County. He handles 
groceries and produce and carries the largest stock 
of the former kept in the town. His course in life 
has been marked by earnest industry, frugality and 
integrity, and has resulted in advancing him from 
the position of a lad without means to that of the 
man of influence and financial prosperity. At least 
two of the direct ancestors of our subject have 
borne the same given name as himself. His grand- 
father was an English farmer who died in his native 
land and his father was born and reared near 
Dover. The latter was a striker in iron works until 
18.56, when he decided to emigrate to America. 

AVith his wife and four children Mr. Regis left 
Liverpool Harbor on a sailing-vessel and after a 
voyage of six weeks landed in Quebec, Can.ada. 
He went to the vicinity of Toronto and rented a 
large farm, where he carried on his work some 
two }'ears. He then removed to St. Clair Count)', 
this State and again operated rented land, living 
near Lakeport four years. Thence he came to the 
central part of the State and for six years his home 
was near Ionia. He then bought a farm near Sher- 
idan, placed it under good improvement and re- 
sided upon it six years. At the expiration of that 
period he bought forty acres near Bushnell, where 
he is now living. He is an earnest, upright man, 
who has been a hard worker and is still active and 



useful. He is a Democrat in politics and a Meth- 
odist in religion. He is now soventy-five years 
old, while his faithful wife is three years younger. 
She bore the maiden name of Caroline Brown, was 
born at Deal on the coast of England, and is the 
daughter of a member of the life saving crew at 
that point. 

The family in which Tiiomas Regis of this notice 
is the third child consists of five living members 
and one deceased. Our subject was born near 
Dover, England, February 4, 1852, and was four 
years old when brought across the ocean, making a 
voyage that he well remembers. From the age of 
six years his life has been spent in Michigan and 
his education was principally obtained in the 
schools of Montcalm CountJ^ He was early set to 
work and when fifteen years old left home to learn 
shingle-making. He became proficient in all the 
branches of the business, during the three years he 
spent with Fred Nefl. In 1870 he made his way 
on foot to Home Township, where he was emplo^'ed 
in the shingle-mill of Orlh & White four years. 
During that period his visits to his parents were 
made on foot. 

The next seven years were spent by Mr. Regis 
in the employ of Mr. Thomas and he then became 
foreman for Mr. Glen, continuing in that capacity 
two years. In 1879 he came to Edmore and became 
proprietor of St. James Hotel, now the Hotel .Tones, 
after carrying on the establishment about eighteen 
months, M. Regis sold out and opened a restaurant, 
which he conducted a 3'ear. He next became clerk in 
the grocery store of C. W. Stofford and remained in 
the establishment until he was elected Marshal. He 
acted in that ollicial capacity four years, during 
which time he was also deputy Sheriff under Mr. 
Summers. He had some narrow escapes from in- 
jury and passed through some experiences that 
make a romantic tale. In the spring of 188.5, in 
partnership with II. Sackett, he entered into the 
grocery business, but six months later bought out 
I\Ir. Stevens, having dissolved his connection with 
Mr. Sackett. He has continued the sale of groceries 
and added produce to the commodities in which he 
deals. 

In 1876 Mr. Regis was married to Miss Emma 
Tryon, the ceremony taking place in Sheridan. 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPJIICAL ALHUM. 



397 



The bride's father was a veteran of the Civil War 
and died from tiie eflfects of exposure and liardsiiips 
endured >Yliile aiding in tiie defense of the old flag, 
Mrs. Regis was born in New Yorlc State, was well 
reared, and discharges the duties of her position 
in a creditable manner. She has borne her husband 
three children, named respectively Vera and Verna 
(twins), and Floyd. 

Mr. Regis has bc(;n one of tiie Milage Tru.steos 
three years and he is now serving on the School 
Board. He is a Republican "first, last and always" 
and has been a delegate to county conventions. 
The only social order with which he is connected 
is Masonry, in which he has attained to the Royal 
Arch degree, his chapter merabershi[) being in 
Stanton, and his Blue Lodge connection in Kdmorc. 
His religious faith is tiiat exjiressed in the creed of 
the Baptist Church, and he is a Superintendent of 
the the Sunday-school connected with that organi- 
zation. He is liberal-minded and has done what he 
could to aid the various denominations represented 
in Kdmore to build houses of worsliip, and joins 
with each and all in benevolent work. 



^I'NTHONY FOX, one of the aged citizens 
(@r-ll | of Ionia County', has lived on section 25, 

/// it Lyons Township, for many years. When 
^(1 he took possession of a tract of land here 
he was in a poorly developed part of the State and 
his own property hail no improvements upon it. 
He has done much hard work and has been a 
potent factor in the improvement of this section 
and is deserving of that which he has — the respect 
of those who are enjoying the fruits of the labors 
of himself and men like him, who opened ii|) the 
country for civilization. 

Mr. Fox is a native of Germany, born October 
26, 1811, and received his education and early 
training in his native land. He acquired a good 
fund of practical information under the excellent 
school system of the Empire, and, as was the cus- 
tom, served in the array three ^-ears. He accom- 
panied his father to America in 1 840, their landing 
being made in New York City, where they re- 



mained four days. Tbence they came to Detroit 
Wirt Albany and Buffalo and for six v.-eeks remained 
in the City of the Straits. Our subject then came 
to his i)resent place of abode and began the work 
of improvement, the tract being in its primitive 
condition. It was necessary for Mr. Fox to work 
hard, as was the case with others who developed 
tiic fo'.'cst lands of this section, but he was rewarded 
liy seeing his land become fruitful and attractive. 

The marriage of Mr. Fox and Miss Mary Schaf- 
fer was solemnized in this State in 184G. The 
bride was born in CJermany and emigrated to 
America the year of her marriage. She is still liv- 
ing on the homestead, she and her husband being 
inmates of the home of their son, John P. They 
have had thirteen children, eight of whom are now 
living. The names of the survivors are Elizabeth, 
Catherine, Theodore, Mathias, Stephen, Emma, 
Mary and Joiin P. The latter was born in Cfinton 
County, Februaiy 21, 1S60, and reared in Ionia 
County. He is now carrying on the homestead, 
operating eighty acres of land that is as fertile as 
any in the county, and is well-stocked and intelli- 
gently handled. The father has given each of the 
fuur sons an eighty-acre tract, and himself remains 
with the youngest. John Fox was married in 1881) 
to Ida Simmons, who was born and reared in this 
State and is a capable and intelligent woman. Mr. 
Fox votes the Democratic ticket. Father and son 
are reliable in all the relations of life, have good 
reputations in business circles, and many friends in 
the conimunitv. 



"^l] ACOB SNKLL, a prominent and successful 
agriculturist of Easton Township, Ionia 
County, was born in Steuben Count}', N. Y., 
April 7, 1831. Of his parents, Sylvenus T. 
and Susan (Tunison) Snell more extended mention 
is ni.ade in the sketch of George A. Snell which 
ma)' be found in this volume. He had no advan- 
tages for education other than are given in the 
district sciiools of those carl)- ilays, but b)' reading 
and research he has made himself a thoroughly 



398 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



informed man. He did much pioneer work after 
coming with bis parents in 1849 lo Ionia County. 
He wa.s married January 1, 1852, to Elmira Kol- 
lo.<rg, daughter of Charles and Isabella (Blodgett) 
Kellogg, early settlers of Ionia County. By their 
union he has three children, Victoria E. (deceased), 
Orson T. and Watson C. His humble log cabin 
lias been replaced some years by a handsome 
residence in which he now resides and where he 
overlooks the work of cultivating the one hundred 
and twenty broad and fertile acres in his posses- 
sion. 

The beloved wife of his youth who had been his 
devoted helpmate and counselor, departed this life 
November 5, 1880. Her friends and neighbors 
united with her family in mourning her loss. She 
was one of the pioneer women of the county, having 
come here in 1851. Mr. Snell is a consistent 
member of the Free Methodist Church and ofTi- 
ciates as Trustee of the same. Ho has seen the 
country grow up from a wild state to its present 
prosperous condition. He is a Prohibitionist in 
politics and widely popular for his hospitable and 
neighborly kindness. The parents of his wife 
had eight children, all of whom are deceased. 
Tbey were: Orson, Louisa, Shiverisk (ex-Repre- 
sentative of Ionia County), Charles, Rodney, 
Emil}', Elmira and Isabella. Mrs. Snell was iden- 
tified with the Free Methodist Church and was 
highly respected for her many womanly virtues. 
Mr. Snell is classed among the prosperous wide- 
awake and i)ublic-spirited citizens of Ionia County. 

\Tr=^ DWIN ABBEY. Among the [nominent and 
|fel successful citizens of Koene Township who 
/f' — ^ have been selected for representation in this 
Bio<;kapiiical Album is the popular and worthy 
ex-Clerk of Keene Township, Ionia Counlj", the 
subject of this sketch and a native of the Green 
Mountain State. Edwin Abbey was born in Addi- 
son County, Vt., October 26, 1826. His parents 
Eleazer and Betsey (North) Abbey, were both na- 
tives of Vermont. His maternal Grandfather 
North was a hero in the Revolutionary War and 



was of English descent. His paternal ancestry is 
from Scotland. Of four children born to his par- 
ents, three are living — Edwin, Gideon and B3-ron S. 

The subject of this sketch was reared to man- 
hood among his native Green Mountains and when 
quite young he began the trade of a wheelwright 
or wagon-maker. He followed this trade until he 
was about twenty years old, after which he took up 
the trade of a carpenter and joiner and also taught 
school during the winter season for a number of 
years, both in Vermont and in Michigan. 

The marriage of Edwin Abbe^' with Abby Heald 
took i)lace September 4, 1853. Mrs. Abbey was 
born in Washington County, N. Y., Deceniber 2, 
1833, and is the daughter of Daniel and Pamelia 
(Winslow) Heald. Her mother, now nearly four- 
score years old, resides with our subject. Her 
great-grandfather Heald was in the battle of Con- 
cord and was a resident of that town. Mrs. Abbey 
was one of six children, four of whom are living. 
Her surviving brothers and sisters are; John who 
lives in California; Phrebe, wife of J. W.Mitchell, 
residents of Kansas; and Mary, wife of Cornelius 
Myers, of Oceana Count}', Mich. 

Mr. and Mrs. Abbey have been blessed with 
one daughter, Mar^' E., who was born November 
20, 1873. They have, however, one adopted son. 
Ransom Abbe^-, who resides in Otisco Township. 
In 1853 Mr. Abbey with bis wife came to Ionia 
County and settled on a farm where he now resides 
in Keene Township. He purchased eighty acres 
from the State and paid for it at the rate of 81 per 
acre. A board shanty 12xlG feet formed their first 
residence here. Some time later they erected a 
frame house where they resided man}' 3'ears. The 
fine residence where they now live was built in 
1878. Mr. Abbey cut the first tree that was 
chopped down on this farm and has himself cleared 
the place. He has undergone the usual hardships 
and self-denials of pioneer life. 

Our subject served for several terms as Clerk of 
Keene Township, also one term as its Treasurer. 
He is a Republican in politics. For many 3'ears 
he served as Postmaster of Keene, the oflice being 
located in his residence. That Mr. Abbey has been 
successful finnnciallj', his fine residence and splen- 
did farm abundantly testify' and the hospitality 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



399 



» 



extended by himself and his good wife is known 
far and wide. lie is well-informed on the great 
political questions which agitate tlie minds of our 
American citizens, is thoroughly grounded in the 
doctrines of protection to American industries 
and believes that America is for Americans, lie 
is a tyi)ical New England Yankee as well as a typ- 
ical Western pioneer. An extensive reader and a 
close student he has observed critically and has 
attained to progressive and modern ideas. 

f^ KRHKKT BAILEY. It is strange how 
j) quickly the reputation of an hotel is sent 
broadcast among the traveling public, yet 
any thoughtful person will see at once that 
a commercial traveler will never allow a brother 
salesman to be long in ignorance of the good hos- 
telries. Among the most popular of these in Cen- 
tral Michigan Is the Bailey House in Ionia, which 
is kept by gentlemen who thoroughly understand 
their business, supply their guests with an abund- 
ance of creature comforts and treat them with affa- 
bility and true courtesy. One of the proprietors of 
this ''traveler's delight" is the gentleman whose 
name introiluces these paragraphs and whose bio- 
graphical record is written below. 

The Baileys came originally from England and 
made their emigration to America during the 
troublous times when the Colonists were expressing 
their ideas regarding the tyranny of the home 
government. A father and three sons came to 
Rutland County, ^'t., and all but one were killed 
by Tories, the exception being Oliver, who saved 
his life by hiding in some alder brush. He had 
seen the enemy coming and given the alarm, but it 
was useless to attempt to flee, or do aught but 
make an effort at concealment in the vicinlt3\ 
After the slaughter the Tories compelled the 
women to prepare a supper In the presence of their 
dead and had a hilarious time over the feast. Oli- 
ver Bailey- was wounded In the foot. He after- 
ward removed to Wayne County, N. Y., where he 
died in 181G. In his family was a son, Ephralm, 
who came to this Slate many years after his father's 



decease, and was cared for by a son until his death, 
in 1880, when he was almost ninet}' years old. He 
ha<l been blind for twenty' 3'cars. 

The ne.\t In the direct line of descent was Lcman 
II., who was born in W.ayne Count}', X. Y., Janu- 
ary- 1, 1820, and was brought up to hotelkeeiiing. 
He began his experience after marriage by opening 
an inn at Shalersville, three miles from Cleveland, 
Ohio, on the Cleveland <fe Pittsl)urg Plank Road 
and the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad. The 
location is now within the limits of the Forest 
City. In 18.52 Mr. Bailey came to Ionia County, 
Mich., and opened a grocery store, and subse- 
quently ke[)t a baker}-. He was burned out twice. 
Resuming his former occupation in the old lligliam 
House, he pursued It four years then re-engaged In 
the grocery trade. The present property was 
bought in ISS.'i, but has been rebuilt and clianged 
so that it is now one of the best hotel plants In the 
county. 

Leman Bailey married Rachel Klink, a native of 
Ohio, and to them have been born eight children. 
Those who are now living are Frank A., a confec- 
tioner at Port Huron; Mary A., wife of Frank 
Keeler of East .Saginaw, Paymaster of the Flint & 
Pere Maiquette Railroad; Herbert, the subject of 
this notice, and Edwin, wlio is also Interested in 
the hotel business in Ionia. Mrs. Bailey is a de- 
vout member of the Church of Christ. Mr. Bailey 
is a Mason. In 1841 lie was Deput}' Shcrlflf of 
Cuyahoga County, Ohio. 

Herbert Bailej' was born in Twinsburg, Summit 
County, Ohio, December 25, 1815. Having been 
much of his life a dweller in an hotel kept by his 
father, he early learned how to manage such an 
establishment and as a caterer he is A No. 1. Not- 
withstanding the multitudinous duties connected 
with his occupation, he finds time to take a part in 
the civil affairs and the social pleasures of the city 
He has been a member of the Council four years 
and belongs to the Royal Arcanum, Knights of the 
Maccabees, Knights of I'ythias, and Masons. He is 
connectcil with the Ilotelkeepci-s Union of the 
United States. The Ionia County Fishing Club 
has him for its President and he is Interested in 
stocking streams with trout and active in sports- 
men's work durinar the season. He was married at 



400 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the bride's home in Owasso, November 20, 1870, 
to Miss Celia M. Rice, who lias borne him one 
child, Jessie. Mrs. Bailey is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Ciuirch. 

Edwin Bailey was born in Ionia March 18, 18G3. 
Like his brother Herbert he casts a Democratic ballot 
and belongs to the social orders of Knights of 
Pythias, Knights of tlie Maccabees and Royal Ar- 
canum. He is also identified with the Indepen- 
dent Order of Foresters. He is a member of the 
Episcopal Church. He was married February 24, 
188G, to Esther Young, daughter of Jolin and Mary 
Jane Young. The young couple have a son, John 
Ildward. 



~ v;''i'':. 3B3j: 9]i'i''. ?' 



AVID L. THOMPSON. This name will 
be recognized b}' many readers as that of 
one of the stockmen of Ionia County, who 
is giving special attention to breeding im- 
proved Chester AVhiLe and Suffolk swine. He has 
been identified with the citizens of Otiseo Town- 
ship since 1866 and has been a factor in the pros- 
perity of the township, not alone by his occupation 
in life, but b}' the improvements he has made upon 
his land since he became its possessor. He owns 
seventy-seven acres on section 28, whose value he 
has greatly increased by his judicious improvement 
and continual development. 

Mr. Thompson, although a native of this State, 
represents old New York families, being a son of 
James and Rhoda (Crawford) Thompson, who left 
the Empire State for the West in 1828. Thej^ 
made their home in Macomb County and there the 
father owned and operated one hundred and 
seventy-seven acres of land. He lived until the 
year 1864, but the mother of our subject died in 
1840. The parental family consisted of nine sons 
and one daughter, the subject of this notice being 
the sixth son. The other members of the family 
are IloUey, Robert, John, William, Myron, James 
N., Gilbert L., George W. and Nancy. ]Mrs. 
Thompson belonged to the Universalist Church. 
Mr. Thompson served three months during the 



War of 1812 and his father-in-law was a Revolu- 
tionary soldier. 

The date of the birth of David L. Thompson 
was May 10, 1832, and the place where that event 
transpired was Macomb County, this State. He 
remained tliere until he was thirty-three years old, 
making his home with his parents as long as thej- 
lived. When old enough to work for himself he 
took up the labors of life with considerable zeal 
and worked at the carpenter's trade and farming 
until his removal to Ionia County. In politics he 
is a Republican. He is a reliable citizen, a man of 
straightforward dealings, and one whose character 
is honorable. 

Mr. Thompson was married in Lapeer County to 
i\Iary E. Patch, the date of the ceremony being 
April 8, 1866. The bride was a daughter of Anson 
B. and Ann L. (Jewell) Patch, natives of Massa- 
chusetts and New York respectively. Their family 
consisted of Mary E., Betsey, Angeline and George. 
The father made a second marriage, wedding Miss 
Emily Sullivan, who bore him four children named 
respectively, Elmer A., Dorothy A., Jane E. and 
Frank S. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are blest with 
one son living, whose name is Fred A. Tliey lost 
a child named Clare B., at the age of fifteen months. 

\T^DWIN PORTER, who represents Douglass 
||a Township, Montcalm County, on the Board 
/mL^i of Supervisors, has for more than twenty 
years been identified with the growth and progress 
of the county. Possessing rare business capabili- 
ties, indomitable energy and untiring perseverance, 
it is not strange that he is numbered among the 
most prominent citizens of the township, while his 
record as a soldier battling for the preservation of 
the Union, justly entitles him to the esteem of all 
who love their country. He owns and operates a 
fine farm of eighty acres, pleasantly situated on 
section 23, and here he may usually be found en- 
gaged in the varied duties of his calling. He keeps 
thoroughly posted upon the latest improvements in 
farming machinery and methods of improving the 
land, and since he located here in September, 1883, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



401 



he has embellished his estate with substantial 
buildings and brought the laud to a high degree of 
cultivation. 

The immediate progenitors of Mr. Porter were 
Orange and Mary (Daniels) Porter, natives of Ver- 
mont and Ohio. During liieir residence in Rich- 
field Township, Summit County, Ohio, he of wiiom 
we write was born June 27, 1845. When only two 
years old he was brought by his parents to Hills- 
dale County, Mich., where he passed his youth in 
the usual manner of farmers' sons, attending the 
district schools during the winter season and aiding 
in the work on the farm in the summer. His fa- 
ther developed a fine farm from the raw land which 
he pureiiased in Hillsdale Coutjty, and upon this 
homestead he still resides at the good old age of 
seventy-six 3'ears. During his active life he took 
great interest in political affairs and served several 
^•ears as Su|)ervisor; lie has now retired from the 
more active duties of life, honored and esteemed 
l)y all who know him, and is passing his declining 
years in quietude and in the enjoyment of those 
comforts which he accumulated while in his prime. 

On October 16, 1863, our subject enlisted in the 
Tnion army as a private in Battcrj' F, First Mich- 
igan Light Artillery and was mustered into service 
at Kalamazoo, Mich. He was ordered to Kentucky 
where, with others in his coro[)any, he participated 
in the hunt after the rebel, John Morgan, through 
Kentucky and Tennessee, having daily skirmishes 
on the waj'. We next find Mr. Porter stationed at 
Knoxville, Tenn., where the Union army was he- 
sieged during the winter of 1863-64 and where 
they suffered innumerable hardships and priva- 
tions. In the spring of 1864 the b.atter}' joined 
Sherman's army and proceeded to Atlanta, after the 
capture of which they followed Hood to Nashville. 
The capture and annihilation of that army is a 
matter of history and its effect upon the nation 
was immediate and startling. Battery F, which 
had contributed so largely to IIooil's defeat, was 
sent to Washington, D. C, and after being re- 
equipi)ed, was ordered to Goldsboro, N. C, where 
the}' joined Sherman's army. 

The last battle in which the battery took part 
after the surrender of Johnston was the battle of 
Kingston or Goldsboro, and after that engagement 



they were ordered to Newbern, N. C. Mr. Porter 
was honorably discharged at Jackson, Mich., July 
1.1865. The i)rincipal engagements in which he 
took part were: Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Peach 
Tree Creek, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Culp House, Decatur and Jonesboro, Ga., Nash- 
ville and Goldsboro, N. C. In the march to 
Atlanta his battery was under fire from the enemy 
for one hundred and four consecutive days in vari- 
ous skirmishes. As one who stood in proud de- 
fense of our nation and knew no fear of death or 
defeat, Mr. Porter is entitled to the high esteem in 
which he is held by all who know him. 

Immediately after his return to the i)ursuits of 
civic life, Mr. Porter engaged in farming at 
the old homestead, and also followed the saw- 
mill business for two years. On October 19, 1869, 
he was united in marriage to Miss Adelia M. Rey- 
nolds, the daughter of Chauncey and Tryphena 
(Tuttle) Reynolds, natives of Steuben County, 
N. Y., and early settlers in Hillsdale County. Mrs. 
Porter is a lady of great refinement, culture of 
mind and kindness of heart. Her union with our 
subject has been blessed to them by the birth of 
three children, viz: Nellie A. who was born 
August 10, 1870, married Harvey Hancock and 
now lives one mile east of her father's home; Ida 
Alice, born November 1, 1874, is now teaching 
school; Myron Thomsis, who was born April 25, 
1878, is at home. 

After his marriage Mr. Porter located in Sidney 
Township, Montcalm Count}', where he purchased 
•an unimproved farm of forty acres. This he 
cleared and im)iroved, cultivated the soil, and em- 
bellished the estate with subst:intial buildings for 
the stor.age of grain and the shelter of stock and 
farming machinery. The place was considerably 
improved when Mr. Porter sold it at a fair profit, 
and locating in Do\iglass Townshi|) in Septemhcr, 
1883, h.as since devoted his attention to tlie develop- 
ment of his eighty -acre farm here. His commodi- 
ous residence and pleasant surroundings invariably 
attract the a<lmiring attention of the passing 
traveler and the first impression is deepened upon 
closer examination. In his political belief, Mr. 
Porter is a Prohibitionist with Republican tendencies 
and takes an active interest in local affairs. He 



402 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



served Sidney Townsliip as Justice of the Peace for 
eight years, and as Treasurer two years. He has 
been Justice of liie Peace in Douglass Township 
for four years, Highw.ay Commissioner two years, 
Treasurer one year, and is now Supervisor. In 
whatever position he is placed, he brings to its 
duties the good judgment and untiring energy 
which characterize his actions in every department 
of labor. 



♦^-^ 



^^ HARLES E. BROWN, a prosperous agricul- 
(l( J-. turist of Home Townsliip, Montcalm County, 
^^^ bas a fine farm and a considerable tract of 
land in the town of Edmore. He makes his residence 
in the village and deals in real estate there, and also 
carries on his farm, dividing his attention between 
the raising of cereals and stock and such small crops 
as are suited for the market of this section. His 
farm consists of two hundred acres on sections 27 
and 30 and bears all necessary buildings. It is care- 
fully handled and produces well, giving adequate 
returns for the labor expended upon it. 

Our subject is tiie second in a family of five 
children born to Mr. ami Mrs. William Brown whose 
biography is found elsewhere in this Album. He 
was born in Shelby, Macomb County this State 
March 11, 1844, and when three years old was taken 
to St. Joseph County, whence the family removed 
to Kent County a few years later. There he grew 
to manhood on a farm in Cannon Township, helping 
his father clear and develop the land and learning 
booklore in the district school. He managed a 
breaking plow to wliich five or six j'oke of oxen 
were attaciied, picked out grubs on the tracts where 
trees had just been felled, and did other woik by 
means of which land is prepared for crops. His 
attendance at school was mainl}' during the winter 
months and he had to go some distance to a log 
schoolhouse where he sat on slab benches. 

When he was of age Mr. Brown left his parents' 
dwelling and began farming for himself. He bought 
a tract of new land in Oakfield Township, and as 
he had means and opportunity added to the original 
eighty until the estate comprised one hundred and 



fifty-eight acres, and placed all but twent}' under 
the plow. lie drew wheat seventeen miles with 
oxen and received ^2.98 per bushel. In 1877 Mr. 
Brown removed to the township in which his parents 
lived and carried on the homestead until the fall of 
1 880. He then came to Montcalm County and bought 
one hundred and fourteen acres on section 30, Home 
Township. He located in Edmore and gave his 
time and energy to the cultivation of his land, and 
ere long added ninety-five acres to the property, 
this being on section 27. He also bought twenty 
acres within the corporation with buildings, and in 
1885 put up a fine residence that is considered the 
best in tlie place. 

In Rockford, Kent County, March 31, 1868, Mr. 
Brown was married to Miss Rozella Bush, daugiiter 
of AVilliara and Eliza (Deck) Bush. Her parents 
were born in Herkimer County N. Y. and her grand- 
parents belonged to the agricultural class of the 
Empire State. Grandfather Deck came to this State 
and died here at the age of ninety years. He was 
unusually active and but twelve months before his 
decease rode horseback. Mr. Bush came to Kent 
County early in the '50s and with his fat!ier-in- 
law improved a tract of land which they operated 
for some time. It was finally sold and Mr. Bush 
retired to Rockford, where he still lives. He is a 
slanch Republican in his political views. Mrs. 
Brown is the fourth child of her parents and was 
born near Morristown, Herkimer County, N. Y. 
June 15, 1848. Having come to this State with 
her parents in her early childhood she was reared 
in Kent County and obtained her education there. 
She is well informed, kind and efficient, and in the 
intervals of home duties finds opportunities to be 
useful to the community. 

The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Brown is Edith, 
who was graduated from the Edmore Higii School 
in 1886. Her love for the beautiful has led her to 
devote considerable attention to painting for which 
she has a decided talent. She is now assistant post- 
mistress in Edmore. Mr. Brown manifests the 
interest in educational affairs that should be shown 
by every good citizen and intelligent man. He has 
been a member of the School Board and is now 
serving his tliird term as Village Trustee. His 
political influence is exerted for the Republican 




A \^ 



C^^^n^^^C^ cS^lC^^n^i^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



405 



party and he is one of the slanchest supporters 
of its principles aii<1 one of the most active of its 
members. In all that <ioes to make u|)good citizen- 
ship he is numbered as one of the foremost men of 
the place and in its business and social life he bears 
a prominent part. 






' NSKL A. CRANE. There arc few men 
now living in Ionia County wiiose personal 
(/ li! reminiscences of the pioneer work done 
here and the mode of life in llie early daj'g, 
are more vivid tiian those of Mr. Crane, whose 
portrait appears on the opposite page. His liome 
is on section 32, Lyons Township, and he was the 
(irst settler in liiat vicinity. He selected his land 
when there was onlj' an Indian trail to follow into 
the forest, and when wild animals of various kinds, 
including bear, wolves, dter and turkeys were 
numerous thereabouts, some of them proving 
troublesome and dangerous neighbors. Mr. Crane 
has been the owner of considerable land but has 
sold off, retaining only his original eighty acres. 
At present lie gives bis attention to general farm- 
ing, but he formerly handled a great deal of fine 
stock and was one of I he leading breeders in this 
part of the State. Animals from his farm were to 
be seen at all the fairs and the blue ribbon fell to 
them more than once. Mr. and Mrs. Crane also 
shipped large quantities of butter, prineipallj' to 
Chicago, and they still continue tiie dairy business. 
The grandfather of our subject was Zebina 
Crane, s native of New .Jersey and a farmer by oc- 
cupation. His son, Obadiah the direct progenitor 
of our subject, was born in the same Slate and fol- 
lowed tlie same occupation as his father. The 
mother of our subject, Lydia De.xter, was born and 
reared in New York and her father, George Dex- 
ter, was a native of Connecticut and a blacksmith 
by trade. She came to 0:ikland County, this State 
in an early day but afterward came to the home of 
her son and lived willi him until her death when 
fifty-seven years of age. The parental family in- 
cluded thirteen children, ten of whom lived to be 
adults and nine now survive. 



The subject of this biograpliieal sketch was born 
in Wayne County, N. Y., January 7, 1820, and 
was the first-born of his parents. He started out 
in the world for himself at the early age of twelve 
years, working for his board and clothes until lie 
was fitted to earn wages. He then worked by the 
month, still in the East until 1845, when he came 
to this State. He made his home in Ponliac for a 
lime, working on a farm bj' the month. He then 
chopped wood in Lansing, cutting timber that 
stood in the streets of that place, and he also drove 
cattle and hauled logs there. Thence he came to 
Grand River, Ionia Count}', and during the winter 
labored as a woodsman near the county seat. He 
was not of age when he bought the farm upon 
wliicli he now resides. It was timber land, devoid 
of improvement and it was necessary for the new 
owner to begin at the beginning in bringing it 
under cultivation. He built a little shanty in whii^h 
he kept "bach" a year, and he then secured a com- 
panion in a true-hearted and energetic young 
woman, who became his wife I^ecember 7, 1848. 

The bride of Mr. Crane was Sarah I). Way, who 
was born in Canada and brought to this State when 
seven years old. Her parents — William and Mary 
( Honeywell) W.iy were natives of Dutchess Count}-, 
N. Y.. and Can.ada respectively Their family con- 
sisted of twelve children — Sarah being the fourth 
in order of birth. Five daughters and one son are 
now living. Housckee|)ing was begun by Mr. and 
Mrs. Crane in a fashion much more common among 
pioneers than is perhaps realized b}' those who arc 
accustomed to modern conveniences. Their dwell- 
ing was 10x12 feet, with a stick and cl:iy cliiiiinej- 
and one window. The furniture it contained w.as 
three chairs with board bottoms, a table made by 
fastening a board against the wall, and a bedstead 
formed of poles, also attached to the wall. The 
young husband worked his land with oxen. He 
h.ad paid ^2 per acre for the tract. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Crane there came five cljildren, 
of whom we make the following mention: Ellen, 
wife of James Cramer, lives in Belding; Alliert A., 
who was graduated at Lansing in 187(), is a pro-ni- 
nent banker and Iaw3'er in Otsego Ciuinty, Mich., 
and agent for the Michigan Central Railroad Com- 
pan}' ; Oscar T. is farming in Lyons Township; 



406 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Theron E. died of diptheria when seven years and 
six montlis old; Eva M. is the wife of James Root 
and lives in Lyons Township. 

The first Presidential vote cast by Mr. Crane 
was for Zachary Taylor. He has used his influence 
for the Republican party at almost every election 
and has been an active political worker. The year 
that Grover Cleveland was elected President lie 
voted with the Prohibitionists and was a candidate 
for Representative, missing the election by but a 
small number of votes. He has, however, returned 
to the Republican ranks. Since he was first entitled 
to the right of suffrage he has never failed to deposit 
his ballot on election day. He is President of the 
Patrons of Industry. He was for many years School 
Director and was one of the chief instruments in 
the building of the first schoolhouse in the neigh- 
borhood. He has also been School Collector. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Crane belong to the Society of 
Friends and he has charge of the congregation in 
Crane District, wiiich is a branch of the Quaker 
Church in Hudson, Lenawee County, Mich. He 
has for years been Superintendent of the Sunday- 
school. Mrs. Crane is as well known in this local- 
ity as her husband, as she has lived for fifty-one 
years on the farm that is now her home, or within 
three miles of it. Her services in the neighborhood 
in times of sickness and aflfliction have been valued 
and she has a warm place in the hearts of the 
people. 



<S)UDGE FRANCIS NELSON, one of the 
most notable and noteworthy residents of 
Cedar Lake, Montcalm County, is the son 
of Josiah Nelson, a native of Massachusetts. 
His grandfather passed away in Middlefield, Otsego 
County, N. Y., to which place his father caaie 
from Ireland in the early years of its settlement. 
This Irish father was a Protestant and an Orange- 
man, and served in the Revolutionary War. Tiie 
father of our subject was a wagon and carriage 
manufacturer at Middlefield, N. Y., and later in 
Seneca County and in Niagara County in the same 
State. He was successful in his business and passed 



away at a good old age. He was an Anti-Fed- 
eralist of those early days. The mother was of 
English and Welsh descent and a Presbyterian 
in faith. Only one of the eleven children of this 
couple died in childhood. The five who now sur- 
vive are: Emilia, Mrs. Ackerman, who resides 
near Romeo, Mich.; Franklin, who resides in De- 
troit; our subject; Harry, wiio resides in Kala- 
mazoo; and Robert, who makes his liome in Battle 
Creek. 

Judge Nelson was born July 15, 1808, in Mid- 
dlefield, Otsego County, N. Y. He removed when 
six years old to Seneca County, N. Y., and on the 
farm learned all the practical work of an agricul- 
turist. When seventeen years old he removed to 
Niagara County where he remnined with his 
father until he was twenty-two years of age. He 
then engaged in the lumber business and learned 
the practical work of a sawyer so that he was soon 
able to run a mill for his brother. In the spring 
of 1835 he came to Michigan, traveling by boat to 
Toledo, and by team from there to Palmyra, Len- 
awee County. He took charge of a mill there 
and operated it for some three years. Here he 
buried his first-born child, a boy of eighteen 
months. He bought a farm in Madison Township, 
Lenawee County, built a log house and proceeded 
to clear the land. He was always interested in 
politics and was a Whig of the old school. He 
was made Justice of the Peace which office he filled 
a number of years. He was a prominent member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, and being of 
a hospitable nature kept his latch string always 
hung out for the itinerant minister. After some 
years he sold his land and bought a farm of 
eighty acres in IMcdina Township. 

Mr. Nelson again determined to seek new fields, 
and in the fall of 1854 he sold his farm and came 
by team to Gratiot County and purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres recently brought upon the 
market by the Government on section 11, of what 
is now Cambria Township. The last three or four 
miles of their journey it was necessary to cut their 
way through the woods. Here he cleared up a 
small place and built a log house. He probably 
made the first boards manufactured in the count}', 
using a pit saw. He was among the first settlers 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



407 



in Gratiot County. The Chippewa Indians were 
all al)out him but were peaceful neighbors. He soon 
placed his farm in good condition and iielped in 
every w.iy to build up the neighborhood. 

This enterprising young man helped to organize 
the county into townships and was the first Super- 
visor of Arcadia, serving for two years, lie was 
a member of the Board of Supervisors that were 
active iu the county seat controversy and who 
finally located the count}' seat at Ithaca. In the 
fall of 1857 he was elected Probate Judge of 
Gratiot County. In this responsible position he 
served for three terras of four years each, holding 
court every month, and at the end of twelve years 
he was offered the renomination which he declined. 
During the first three years of this i)eriod he re- 
sided at Itliaca, where he built his residence. He 
helped to build the first Court House and was one 
of the three partners who built the first saw and 
grist mill in the count}-. 

Judge Nelson was one of the best and most im- 
partial Probate Judges the count}- has ever had. 
He knew and was known by everyone and no one 
was more highly honored than lie. He continued 
farming in Arcadia until 1879, when he sold his 
farm and came to Home, Montcalm County. His 
son, William S., was doing a large business at 
Cedar Lake. He had laid out the town about this 
time and was very active in building it up. The 
Detroit, Lansing <fe Western Railroad had prom- 
ised to come through that point, but disappoint- 
ment was experienced in regard to this railroad, 
and it went through three miles farther west, 
leaving the land which had been purch.ased by the 
Nelsons less valuable than they had hoped to 
make it. Of this land, which is now higiily im- 
proved, the Judge retains only twenty-two acres. 
Here he engages iu gardening and raising small 
fruits. 

The first marriage of our subject was solemnized 
in Lockport, N. Y., in 1833. He was then united 
with Miss Deborah Cotton, a native of Canada. 
This lady was descended from a long line of emi- 
nent clergy, the most notable ancestor being John 
Cotton, of Boston, England. He was a subject of 
persecution from Arcldjishop Laud during the 
reign of Charles I. From these trials and restric- 



tions he fled to Boston, Mass., which was named 
in honor for his old home in England. He was a 
warm friend of Oliver Cromwell and became the 
grandfather of Cotton Matiier, the distinguished 
New England divine. 

Five children were born to this marriage: Will- 
iam S., Will)ur, Theodore; Sybil, Mrs. Titus J. 
Andrews, of Alma; and Mary, who died in 1875. 
The oldest son of Judge Nelson is the founder of 
Cedar Lake, whicli he platted and laid out, and 
was at one time the most active business man in 
the township. He once owned about eighteen hun- 
dred acres of land and ran numerous saw and 
shingle mills besides carrying on general merchan- 
dise. Later he went into the creamery and stock 
business, and imported the first full-blooded cattle 
and Shropshire sheep that were brougi)t here. He 
spread his business over too many different enter- 
prises and was obliged to sell considerable so as 
to concentrate his efforts. He has now been four 
and five humored acres of land, much of which is 
finely improved and mostly in the hands of tenants. 
He now residis in Fresno City, Cal., and is car- 
rying on the real-estate business. The second 
son, Wilbur, enlisted in 1861 in the Eiglith Mich- 
igan Infantry. He received a flesh wound iu tlie 
leg and was honorably discharged, but soon re- 
enlisted and received the commission of Captain 
of the First Colored Volunteers of Michigan and 
served in this position until the close of the war. 
In the fight at James Island he was shot through 
the lungs but, strange to s.ay, he recovered. By 
his third wound he lost a finger. He is now at 
the head cif the firm of Nelson, Barber & Co., who 
are engaged in general merchandising at Ithaca. 
The third son, the Rev. Theodore Nelson, is in 
some respects the most distinguished member of 
this household, having made for himself a reputa- 
tion as a minister and instructor, not inferior to 
that of any clergyman in his part of the Slate. In 
his boyhood's days he enlisted three times before 
he could gain the consent of his parents to his 
entering the army. He finally served from July, 
18G2, until the close of the war in Company D, 
Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry, and received the 
commission of Second Lieutenant. He is a "raduate 
of Ann Arbor University and after he entered the 



408 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ministry was for nine years pastor of the First 
Baptist Cburcli in East Saginaw. Twice liis healtli 
failed and liis friends in tliat city sent Iiim abroad 
to recuperate. He is a man of executive ability, 
a logical speaker and easily wins the confidence 
and esteem of all. It was a common saying in 
East Saginaw that he was pastor not merely of 
the Baptist Church but of all the city. As the 
now newly-appointed President of Kalamazoo Col- 
lege he is in a position where his qualities will re- 
dound to the good of the State. Tiie confidence, 
esteem and co-operation of the students are his. 

The second marriage of Judge Nelson occurred 
in 1878. He was thereby united with Mrs. Russell 
Burgess. Her married life witli Judge Nel- 
son extended only over eleven years as she died 
in December, 1889. The first vote of the subject 
of our sketch was given for John Quincy Adams. 
He was anti-Masonic in his politics in the early 
days. He cast a vote for William Henry Harrison 
and joined the Rei)ubiicau party in 1854, in which 
he has been a true-blue ever since. In his earl}- 
life he found his religious home in the Metiiodist 
Episcopal Churcli, but about 1867 he embraced 
the doctrines of the Seventh Day Adventists and 
is now au Elder in tliat churci). 

The subject of this sketch is a man of much 
natural vigor of mind and force of character. His 
superior judgment, his recognized integrity and 
blameless character give him an immense influence 
with his neighbors, which is always exerted for the 
good of the community-. 



-^ 



^^EORGE BRAMAN. From lands across the 
(|| sj^ sea many men have come to swell the 
^^i) population of the United States, and Mont- 
calm County is not without her representatives of 
these enterprising and hcnest emigrants. One who in 
Crystal Township has been making his waj' finan- 
cially and gaining friends as well, is George Bra- 
man, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, 
September 13, 1849. He is a son of James and 
Ann Braman, who were of Englisli birth and be- 
longed to an agricultural community. When our 



subject was but twelve years old his parents crossed 
the ocean and came direct to this State, locating in 
Jackson County. Our subject came liere about 
four months before his parents. The lad was 
obliged to work and could attend school only 
during the winter montlis, so that his educational 
advantages were meager and confined entirely to 
Llie district schools. 

Young Braman went to live with an uncle when 
he was twelve years old, but was mistreated and 
ran away. He met with an accident and broke 
his leg, and for some time was helpless on account 
of the injurj'. When he recovered he worked in 
various ways, gaining his own support from his 
fifteenth year. At the age of eighteen he took a 
place among the lumbermen and for two years was 
steadily employed in the woods. He then gave 
his attention to farming in the summer for a year 
or two, after which he devoted himself entirely to 
agricultural work. 

Mr. Braman was married March 1, 1867, to 
Mary A. Bancroft, who was born in Lincolnshire, 
England, November 28, 1846. She is a ca|)able 
housewife, is devoted to the interests of her fam- 
ily and n)akes her home attractive to her own 
loved ones and their many friends. The marriage 
has been blest by the birth of six children whose 
record is as follows: Lizzie, born October 5, 1869; 
Charles II., October 28, 1871; Adelbert J., Octo- 
ber 4, 1874; Manda, November 24, 1876; John 
W., February 4, 1880; and George A., March 4, 
1883. The elder daughter is the only one of the 
children who has yet left the parental roof and she 
is now the wife of John Tow, living in the same 
county as her parents. All have been well edu- 
cated, both Mr. and Mrs. Braman having taken 
much interest in their progress. 

After his marriage Mr. Braman lived in Jackson 
and Washtenaw Counties two 3'ears, and he then 
operated his father-in-law's farm in Montcalm 
County. Thence he came to this place, where his 
first purchase was of forty acres. To this he has 
added until his estate now comprises two hundred 
acres, the greater part of which is under improve- 
ment. Mr. Braman did considerable of tlie clear- 
ing himself. Tlie farm is well fenced and among 
its conspicuous features are three good orchards. 



i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



409 



The hay barn is the best in the countj' and is a 
large, substantial structure built in 1887. There 
is also a, good horse barn, wliicli was put up in 
1889. Mr. Braman talies great interest in good 
stock atd keeps sheep, cattle and horses in consid- 
erable numbers. 

Mr. Braman has never bothered himself uboul 
official station, but keeps well informed, and in 
national elections votes the Democratic ticket. 
When local offices are to be filled he makes choice 
of the man he thinks best fitted to carry out the 
will of the people, regardless of party affiliations. 
As he is much interested in the progress of educa- 
tion he has been willing to serve in school offices, 
and has done the best he could to add to the effi- 
ciency of the local institutions of learning. He 
takes part in enterprises which promise to benefit 
tiie people, and has a reputable place in the opinion 
of the public. 



ELEG EDDY of Berlin Township, Ionia 

J) County, is the son of Abram Edd^ who 

was born in Vermont in "TTSJ^ «nd who 

was one of the farmer volunteers for the 
War of 1812. Although ready to go into active 
service be was not called for. The mother of our 
subject bore the maiden name of Cynthia Phillips 
and was born in Rhode Island in 1790. After 
their marriage in New York tlie^- removed to Penn- 
sylvania, and after living awhile in Ohio, came to 
Michigan in 1834 and settled in Lenawee County, 
near Fairfield, six miles south of Adrian, where 
they rented a farm, being then too poor to [)ur- 
chase. 

Removing to Ionia Count}' in 1840, Abram 
Eddy settled on section 2, Berlin Township, and 
building a log house proceeded to clear off and 
cultivate the unbroken soil. He had eighty acres 
originally, forty of which he sold, but afterwanl 
added eighty more by purchase, thus having one 
hundred and twentv' at the time of his death, 
which occurred in 1875. This event was followed 
two years later by the decease of his wife. Of 
their twelve children five survive: Diana, Mrs. 



Tanner, Gardner, Mrs. I. Harwood, Peleg, and 
Zephanluh. The mother of this household was a 
sincere and earnest Christian, a member of the 
Christian Church. Her husband was a man of 
strictly temperate liabits, a hard worker and an 
excellent manager. In local politics he took an 
active part, voting and working for the Democratic 
(larty. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch 
was born September 24, 1827, in the townsliip of 
Hamburg, Chautauqua County, N. Y. He came to 
Michigan when onl}' seven years of age and became 
an inhabitant of Ionia County at thirteen vears of 
age. He was earnest and unllinching in his efforts 
to relieve his father in every way possible of the 
arduous labors incident to pioneer life, and conse- 
quently his school education was cut short. He 
remained at home, helping Jiis fatlier until twent}'- 
eight years of age, and was that parent's mainstay 
all through the later years of his life. 

September 28, 1855, tlie subject of this sketch 
was united in marriage with Ann Eliza Emmons, 
a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and who came 
to Michigan in 1853. After their marriage they 
settled upon the farm whicli Mr. Eddy now occupies 
There were then no improvements upon this land, 
and the homestead was onlj' a log house, which is 
still standing as a memento of those happy daj's of 
early married life. Mrs. E<ldy was born Novem- 
ber 8, 1837, and was called from earth in May, 
1873. She and Mr. pAldy were the parents of 
seven children, six of whom survive their mother. 
Phila Ann, Mrs. W. L. Carpenter, is the mother of 
one child and makes her home in Ionia; Abram, 
who married Elizabeth Frantz, has two children, 
and lives on section 15, Berlin Townsliip; Frank; 
Fred, liaving married Annie Harwood, lives on 
the farm and has one child; Carrie, wife of Frank 
Patrick, lives on section 14, ami is the mother of 
one child; Cora, wife of William Sible, living on 
section 3, also has one child. 

Mr. Eddy was again united in the happy bonds 
of wedlock on Christmas Da}-, 1886, choosing as 
his wife, Amanda V. (Hines) Smith, a widowed 
daughter of Benjamin F. and Aurelia C. (Howk) 
Hines. Mr. Hines was a native of Chenango 
County, N. Y., and his wife was born in Lorain 



410 



PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



County, Ohio. They were married in Ohio and 
resided there till 1854, when they came to Mich- 
igan and settled on section 18, Berlin Township. 
He cleared off a farm and improved it. He was a 
soldier in the Twenty-first Michigan Infantry, a 
member of Company I, but did not serve tlirougii 
his full course of enlistment on account of illness, 
being given an honorable discharge before its expi- 
ration. He died in 1889 at the age of sixty-five 
years, leaving his widow, who still resides on the 
home farm. They were the parents of nine chil- 
dren, seven of whom are still living. The present 
Mrs. Eddy is a woman of strong character and quiet 
and refined manners. She was born November 24, 
1853 in Lorain Countj^, Ohio. Educated at the 
scliool of Saranac, Mich., she began teaching when 
only eighteen and for two years ably proved her 
claim to being a successful and thorough instructor. 
By a former marriage siie had two children: Orpha 
May, now seventeen years old, and Inez A., fifteen 
years old. One child has been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Eddy — Little Ford entered life May 7, 1889, 
but was called from earth March 7, 1891, to the 
great grief of his parents. Mrs. Eddy is a con- 
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and has been active and untiring in Sunday-school 
work. Her husband has always taken an interest 
in politics and belongs to the Democratic partj'. 
His neighbors have shown their appreciation of his 
character and sterling qualities by electing him to 
numerous places of trust. He has been for some 
years a member of the School Board, is always in 
charge of the work of Road Overseer and has been 
Treasurer of Berlin Tovvnship. He was formerly 
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows and now belongs to the Patrons of Industry. 
He carried on mixed farming, with his boys to 
help him. Of his farm of two hundred and sixty 
acres, about two hundred are under cultivation. 

Over twenty-five years ago our subject began 
raising running horses, and has had some very fine 
specimens. Since 1885 he has been breeding trot- 
ling stock. His first venture was "Little Topsy," 
a registered Hambletonian, and dam of "Cleveland 
S," and four others which he now owns. He has 
twenty-five head of horses and is an enthusiastic 
breeder of fine stock. One of his I wo year-olds 



weighs nine hundred and sixty pounds. This colt 
who was sired by "Montgomery," by ilam "Little 
Topsy," is valued at $5,000. Anotiier horse was 
sired i)y '■Commander," by "Volunteer," dam "Lit 
tie Topsy," whose record is 2 :26:^. 



PRANK FISK, a farmer of Ionia County, has 
I spent the greater part of his life in agricul- 
tural work and is still continuing his pur- 
suit in Otisco Townsliip. The estate which he now 
owns here consists of eighty acres of well-improved 
land about three miles from the town of Belding. 
The farm is supplied with various buildings of good 
construction, affording ample accommodations for 
the stock and storage room for the crops, and the 
property taken as a whole is valuable and pleasing 
to the eye. Mr. Fisk has been identified with the 
interests of the county some fifty j-ears and rei)re- 
senls one of the pioneer families to whose labors 
the present condition of affairs is so largely due. 

Joseph Fisk, father of our subject, was born in 
Massachusetts and in the town of Ashfield was 
mairied to Clarissa Kimberly, daughter of Silas 
Kiniberly. In 1838 he removed to this State, 
choosing Ionia County as his future place of abode. 
His good wife died in 1840 and her remains were 
the first deposited in Otisco cemetery. Mr. Fisk 
survived until 1877. On coming to this section 
he bought two hundred acres of land in Otisco 
Township and at his death he owned three hundred 
and thirty acres of farm land and ten acres of pine 
land. During three winters he dealt in lumber. 
His family comprised four sons and one daugliter, 
their names being Frank, Silas, Ambert, Walter 
and Emily. 

The birth of Frank Fisk occurred in Ashfield, 
Mass., March 13, 1836, and he was therefore but 
two years old when he became a resident of Micli- 
igan. He remained an inmate of his father's home 
until he was of age, and during the passing years 
took advantage of the opportunities afforded for 
acquiring knowledge, both of textbooks and farm 
work. Upon reaching his majority lie began farm- 
ing for himself and with the exception of four 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Ill 



j'ears spent in keeping an hotel at Cook's Corners 
he lias given his lime and attention to the vocation 
to which he was reared. Me takes no prominent 
part in public affairs but contents himself willi 
pursuing the even tenor of his way, building up 
ills own (inances and enjoying home life and social 
intercourse. He votes the Hepublican ticket. 

Mr. Fisk was married in Otisco Townsiiip in 
18()1 to Cordelia Tower, daughter of Joseph and 
Philura (Baldwin) Tower, who were natives of 
New York. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk have had four chil- 
dren — Ralph, Frank, Clarissa and Funnie. The sons 
are deceased; Caddie is married and living in Eaton 
County ; Fannie is yet with her parents. 



j^.^^4^^^ 



\tpji)ENJAMIN II. PKKSTON. A position of 
L^C prominence among the residents of Ronald 
ij^^hjl Township is that which is accorded by gen- 
\~iy erous consent to Mr. Preston, who has 
been interested in the welfare of this part of 
Ionia County since the year 1853. His interest 
in the county dates several years farther back, but 
at the time mentioned he located on a farm on sec- 
tion 32, and cast in his lot with the people of that 
locality to the fullest extent. He bought one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land, upon which but thirty' 
acres had been plowed. He now has a well-devel- 
oi)ed farm with suitable improvements, and derives 
from it an income amply sufficient for his needs. 

Mr. Preston is the grandson of Benjamin Pres- 
ton, a Revolutionary soldier, and the son of John 
A. Preston, who fought in the War of 1812. The 
latter was born and reared in Vermont and adopted 
the tra<lc of a stonemason as the work by which to 
gain a maintenance. He married Orilla Harris, a 
native of New York, and in the Enii)ire State he 
made liis home from that time. He died in Buf- 
falo, but his widow breathed her last in this State, 
to which she afterward came with her children. 
Tlie parental family included four daughters and 
two sons, Qne of whom died in early life, and one, 
Mrs. Orilla Hancock, in later years. The sur- 
vivors are Mrs. Betsey R. Norton, whose home is 
in Eaton County, this Slate; Benjamin H., subject 



of this notice; Mrs. Mary Ann Ford, living in 
Oakland County; and Clark A., whose home is in 
the city of Ionia. 

Our subject, who is the oldest son and second 
child, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y"., Sep- 
tcmliior 12, 1820. He was thirteen years old when 
his father died, and he became the mainstay of 
his mother and the guide of his brothers and sis- 
ters. The year of his father's death he came West 
with his mother and located in Troy, Oakland 
County, ihis State. He learned the tailor's trade 
and followed it in that place until 1813. He then 
located in the city of Ionia and for about two 
years worked at his trade with E. S. Johnson, 
after which he engaged in business for himself. 
Ten years altogether were given to his handicraft 
in the county seat, and he then sold out his busi- 
ness and bought the farm to the cultivation of 
which he has since devoted his energies. 

In 1846 Mr. Preston was married to Miss Caro- 
line E. Brooks, and to them have been born one 
daughter and three sons, named respectively: 
Frances A.; Howard C. and Benjamin H. (twins), 
and Harley. They also adopted a little girl — 
Maggie Brook, on whom they bestowed equal care 
with their own oflfspring. Mrs. Preston, who is 
the first-born in a family of ten children, is a na- 
tive of Watertown, Jefferson County, N. Y., her 
natal day l)eing October 7, 1821. She is now 
afflicted with paralysis, which makes it very diffi- 
cult for her to ta'k, and prevents the use of one 
side of lier body. 

Mr. Preston is Vice-President of Ionia County 
Pioneer Society an<l been one of its leading members 
for years. He was at one time Secretary of the 
organization. For four years he was Supervisor 
of Ronald Township and for twelve years Super- 
intendent of the Poor, ami he has also served as 
School Inspector and Justice of the Peace. He 
was at one time a member of the Grange and active 
in its work. It is twenty-six years since he was 
chosen an Elder in the Christian Church, and his 
qualifications for that responsible office are recog- 
nized by all who know him well. Mr. Preston has 
for thirty years kept a record of the weather and 
other incidents of the day and is able to compare 
tlie atmospheric phenomena of the passing time 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



witb that of bj-gone 3'ears whenever he wishes. He 
has learned many lessons about the weather by 
means of this practice and found pleasure also in 
the record. 



:g8=t=:- 



F_^ ARVEY J. BEACH is carrying on a gcn- 
rjjj) eral store in Crystal, Montcalm County, 
i^y^ which establishment he opened in April, 
(^ 1 888. He has a well-selected stock of goods, 
including the articles that are in demand for village 
and country custom, and the business is conducted 
in a straightforward and honorable w.iy, the cus- 
tomers being treated with courtesy and considera- 
tion. Prior to the opening of the store that is now 
carried on by Mr. Beach, lie was engaged in farm- 
ing, and he improved a fine tract of one hundred 
and twenty acres, ou which he made his home from 
February, 1868, to the date of his taking up mer- 
cantile life. As an agriculturist he was enterpris- 
ing and industrious, and he received a due reward 
for his efforts. 

The birthplace of Mr. Beach was Erie County, 
Pa., and his natal day March 7, 183G. His parents 
were Lyman E. and Selinda (Fuller) Beach, botli 
natives of the Empire State, and his father w.is a 
cirpenter and joiner as well as a farmer. Our sub- 
ject remained at liome until he was twenty-five 
years old, but from the age of two years has been a 
resident of this State, his parents having come to 
Livingston Count}' in 1838. He received a com- 
mon-school education, pursuing his studies in the 
winter and working on tlic farm in the summer. 

Believing that it is not good for man to live 
alone, Mr. Beach won for his wife Miss Sarah ]\I. 
Carey, of Pontiac, Oakland County, to whom he 
was married October 7, 18G3. She was born Octo- 
ber 17, 1839, was well reared and given a good 
education. She understands the art of making her 
home cozy and attractive, and takes great pains to 
make herself compr.nion.able for her children. The 
family of IMr. and Mrs. Beach consisted of J'lorencc, 
who was born in August 2fi, 1864, and died Jan 
uary 7, 1865; Silvia Ann, born Juno 2, 1806, ami 
died January 26, 1871; Ilatlie M., born April 20, 



1868; Nellie V., June 26, 1874; Laura, December 
4, 1875; and Bertram J., January 18, 1879. The 
survivors are receiving good educational oppor- 
tunities, and Nellie has made preparation for teach- 
ing. 

Mr. Beach is a Democrat in politics. He has 
held the office of Township Treasurer several terms 
and was Higiiway Commissioner three terms. While 
living on the farm he was a school ofDcer for a long 
period, and he has been called u[)On to act in simi- 
lar capacities in the village. He is particularly' in- 
terested in the progress of the cause of education, 
and has assisted in carrying to completion a school- 
house in Livingston Count}', and two in Montcalm 
— one being tlie new two-story bi ick edifice in Crys- 
tal. Mr. Beach is always looked to, to take part 
in public enterprises of every description that 
promise well for the future good of the people, 
and lie and his wife were well regarded by their ac- 
quaintances. Mrs. Beach's death occurred Novem- 
ber 2, 1884, and her loss was felt by many friends, 
and was an irreparable one to her family. 

illOMAS D. KNAPP is one of a family of 
thirteen children, and was born in Bradford 
County, Pa., November 8, 1834. His father 
Zephaniah Knapp, a native of the Flmpire State, 
was born in Orange County, and his mother Amy 
Wright, was a native of Onondaga County llie 
same State. After marrying in New York they re- 
moved to Pennsylvania. Thomas was the tenth 
child, and was reared in his native home and came 
to Michigan in 1856, settling in Ionia County, in 
Ronald Township. He now lives in North Plains 
Township 'A the same county. 

This young man began life in the new country 
by working at the carpenter's trade by the month. 
He h.as followed the business of carpentering for 
many years. February 28, 1856, Lucy L. Coats of 
New York became his wife. After marriage he re- 
turned with his wife to Bradford County, Pa., 
wliere he remained two years, but he was discon- 
tented with the East after having once lived in the 
West and soon returned to Michigan making his 



PORTRAIT AND IJIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



•113 



new home where he now resides. He took entirely 
unbroken land, and has placed upon it all the im- 
provonients wliich now a|)pear, putting up also all 
the buililings. Of llie one luiudred and ninety five 
acres whicii lie possesses, sixty-one are in North 
Plains and the remainder in Ronald Township. lie 
slill has fifty acres of heavy timber. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kiiapp arc happy in the compan- 
ionship of their son, Arthur M. He is married and 
resides with his father. His wife was Eliza Borden. 
Their second son, Ernest, died at the age of three 
years and three months. Arthur runs the farm and 
is very efficient. They have sixteen head of cat- 
tle, eight head of horses, sixt3'-two sheep, and one 
line blooded Percheron. They have a forty-acre 
farm in Montcalm County, Boomer Township, all 
finely cultivated with a good house and barns. Mr. 
Knapp has made all that he has by hard work. His 
wife is a member of the Baptist Church. His 
political sympathies are with the Republican part3' 
with which he casts his vote. 



Mm 



ILLIAM AUCiATI'^ holds a position of in- 
^^fj fluence in Ionia Connt3', particularly in the 
W^l township of the same name, in the affairs 
of which he is consi)icuous as a leader on the side 
of progress. He occupies a fine estate on section 
32, wliich includes two hundred and eighty-five 
acres of land, two hundred and fifty of whicli are 
under tlie plow. The present residence of the fam- 
ily is a fine brick structure, built fiveyears since at 
a cost of 4^3,000. On the land there is a house 
built by Mrs. Adgate's father over forty j'cars ago, 
in which a death has never occurred. All the im- 
provements upon Mr. Adgate's farm are firstclass 
and so carefully' is the properly managed that 
throughout its extent it presents an appearance of 
the most attractive neatness and order. 

Mr. Adgale traces his descent from two Revo- 
lutionary soldiers, both of whom belonged to old 
New England families. Grandfather Adgate, whose 
given name was Thomas, survived the contest and 
lived to be ninety-seven years old; Grandfather 



Foster also fought during the entire struggle. The 
patriotic spirit of the Adgate family was further 
manifested i)y Abel Adgate, the father of our sub- 
ject, who was an infantryman in the War of 1812. 
That gentleman was born in Connecticut and so too 
w.as Olive Porter, who became his wife. They 
were married in New Jersej' and for a time resided 
in Orange County, N. Y., and then took their i)lace 
among the pioneers of Sullivan County. He used 
to carry on lumbering upon the Susquehannah 
River. He went into Cortland County about 182'J, 
remained there until 1838 and then came to Oak- 
hind County, this State. 

In the fall of that year Abel Adgate bought 
l)roperty now occupied by our subject; he did not 
take possession of it until 1841, but spent the inter- 
val in work upon different rented farms. This tract 
was partly improved, but the only building was a 
log shanty. The family took possession of their 
new home March 3, and clearing wasatonce begun. 
Wheat was sowed on twelve acres the first season, 
and a frame house was built ere long. Mr. Adgate 
was a Whig, and was an advocate of education and 
bestowed as good privileges as he could upon his 
children. He died October 3, 1842, at the age of 
fifty-six years and five months. His widow sur- 
vived until November?, 1871, and reached the age 
of eight3'-four years and three months. For man}' 
years she was a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. 

In Sullivan County, N. Y., William Adgate was 
l)orn November 20, 1829. He is the only sur- 
vivor of a household band that numbered seven 
broliiers and sisters. He was nine years old when 
his parents came to this State, and he began life's 
labors for himself at the age of sixteen years. He 
operated half of the homestead, the rest being 
under control of his brother. Prior to his mar- 
riage his mother kept house for him and he cared 
for her until her demise. In the summer of 1854 
Mr. Adgate went to Iowa but made only a short 
trip, after which he settled in Orange Township, 
Ionia County, and made that his home five years. 
He then traded his farm for one in Berlin Town- 
ship, but four years later sold out and returned to 
his old home, where he h.as remained during a 
period of twenty-seven years. 



414 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The marriage of our subject and Sarah Tuttle 
was solemnized January 7, 1854. The bride was 
born in Portage County, Ohio, May 1, 1838, but 
in her early girliiood became a resident of Ionia 
County. She received a common-school educa- 
tion and a thorough training in housewifely arts, 
and grew to a noble womanhood. The happy union 
has been blessed ))y the birth of the following chil- 
dren: Phebe A., born January 21, 1855; Frank- 
lin April 20, 1858; Mary J. September 9, 1861; 
Flora E. December 9, 1863; John W. June, 1866; 
Lewis, June 29, 1868; Nellie January 8, 1876. 
Phebe married Fred .Scheuer and has four chil- 
dren, and her home is in Orange Township. Frank- 
lin married Lizzie Fleming, has one child, and 
lives in the same township as his sister Phebe. 
Mary is the wife of Frank Taft, and has four chil- 
dren; their home is on section 33, Ionia Town- 
ship. John married Nellie Wilson and lives in 
Berlin Townsliip. All the sons and daughters 
of our subject are well educated in accordance 
with their years, and Nellie is now a student in tiie 
Ionia High School. Flora is a graduate in the 
musical department of Albion College and has a 
large class in Ionia and Portland. She plays the 
organ in cliurch. 

The parents of Mrs. Adgate were Nelson and 
Sophia (Pangborn) Tuttle, the father born in Mass- 
achusetts December 24, 18(0, and the mother in 
Ohio about 1802. They were married in the lat- 
ter State and remained there until 1846, then set- 
tled upon the farm lliat is now the home of their 
daughter. Here Mr. Tuttle died in 1865. She was 
the mother of eleven ehildren, five of whom are 
now living. Mr. Tuttle made a second marriage, 
and lived until August, 1890. His memory is hon- 
ored Ijy all who knew him and probably no resi- 
dent in the county was more sincerely loved and 
respected than he. He was a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church and a Class-Leader for 
over seventy years. He also acted as Steward and 
Trustee, was for years Superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school and did an immense amount of church 
work. He was a liberal supporter of churches and 
did what he could to advance all elevating move- 
ments. He built the first Methodist church south 
of Grand River about 1855. For years he was a 



member of the School Board. He never neglected 
his duty at elections, but conscientiously deposited 
a AVIiig ticket until the disorganization of the 
party, after which he was an earnest Republican. 
It was his privilege to vote for two Harrisons for 
President of the United States. 

Mr. Adgate is the leading contributor to the sup- 
port of the neighboring Methodist Episcopal Church 
and both he and iiis wife work earnestly and faith- 
fully for the cause of religion both in church and 
Sunday school. Mr. Adgate is one of the Trus- 
tees, is Chairman of the Board, and is also a Class- 
Leader. He has been a professing Christian twen- 
ty-one years and his wife united with the church 
thirty-five years since. Mr. Adgate was a Repub- 
lican for years but since the prohibition movement 
sprang into life he has voted In its favor. He has 
a character above reproach and as an agriculturist 
is second to none in the county. He carries on 
mixed farming and feeds about three hundred head 
of sheep. His elegant home Is the seat of a whole- 
souled hospitality tiiat is dispensed with gracious- 
ness by his good wife. 



^^EORGE W. PALMER. Many a youth in 
'Ml ,__ foreign lands has looked longingh' toward 
\5^^! the West and dreamed of making a home in 
the New World, where he fondly believed that 
better opportunities were afforded than in the land 
of his birth; and numbers have realized their 
dreams and are now among the prosperous and use- 
ful citizens of the United States. The population 
of Montcalm County has been added to by some of 
this class and among them the gentleman above 
named, whose home is in Bloomer Township. His 
history is that of a youth whose early advantages 
were limited and who upon reaching the New 
World found it hard work to get a start, but who 
finally gained a footing and added little by little 
to his financial standing and is now a well-to-do 
farmer with a pleasant home abounding in com- 
forts. 

Mr. Palmer was born in East Kent, England, 
July 22, 1825, his parents being Joseph and Eliza- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



■115 



beth (Chamberlain) Palmer. His father was a 
farmer and until he was fifteen ye^rs old the lad 
remained at lionie, learning wliat he could *in tiie 
common sciiool and doing various kinds of worlv 
upon the place. He then left home and began to 
work for himself, and in his twentielli year lie 
crossed the Atlantic and located in Jefferson 
County, N. Y. There he farmed until the spring 
of 1855, when he came to Michigan. He found 
Montcalm County a densely wooded region where 
little had been done in the way of improvement. 
He took up eighty acres of land and began clearing 
it, and undismayed by the arduousness of the labor 
required, bj' the discomforts and hardships of fron- 
tier life, and the lack of close associates, he worked 
on toward competence. He added to his landed 
estate, made various im|)rovemeiits from time to 
time, beginning to have help in his work as soon 
as he got a good start. When he first located here 
he went eight miles to Mattison to trade. 

In all his worthy efforts Mr. Palmer has had the 
sympathy and womanly aid of a true-hearted wife. 
This lady bore the maiden name of Esther Hay 
Nutting, was born in New York and became a 
bride March 7, 1855. Her wedding trip was a 
journey to the western wilds, where the ytiung 
couple arrived May 19. They have had four children, 
whose record is as follows: Cora A., born January 
10, 1856; Beecher, April 5, 1858; Joseph, March 
27, 18G0; Alden G., March 11, 1862. The daugh- 
ter died after reaching womanhood, the date of her 
decease being September 1, 1880, and Joseph died 
April 29, 1860, when but a few weeks old. The 
two sons who are living are married and farming 
in Gratiot County. 

A characteristic that is almost universal among 
Englishmen — that of steadfastness in an^^ line of 
conduct once decided upon— is shown by Mr. Palmer 
in his political relations. Having made up his 
mind that the Republican party was the one enti- 
tled to his suffrage, he is unswerving in his alle- 
giance to its principles. He has held the various 
school ollices and whether in or out shows an inter- 
est in the increase of the elliciency of the public 
schools. As to his business in life he has not only 
placed his farm in excellent condition, su|)plying 
it with the buildings before mentioned, substantial 



fences and a growing orchard, but he raises stock 
of good breeds, the cattle being Durhams and the 
sheep iShropshires. 



ONATIIAN TH5BIT8. American aristoc- 
racy like that of foreign lands is based upon 
birth, but unlike that of trans-Atlantic 
I birth, its foundation is character, which has 
descended from father to son through generations. 
Thousands of our sturdy, prosperous men through- 
out the State are descended from old families of 
New England, who have from the earliest settle- 
ment of the country upheld an honored reputation 
for sterling integrity and all the qualities which 
make good citizens. Among these farmers of good 
descent we find Jonathan Tibbits, son of Stephen 
Tibbits a native of Rhode Island, born in 1768. 
In this family were five brothers of remarkable 
longevity, who aver.aged ninety years of a worthy 
life. Stephen Tibbits, while a farmer by occupa- 
tion took some part in the War of 1812. The 
mother of Jonathan was Sophia (Mason) Tilibits, 
who was also a native of Rhode Island. 

The family of Tibbits during the Revolutionary 
War, removed from Rhode Island to .Shaftsbury, 
Vt. About 1790 they again removed to Oneiila 
County, N. Y. There the father and mother of 
our subject were married and resided during the 
continuance of their lives. They were among the 
early pioneers of that splendid representative 
county of Central New York, which was early peo- 
pled by the best New England stock. He owned 
and worked one of the magnificent farms of that 
county, until his death in 18G4, at the advanced 
age of ninety-six years. His wife had died in the 
year 1856. They were the parents often children, 
three of whom are now living. 

Jonathan Tibbits was born January 21, 1809, in 
Oneida County, N. Y., where hegrew to manhood. 
He received a fair schooling for those times, as that 
region was considerably advanceil educationally. 
His bright memory still aids him to recall many of 
the incidents of the War of 1812 as they trans- 
l)ircd in the Mohawk Valley. At nineteen years 



416 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM. 



of age he went to New York City and worked in 
a harness strop at No. 8 Wall Street, within siglit 
of Trinity Churcli, and wiiere now is the bus}' 
scene of wonderful financial enterprises. Remain- 
ing there only a year and a half to learn his trade, 
he returned home and settled in Frankfort, Herki- 
mer County, near Utica, where for a few years he 
ha<l a shop and worked at his trade. 

In 1836 our subject emigrated to Michigan and 
on Se()tember 21, arrived in Ionia County, wtiere he 
settled in what was then the little village of Ionia, 
composed of a few scattering houses. For twenty 
years lie lived in town and followed his business of 
a liarness-maker, after which he removed with liis 
family to the present homestead on section 27. 
There were l)ut few improvements upon llial sec- 
tion. His farm was originally a part of the Ses- 
sions' farm. Of his one hundred and twenty acres 
of land he has seventy under cultivation and al- 
though now over four-score years of age he still ac- 
tively carries on his farm. His experience in this 
country has been a long one and he has seen it 
grow from a wild state to its present condition of 
cultivation, physical and social. His wife is quite 
feeble, having lately fallen and hurt herself and is 
in consequence confined to her bed. They were 
marrried March 1, 1832, she being Mary Ann Dex- 
ter, a daugliter of Samuel and Anna (Fargo) Dex- 
ter. 

Mr. Dexter w.as the first settler in Ionia County, 
and was throughout liis life the most notable man 
there. He was born December 5, 1787, in Rhode 
Island, removing when quite young to Herkimer 
County, N. Y., wiiere lie lived until 1823. His 
wife was a native of Herkimer County. After this 
marriage he continued to carry on his business of 
fanning and at the same time served the State dur- 
ing 1824 and 1825 as a member of the State Legis- 
lature at Albany. In 1833 they removed to Mich- 
igan ti'ul settled in lo lia County. He was the 
leader of the original colony of thirty-six people 
which settled in Ionia. He was a broad-minded 
and practical man, looking to the upbuilding of 
the colony in every way and providing b^' his enter- 
prise for their convenience in many directions. He 
built the gristmill at Ionia, the first one in the 
county, also the sawmill two miles northwest of 



Ionia. A sawmill was evidently a stern necessity, 
for until boards could be ol)tained frame houses 
could not be erected, and this colony did not hesi- 
tate to live in Indian wigwams until they could 
build permanent homes. As was the case with most 
colonies of character, they were able to live peac- 
ably with the Indians and established friendly rela- 
tions with them. 

Mr. Dexter bought a large quantity of land .and 
sold much of it to others. He also purchased con- 
siderable land where Grand Rapids now standi. 
His first house was of logs and situated near the 
gristmill in Ionia. His character and enterprise 
gave him the confidence of his neighbors and he 
received man}' tributes of their respect as he was 
often |)laced in positions of trust. He occu|)ied at 
different times the offices of Justice of the Peace, 
and County Judge. He was also Receiver of the 
United Slates land office. He belonged to tlie old- 
line Whig party in politics, and was a member of 
the Baptist Churcli during his early 3'ears, but later 
bL'carae a Spiritualist. He died in 1855, his wife 
following him to the other world in 1874. They 
were the parents of nine children three of whom 
are now living. 

Mrs. Tibbits was the second child of this notable 
couple and was born March 16, 1815, in Herkimer 
County, N. Y., where she married Mr. Tibbits just 
before coming to Michigan in 1835. This mar- 
riage has been blessed with nine children: Newion 
D., was born January 21, 1833, and died January 
1, 1862; Charles S., was born March 16, 1835, and 
died August 23, 1890. He was employed at one 
time for two years by Gilmore & Salisbury, of 
Star Route fame. Julius S. was born September 26, 
1838, in Ionia, and married Marilla T. Mattison. 
They live in Lj'ons Township. Arthur H. was 
born July 20, 1842, and married Elizabeth Over- 
hiser; they make their home in Greenville and 
have two children. Anna Z., who was born June 
18, 1844, is the wife of William Gleason, living at 
Savanna, III., and has three children. Emma N., 
born November 22, 1847, and wife of Dr. T. M. 
Benedict, lives at Greenville and has two children. 
James H., born April 28, 1850, married Lillie 
Brooks; he is Fifth Auditor in the Treasury De- 
partment and makes his home in Washington, D. C. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



He has one (laughter. Elizabeth M., was born Sep- 
tember 19, 1852. Jennie M. born August 2, 18.55, 
is tnking a speci.il course in preparation for kinder- 
garten work in Wasliington, D. C. 

Mr. Tibbits lias always been a good Republican 
in polities and has occupied many prominent posi- 
tions of public resi)onsibility. lie has taken an 
active interest in school matters and has been one 
of tlic Directors of the district. Under President 
Millard Fillmore, he was Postmaster at Ionia. He 
was long a member of the Sons of Temperance, 
and he and his sons have ever been strong advo- 
cates of temperance, both in word and deed. The 
family are Unitarians in faith. Two of his sons, 
Arthur and Charles did noble service during the 
Civil War. The former enlisted in Berdan's Sharp- 
Sliooters for six months. He then re-enlisted in 
Battery I), Fifth United States Light Artillery and 
served his term in that. He was active in eigiitcen 
battles, and during tlie battle of Gettysburg lie was 
at one time the only living min to stand at his 
gun. ('harles was living in Wisconsin during the 
war and enlisted first in the Third Wisconsin In- 
fantrj'. This was a regiment raised in 18G1 for a 
short time only. In 1863 he re-enlisted in the 
Fifth Wisconsin Infantry. His service of three 
j'ears shows a fine war record. Joseph was drafted 
once .Tnd |)aid 4^300 to be released. 

^i^EORGE W. ARMS, living on section 25, 
III <^' Orange Townshiji, Ionia County, was the 
^<isj^| first white male child born in the township, 
his fatlier being Selaii Arms, a native of Rutland 
County, Vt., born there in 1809, and his mother 
before marriage being Mariette Utter, a native of 
New York. The family originated in the north of 
England and Noah Arms, the father of .Selah, a 
Vermonter, served bravely in the War of 1812. 
The father of our subject was one of the early set- 
tlers of Michigan, coming here in 1834 when still 
quite a young man. He settled upon the farm now 
owned bj' our subject, taking it up from the Gov- 
ernment in 183C. He was the first pioneer in this 
totvnsliip and in due time helped to organize it. 



He entered eighty awes of land all timbered, and 

bravely putting his last money into it looked to his 
strong right hand for future wealth. Shortly after 
settling upon this land he married the mother of 
the subject of this sketch. Both of them were 
earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in the affairs of \Yhich they took an active interest. 
He was a prominent man in tlie church, warmly 
promoting its interests and keeping open house for 
all the traveling brethren, and liberally supporting 
its finances. In all other ways he showed a cor- 
responding liberality and was ever a- warm and erti 
cient friend to the unfortunate. His first house was 
a log shanty, but two years later he erected a more 
substantial log house. In 1852 or 1853 a frame 
house became tiie home and it was considered one 
of the ver}' nicest in that section. Unfortunately 
it burned to the ground in 18G5. He clea>-ed off 
eighty acres of his land and ])ut it under culti- 
vation. Two years after marriage he had a serious 
illness which rendered one of his limbs stiflf. 

Mr. Arms knew every man in this county and 
nearly all in Clinton County. The first frame barn 
in Orange Township was built bj- him nearly fifty 
years ago. He used to do coopering and made a 
large number of sap buckets. He was fairly suc- 
cessful in his farming operations notwithstanding 
a great deal of illness and other misfortunes. He 
died in 1865, his wife having preceded him in 1851. 
Three of their five children still survive — George 
W., James and Ruth (Mrs. Charles Hastings). lie 
w.as a strong Jaeksonian Democrat, was for twentj-- 
two years Justice of the Peace, also for some time 
Sui)ervisor of Orange Townsiii|) and Superintend- 
ent of the Poor. 

The subject of this sketch wps born October 21, 
1842. His education, after the district school, was 
taken at the Portland High School. Then he began 
for himself at seventeen years of age; when at that 
age the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in 
May, 18G1, in Company E, Third Micliigan Infan- 
trj-. The regiment was organized at Grand Rapids 
and was ordered to W.ashington, D. C, where it 
was put in the Third Brigade under Col. Richard- 
son. They were in the first battle of Bull Run in 
July, 1801. He received a slight wound at Black- 
burn's Ford. His brigade covered the retreat from 



418 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Bull Run, and at Arlington Heights they were en- 
camped about the residence of Gen. Robert E. Lee. 
Our subject helped build three of the forts la that 
locality. 

In the spring of 1862 Mr. Arms went through 
the entire Peninsular campaign under Gen. 
George B. McClellan .and passed through ten bat- 
tles without a scratch. Under Gen. Pope he took 
part In the second battle of Bull Run and here re- 
ceived the most serious wound which he experi- 
enced. August 29, while he was loading his gun a 
minie ball struck his right leg and passed through 
it just above his heel, entering his left ankle. He 
crawled upon his hands and knees a mile and a half 
to an ambulance, in which he rode two miles to the 
field hospital. He lay there a day and a night then 
traveled ten miles in the ambulance to a railroad 
track and lay beside it for two days; then on a flat 
car he was transported to Washington, D. C. From 
the station at Washington he was put into an om- 
nibus and lying on the floor of it was rattled over 
the cobble stones to Georgetown Hospital. Great 
difficulty was experienced in locating and extract- 
ing the ball. Amputation was deferred from day 
to daj' ho[)ing against hope that the limb might be 
saved. Fifteen days after his arrival it was finally 
decided that it could no longer be postponed and 
the left leg was amputated below the knee. He 
remained a year in the hospital and received his 
honorable discharge in August, 1863. 

Upon his return home George Arms went to 
school for a while and in 1865 he went to work upon 
the home farm where he has since lived except- 
ing one year which he passed at Portland. He has 
eighty acres of land, all of it improved. He built 
his present residence three years ago at a cost of 
^2, GOO besides his own labor. He does active work 
upon his farm, carrying on mixed farming. He 
has Short-horn cattle, also some fine specimens of 
horses both for draft and roadsters. He has one 
of the finest Short-horn herds registered in Ionia 
County. He began his herd in 1882 with "Lady 
Thornapple," No. 20. She is recorded in volume 
26, page 491. She was of "Young Mary" family, 
tracing back to "Young Mary" bj' "Jupiter" Mo. 
21,070. He has nine of this grade of cattle, includ- 
ing "Lady Thornai)ple" and her descendants. At the 



head of his present herd is "Gladstone" No. 86,708, 
bred on the farm of tiie Michigan Agricultural 
College at Lansing. He is a Victoria Dutchess re- 
corded in volume 33, page 161 of the American 
Short-horn Herd Book; calved May 25, 1887; is of 
red color. His dam's sire was twenty-third "Duke 
of Airdrie," who was valued at $10,000 and the 
most noted one ever owned in Michigan. "Glad- 
stone" was sired by" Fennel, Duke 2d"of Sideview, 
Ky. He has eight distinct Duke top crosses; he 
took first premium at the Ionia Fair in the fall of 
1890. 

On the 5th of October, 1867, the marriage was 
solemnized between George W. Arms and Miss 
Alvira King, a daughter of Piatt B. and Diantha 
(Bcals) King, both natives of the Empire State who 
removed from there to Oliio about 1833. Mr. 
King was one of the pioneer farmers of the Western 
Reserve, and made a permanent home there, where 
he died sixteen years ago. His wife still survives 
him and now at the age of eighty-five years lives 
at Oberlin, Ohio, witli one of her daughters. Four 
of the six children are now living: H.arriet, Mrs. 
Avery ; Abiah, Mrs. Whitney ; Mary, Mrs. Whitney ; 
and Mrs. Arms. The wife of our subject was born 
June 22, 1845, in Ohio; she received a good educa- 
tion, completing her school days at Oberlin College. 
She taught school previous to her marriage. Her 
parents were close communion Baptists and her 
father held responsible positions in the church. In 
politics he was a strong Republican and was an 
earnest promoter of the Abolition movement. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Arms have been born two chil- 
dren: Frank C, born December 21, 1868; he has a 
good education, having completed his studies at 
Oberlin College and is now an artist at Portland. 
Clara M., born October 1, 1875, is at [iresent a 
student in tiie Portland High School. Mr. Arms 
is a charter member of the (3rand Army Post at 
Lyons. For many years he has been a member of 
the School Board. He has been frequently elected 
to township offices, but never qualifies; he is a 
Democrat in politics. He now has two hundred 
trees on his place and will set out six hundred 
more this spring ; he purposes to have one thousand. 
He is the only person now living in this district 
who was a pupil in the first school organized here. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



419 



Forty-six years ago when his father was taken 
down witli the fever there were no doctors here. 
His wife left Willi the neighbors her two babies and 
putting her husband in a one-horse wagon upon a 
bed looi\ him to Harrisville, Medina Count}*, Oiiio, 
for treatment. Our subject was one of the l)abies 
wliom this biave raotiicr left in the kind care of 
benevolent neighbors. 



I RI LkVALLEY. This name is not unknown 
to the residents of Ionia County, but on tlic 
contrary is familiar to them as that of a 
pioneer who h:»s witnessed a large part of the 
growth of this section. It is also recognized by its 
connection with the fruit-growing carried on in 
this part of the Slate, as he who bears it lias long 
been engaged in the nursery business and was the 
first man in the county to raise peaches. He set 
out Ihc first peach orchard and he has done much 
in propngaling other varieties of fruit. 

Mr. LcVailej- belongs to a farail}- whose history 
contains several interesting and romantic incidents. 
His paternal grandfather, a Revolutionary soldier, 
married a sisler of Gen. Greene, and settled in 
Vermont. His father in turn was a silk merchant 
of Lyt>ns, France, and was robbed on the high seas 
by ihe notorious pirate, Capt. Kidd. After the 
robbery he was placed on board a schooner which 
floated into Providence Harbor and he laid out the 
city of that name. The father of our subject was 
Ilolden LeValley, who was born in Vermont and 
in his early manhood settled in Western New York. 
He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was sta- 
tioned at Black Rock, near Buffalo, when that city 
was burned by the English. He married Irena 
Fuller. 

The birth of Eri LeValley took place in Niagara 
County, N. Y., August 0, 1817, and he lived there 
until he was si.K years old. His parents died when 
our subject was five years old and he was taken at 
the ago of six years to lire with relatives in On- 
tario County where he grew to manhood and was 
reared to farming and fruit-growing. In these 



lines he has been engaged all bis life. His educa- 
tion was begun in the district schools and has been 
continued by self-effort. In 18.38 Mr. LeV'alley 
came to Michigan on a prospecting tour and 
sojourned in Ionia County about two and a half 
years. He then went back East and in 1844 came 
again to this State, this time to make a permanent 
location. 

Mr. LeValley settled in Ionia Township on sec- 
tion 32, taking up his residence in the thick woods, 
and like all whomadesuch location, enduring many 
hardships and being obliged to toil laboriouslj' in 
order to develop his land. When he came hither 
Ionia was a village with but three frame houses 
within its limits. He was obliged to work by the 
month to pay for his first eighty acres of land, but 
his perseverance was rewarded and as years passed 
by be was enabled to give his children a fair start 
in life and to divide a considerable property among 
them. His personal possession of real estate is now 
thirty eight acres of good land, nearly half of 
which is devoted to nursery stock. He made a 
small beginning in this business in 1846, and 
afterward made it more extensive. 

In the Empire State in 1843 Mr. I/cValley was 
married to Miss Emelinc Ilartt. Her father was a 
captain in the American army opeiating on the 
Niagara frontier in 1812 and was also in the battle 
of Lundy's Lane. Having been bereft of his wife 
Mr. LeValley was married a second time in 1846. 
His bride on this occasion was Phcbe, daughter of 
Nelson Tuttle, now deceased, who is remembered 
as one of the early pioneers of Ionia County. This 
marriage has been blest by the birth of six children, 
but two have been taken from their parents by 
death. The survivors are Lewis IL, who lives in 
Ionia Township; Harriet, wife of Abel Benedict, 
in Benedict Township; John, a resident of 
Easton Township, and Mary, wife of James Gaul 
in Ionia Townsiiip. Mrs. Phebe LeValley entered 
into rest September 29, 1890, leaving behind her 
many friends, among whom her days had been 
spent in usefulness. 

Mr. LeValley has served as Justice of the Peace 
of Ionia Township two terms. He has been known 
as a public-spirited and enterprising citizen and one 
who in his l)usiness affairs is the soul of integrity, 



420 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



making his word as good as his bond. That he is 
held in high esteem by his fellow-pioneers is shown 
by Iheif having elected him President of the Ionia 
County Pioneer Society. In politics he is a Re- 
publican. Personally he is a courteous, entertain- 
ing gentleman who dispenses hospitality with a 
free hand and who, although considerably past 
threescore and ten years old, does not lack in in- 
terest in that which is going on around him. 

^ — -^sm 

(^^ AMUEL DAVIS. Among the farmers of 
^^^ lonie County who have taken a part in the 
(il/_^ initial work of development is Samuel 

— Davis, who is located on section 19, Otisco 
Township. His possessions here include one hun- 
dred and forty acres of real estate, much of which 
was cleared and broken with his assistance. One 
hundred and twenty acres is under improvement, 
and the buildings include asubstantial farmhouse 
and barn and a large shed, together with other need- 
ful structures. This farm has been the home of 
Mr. Davis since 1868, and hehas lived in the town- 
ship for a much longer i)eriod. 

William Davis, father of our subject, was an Eng- 
lishman who emigrated to America early in the 
'40s, and after spending a few years in New York 
came to Michigan in 1849. He settled in Ionia 
County, first working land on shares, but in 1856 
buying one hundred and twenty acres of land. 
AVhen called hence in 1876,'_^his estate was reduced 
to forty acres, the balance having been sold to his 
children. He was married to P^lizabeth Talbolt, 
who was also a native of the mother country and 
she shared his fortunes until 1862, when she closed 
her eyes in death. Their children were William, 
Henry, Samuel, James, Sally A., Alfred, Mary E., 
Thomas E., Harriet and Caroline. 

The subject of this brief biographical sketch was 
born in England in 1839, and was three years old 
when lie crossed the Atlantic with his parents. He 
was a lad of ten years when he first became ac- 
quainted with the county, for which he has so long 
and industriously labored as one of its enterprising 
agriculturists. In March, 1864, he became a pri- 



vate in the Second Sharp-Shooters Company, Twen- 
ty-seventh Michigan Infantry, and had the fortune 
to be present as an active participant in the battles 
of Ream's Station, Preble's Farm, Ft. Stedman and 
Ft. Hell, and many other engagements. He was 
discharged July 26, 1865, and rejoicing in the ces- 
sation of hostilities and the preservation of the 
Union he returned to his home. 

The marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Adeline E. 
Church was solemnized at the l)ride's home June 
28, 1868. Mrs. Davis is a lady of intelligence and 
good judgment, one of a large family born to Silas 
and Sophia (Keeney) Church. Our subject and 
his wife are the parents of three children, who bear 
the names of Lizzie, Frank and Vern. 

The first Presidential ballot cast by Mr. Davis 
was for Abraham Lincoln, and from that time to 
the present he has been an unfaltering Republican. 
He keeps himself well-informed regarding topics of 
general interest, manifests the true public spirit in 
his care for the general welfare, and conducts him- 
self in a manner befitting an honorable man. 



ERTON E. TOWN. Among the young 
men who are factors in the financial growth 
of Montcalm Count3' is Mr. Town, who is 
located in Crystal Township and is carry- 
ing on a general merchandise business. He was 
born in Livingston Countj' May 18, 1863, and is a 
son of Ira C. and Emma (Beach) Town. The sur- 
roundings of his early life were such as are com- 
mon in agricultural communities, his father being 
a farmer, v..d prior to his twentieth j'ear his educa- 
tional priv :I"ges were those of the common school. 
He then went to Detroit and entered the commer- 
cial school known as the Spenceriaa Institute, 
but which has since been merged with Bryant and 
Stralton's College. He devoted a year to study 
there, then returned to his father's house and spent 
a twelvemonth in work upon the farm. 

During his youth Mr. Town had devoted the 
summers to farm work, attending school during 
the winters only, and he became thorougiily ac- 
quainted with the details of agricultural life. When 






^yrtyij-6t 




QJL.J. ^ fTcM. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICALjALBUM. 



435 



lie left home the second time he went to Auburn, 
Bay County, and became salesman and book-keeper 
for Ira E. Swart, with whom lie remained live 
years. He then eame to Crystal, Montcalm Countyi 
and bought the stock of goods belonging to II. II. 
Stcffey and has been carrying on business witii 
very satisfactory results. His parents are now liv- 
ing within five miles of the village, having come to 
the township in the spring of ISGo. 

Mr. Town h:»s never sought olliee and limits his 
political work to informing himself regarding party 
principles and issues of the day and voting the 
Democratic ticket. He takes an interest in all pub- 
lic enterprises that [jromise to increase the pros- 
perity of the section in which he lives, or add to 
the welfare of the people. He is quite popular and 
i.s looked upon as one of the rising young men of 
the neighborhood. 



"ifjO.SHUA S. HALL, (.no of the prominent 
pioneers of Ionia County, has his home on 
_ section I, Easton Township. It is inter- 
i^J' esting to hear him tell of his experience and 
those of his fellows in the years during which this 
part of the commonwealth was being reclaimed 
from its primitive wildness and made productive 
of things suitable for the wants of man. That his 
worldly efforts have been crowned with success and 
that he is well supplied with the comforts of life, is 
a source of satisfaction to all who appreciate the 
work of those who formed the van guartl of civili- 
zation. 

The parents of our subject were nenr3- and Kulh 
(.Stark) Hall, both of whom were born in New 
England. The father was a soldier during a part 
of the time that hostilities were raging between 
America and England, on account of the impress- 
ment of men into the British service on the plea of 
their being subjects of the Crown. .losliua Hall was 
born in Jsew London County, Conn., Februarj- 24, 
1816, and spent his boyhood on a farm. Heat- 
tended school principally during the winter season 
and gained such knowledge as he couhl under the 
system in force at that time. He was not yet of 



age when, in the fall of 1836 he came to Ionia 
County and bought one hundred and fourteen acres 
on section 6, Ionia Township, paying $1.25 per 
acre. 

For a lime Mr. Hail worked by the day, endeav- 
oring to get a start in life, and for several years he 
was engaged by the month. Tlie lirst building put 
upon his land was a log cabin, 14x1 J feet, covered 
with boards, in which he lived for some time and 
kept bachelor's hall. After his marriage he settled 
on a new place in Orleans Township, but lived there 
onl3' a short time ere returning to his old farm. 
He necessarily passed through such privations as 
were common in clearing the land, but little by 
little his aim was accomplished. In 187.5 he came 
to his present home, which was partially cleared 
and developed and upon which he has continucil 
tiio process. He has here eighty-two acres which 
is now well developed and affords a satisfactory 
income, as from it are harvested croiis of good 
(juality and at least average quantit3\ 

The wedding day of Mr. Hall and Miss Sarah 
A. Haight was September 18, 1842. The bride 
was born in New York City, March 6, 1822, and 
W.1S descended in the paternal line from English 
and German ancestors and in the maternal from 
English and French. Her father, Marvin (J. 
Haight, was born in the Empire State and served 
in the War of 1812, with the commission of Ca[)- 
tain. He married Jane Lynch and they had eight 
children, six of whom are still living. In 1831 the 
Haights came to this State, making their home in 
Washtenaw County, whence, during the '40s' they 
came to Ionia. Mrs. Hall was well preparetl for 
the life of a pioneer's wife and has nobly dis- 
charged the duties that have fallen to her lot. To 
her and her husband seven children have been 
born: Henr}' J. and Luther E. now living in Or- 
leans Township; Arthur N., in Ionia Township; 
John, in Easton Township; Ruth, wife of Terry 
Freeman, in Boston Township; Frank, in Easton 
Township, and Ada at home. Jlr. and Mrs. Hall 
have been the liapp^' possessors of twenty-five 
grandchildren of whom three are deceased. 

Mr. Hall was Justice of the Peace several years 
while living in Orleans Township. As would be 
expected of a man wiio had the courage to pone- 



426 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



trate the wiklerness and make a home there, he has 
been in favor of those movements which would im- 
prove the condition of society and advance the de- 
veloping process in the county. In politics he is 
a Republican and all his sons vote as he docs. He 
voted at the first county election in Ionia County, 
held in 1837. Mr. Hall belongs to the Pioneer 
Society of the countj'. 

Mrs. Hall and her daughter A<la and several 
other nieml)ers of the family belong to the Chris- 
tian Church. Mr. Hall for a number of years was 
a member of the Church of the Disciples, but is 
not at present connected with any religious body. 
Mrs. Hall is one of the pioneer teachers of the 
county, having taught the first district school in 
Orleans Township. -She had the tact and intelli- 
gence to make her school a good one and as long 
as she continued her professional work her services 
were in demand. She has never forgotten that she 
was once a teacher, and sympathizes in a high de- 
gree with all educational progress and the efforts 
of every instructor. 

Elsewhere in this volume are presented litho- 
graphic portraits of Mr. Hall and his wife. 

EMERSON VANCE. After more tlian a 
decade of active agricultural work Mr. 
I Vance is enjoying the comforts derived 
from his industrious labors, in a beautiful home in 
Pewano, Ionia County. His dwelling is handsome, 
well-fitted and pleasantly located, and was bought 
by him in 1889, together with the three lots sur- 
rounding it. He has also a farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres on section 29, Lebanon Township, 
Clinton County, and other land adjoining, and may 
well be called a successful farmer. He operated 
the homestead from 1868 to 1889, during that time 
completing its improvement and building upon it 
a good residence, barn and other structures. 

The parents of our subject were John and Cor- 
nelia A. (Dean) Vance, natives of Yates County, 
N. Y. They came to this State in 1 838 and took their 
place among the early settlers of Clinton "County, 
locating on the west half of the northeast quarter 



of section 30, Lebanon Township. There the hus- 
band built a house of tamarack logs, which gave 
him the name among the Indians of Tamarack 
Vance. He cleared the land which he originally 
purchased, bought other property and built good 
farm buildings. In 1865 he put up a house at a 
cost of $10,000, he being at that time the owner of 
nine hundred and sixt^' acres. He kept excellent 
stock and raised grain in large quantities. He was 
Supervisor and Treasurer of the township several 
years and was quite conspicuous as a local politi- 
cian, from the organization of the Republican party 
being a stanch member. He died September 4, 
1880. The mother of our subject breathed her 
last about 1844. The family consisted of four 
children — Emerson, Emmett, Emily and Ursula. 

On the homestead in Clinton County, Emerson 
Vance was born November 16, 1840, and there he 
grew to manhood and began his preparations for 
the work of life. After studying in the district 
schools he spent six months at what was called the 
Leoni Collegiate Institute in Jackson County, and 
in 1866 devoted an equal length of time to work in 
a commercial college in Chicago. He then returned 
home and spent a twelvemonth in work upon the 
homestead, after which he n:arried and established 
his own household on the adjoining section. When 
the Civil War began he was not long in deciding 
to take up arms in defense of the old flag and on 
May 20, 18G1, he was enrolled in Corai)any I, Sec- 
ond Michigan Infantry. He was present at the 
first and second battles of Bull Run and was with 
Gen. McClellan on the Peninsula, lie bore a part 
in numerous battles and everywhere displayed the 
qualities of a gallant soldier. At the siege of Knox- 
ville a shot penetrated his left leg above the knee 
and he was also wounded in the right hip. He 
was honorably discharged Jul3' 18, 1864, and re- 
sumed his former peaceful occupations. 

March 21, 1868, was the date of the marriage of 
Mr. Vance and Miss Sarah McVeigh. The bride 
was a resident of Westphalia Township, Clinton 
County, and one of the fourteen children born to 
Milton and Margaret (Smeliger) McVeigh, natives 
of New Y'ork, who were early settlers in Clinton 
County. The other survivors of the large family 
are Mrs. Julia Wright, Mary, Henry, Samuel, Louisa 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



427 



and Emily. Mr. and Mrs. Vance have three cliil- 
dren, who are named respectively: lUysscsd., Wil- 
bur and Beitha M. 

Mr. Vance is a Mason and a member of the 
(Irand Army of the Republic. lie cjists his influ- 
ence with the Republican party. At his former 
home he served as Township Supervisor, Treasurer 
and Clerk, and in each station proved his efficiency 
and faithfulness. lie holds a prominent place in 
the community in which lie lives, and his wife 
shares with him in an interest in the j^eneral wel- 
fare, and labors to promote it. 



•■S!^*"^^!^ 



<PItf-»«^*?- 



HKLDON R. CURTISS who lives on sec- 
tion 21, Berlin Township, Ionia County is 
the son of Russell .1. Curtiss, a Vermont 
farmer and Ljdia (I'olter) Curtiss, an Ohio 
woman. In this latter State the parents were mar- 
ried and resided until 1852, when they came to 
Michigan and settled upon a raw, heavily timbered 
farm of eijj:lity acres, built a log house and began 
clearing off and improving the farm. Fift^- acres 
were cleared by them and placed under cultivation. 
Russell J. Curtiss died in December, 1890, at the 
advanced age of eightj'-six years. His faithful 
wife still survives although she has completed her 
four-score years. They were both members of the 
Methodist Kpiscopal Church in which he was a 
Steward, Trustee and Class-Leader. They were 
also both active in Sunday-sciiool work. Local 
politics always interested him greatly and he voted 
the Re[)ublican ticket. He was for some time 
Justice of the Peace. lie was active!}' interested 
in school matters and wjis a member of the School 
Board. His temperate habits and life of strict in- 
tegrity insured for him the respect and confidence 
of his neighbors. He and his good wife were the 
parents of seven children, six of whom are now 
living: Catherine E.,now widow of L. J. Canright; 
Sarah R., now Mrs. Riley Cliandjerlain ; Lucy A., 
widow of Jerome M. Walker; Corintha M., now 
widow of George Scissem; our subject, and Willie 
H., who lives in this township. 

The gentleumn of whom we write was boi'n April 



22, 1839, in Lorain County, Ohio, and at thirteen 
years of age removed to Michigan with his parents. 
Most of his education was received in this State. 
He attended school in the first schoolhouse l)uiltin 
Berlin Center. He grew to manhood upon his 
father's rugged farm, which he helped to clear and 
cultivate. He there gained the foundation for a 
character of earnestness, sincerity and quiet persis- 
tence which was destined to help him pass through 
the trials before him. He began for iiimself at 
twent^'-one years of age, buying forty acres where 
he now lives. It was almost wholly unim|)roved 
there being no buildings upon it. 

The subject of this sketch was united in marriage 
in 18G0 with Abigail N. liarnard, a daughter of 
James and Elizabeth (Cook) Barnard. Mrs. Bar- 
nard was a native of Vermont, and Mr. Barnard 
was a native of the Empire State, where this couple 
were united in marriage and which they left to 
come to Michigan in 18,03. Here they settled 
upon section 11, in Berlin Townshiji, all wild land. 
Mr. Barnard was a great worker and accomplished 
wonders in clearing and improving. He added to 
his original eight}' acres until he had about two 
hundred broad and fertile acres. The original 
eighty acres were in splendid condition of cultiva- 
tion at the time of his death. The worthy couple 
died in this county, the mother in 1871, and the 
father in 1883. Mrs. Barnard was a useful 
and active member of the Metlioilist Episcopal 
Church. Her husband took a lively interest in 
politics and was a stanch Republican, bringing up 
his sons with the heartiest love for the free insti- 
tutions of our country and so training tliem as to 
make them willing to spring to the defense of the 
Nation's liouor. Three of them entered the Union 
army during the Civil War and two were in Andor- 
sonville prison, where one, George W., died in 
18(')4. Mr. Barnard was strongly teni|)erate in his 
principles and benevolently inclined to assist 
churches in his vicinity. He and iiis good wife 
were the parents of ten children, Ave of whom are 
now living. Their daughter, Mrs. Curtiss was 
born January 7, 1840, in New York. She has a 
good common-school education. 

After his marriage the subject of tiiis sketch set- 
tled upon his present farm, built a log house and 



428 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIC. A.L ALBUM. 



began clearing off and improving the land. He 
now has eighty acres, about seventy of which is 
improved. He built iiis residence ten years ago. 
All the other improvements have been put here by 
himself. He carries on mixed farming, raising 
botli grain and stocli. 

Having established a liapi)y home upon his new 
farm Mr. Curtiss was prepared for a continued 
period of prosperity and domestic enjoyment, but it 
was not so to be, for his country called and to follow 
duty was the onl3' decision possible with this true- 
hearted Christian man and patriot. In October, 
1862, he enlisted in Company M, Sixth Micliigan 
Cavalry. This regiment was organized in Grand 
Rapids and when ready for service was sent forward 
to the National Capital and was attached to the 
Army of tlie Potomac, in Gen. Custer's brigade of 
Michigan Cavalry. The regiment operated all 
through Virginia and our hero took part in tiie 
battles of Cold Harbor, Chickahominy Swamp, 
Trevilian Station, Cedar Creek, and a large num- 
ber of skirmishes and small lights. He was also 
in the famous battle of Gettysburg. On June 11, 
1864, he had the groat misfortune to be captured 
by the rebels at Trevilian St.ation. He was taken 
to Richmond and put into Libby prison and later 
into Castle Thunder. After this he was removed 
to Andersonville prison where he was most of the 
time for six months, and where he suffered untold 
horrors. AVhen he was in service before his cap- 
ture he weighed one hundred and ninety pounds, 
but when he passed out from the door of the rebel 
prison he had wasted until he weighed only one 
hundred and sixteen pounds. 

An intensely interesting sketch of Mr. Curtiss' 
experiences in the rebel prisons given below, was 
written by himself, and kindly furnished us for pub- 
lication : "We love to speak of the pleasant memories 
of the past, but to me the memories of army life are 
clouded by sad recollections, especially when my 
mind goes back to my life in rebel prisons. Our 
regiment went out in 18G2 and put in three years 
of solid work with Custer's Michigan Cavalry 
Brigade. AVe remember the long lines of stalwart 
men that marched out at the bugle call for drill 
and dress parade in the old camp at Grand Rapids. 
We remember them at the front when called to 



meet the more stern realities of soldier life. We 
cannot forget those that fell, pierced willi rebel 
bullets, and mangled by rebel shells, and how shall 
we forget those who bore those awful sufferings 
and finally died in the midst of the horrors of rebel 
prisons. Of all death dealing m.achinery there is 
none more terrible than these. 

"I was in four different prisons: Castle Thunder, 
Mahlon, Libby, and Andersonville. The famous 
old Libby prison is so well known that I will call 
j'our attention to a few only of my reminiscences. 
This prison was located on one of the princii)al 
streets in the city of Richmond, Va., and had been 
formerly used as a warehouse. It was built of 
brick, and its windows well barred with iron. Its 
walls were strongly guarded bj- rebel soldiers, and 
it was considered impossible for our men to escape 
from it, but in this they were mistaken, although 
at one time they placed over the door this inscrip- 
tion : 

''Abandon hope all ye who enter here." 

In this prison many of our true soldiers were 
confined, and from this place they were drawn by 
lot to be put to death in retaliation for some sup- 
posed or real grievance which the Confederacy had 
suffered at the hunils of the United States Govern- 
ment. At one time Capt. Sawyer, of New Jersey, 
and Capt. Flinn, of Indiana, were drawn by lot for 
execution, and were placed in a most filthy and 
gloomy dungeon to await the fatal day when ven- 
geance should be wreaked upon them. By some 
unknown means this fact was reported in Washing- 
ton and word was sent by our Government that if 
these men were harmed the same fate would be 
meted out to the sons of two rebel officers, then 
held prisoners at AVashington. Thus were these 
brave men saved, and their turn for exchange came 
soon and they were free. 

''It was common for us to hear discouraging news, 
in fact we seldom heard of the Union army gaining 
any victories. One day it was reported that Meade 
was defeated with great loss near Gettysburg, and 
that Grant had closed an unsuccessful campaign by 
raising the siege at Vicksburg. These were truly 
dark days for the brave boys imprisoned there, 
waiting and hoping. But the silver lining of the 
cloud would sometimes glimmer through our dark 



i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



429 



ness and in spitu of all precautions it turned out 
that the sun was still shining. A Richmond paper 
found its way to us, and brought the ylad tidinu;s 
that Grant had taken Mcksburg, with thirty- thou- 
sand prisoners and lliat tiie battle of Gettysburg 
had rcsidted in the defeat of Lee with a loss to 
him of twelve thousand killed and wounded. This 
inspiring news spread among the men silently but 
swiftly and hearts went up in tliankfulness, cj'es 
brightened and faces shown with hope. Rebel 
guards walking their rounds wondered at the 
change, when all at once hundreds of voices burst 
forth in song as the}' never sang before: 

"Mine ej'es have seen the glory of the cominn; of 
the Lord ; 
Ho is trani|iling out the vintage where the grapes 
of wrath are stored: 
He hath loosed the fitful lightning of His terrible 
swift sword; 
His truth is marching on." 

Then rose the grand chorus of, 

"Glory, glory. Halleluiah." 

"Union men from Tennessee were conlined in the 
lower parts of the old prison, where it was so 
damp and unhealthy that mould actually accumu- 
lated on their beards. Many noble men closed 
their eyes forever in those dungeons. Krom this 
prison a tunnel was dug underground through 
which about sixty escapeii, and many succeeded in 
reaching the Union lines. But the time came when 
I was to leave J>ibby prison, and with others I was 
marched out, bidding farewell to those left behind. 
Tlicy were loaded into box cars, closely- crowded 
with hut little to cat or drink, while the heat was 
almost uiiendurable. Our suffering was great and 
the filthiness of the cars was beyond description. 
Late one afternoon in June we arrived at our des- 
tination — Anderson villc prison. 

"This prison is in a part of Georgia where there 
arc extensive pine forests. The encam|iment was 
made by setting logs in the ground upon end, side 
by side, running up some twelve or fourteen feet. 
We were taken to the quarters of the commanding 
olficer, where for the first time we saw that heart- 
less wretch named Wirz. We were searched before 
being taken out of his presence, and we were glad 
indeed to get out of the sound of his terrible pro- 



fanity. One who lately visited the cemetery at 
Washington, says: "The grave of the keeper of 
Andersonville is near the main entrance. The man 
who buried him is still employed at the cemetery 
and he identified the grave. He contemptuously 
kicked one foot against a small block of stone lying 
in the autumn rubbish, saying: 'That is Wirz.' H'g 
grave lies near to another, but not on a line with 
it, as if intended to be half way below the line. 
A small stone bears simply the name, Wirz. The 
keeper of the Andersonville pen, moulders in a 
neglected grave. 

"I shall never forget the gloominess of that after- 
noon when we were put inside the stockade. I was 
surprised and horror stricken. Hope died within me, 
and death seemetl stamped upon everything. The 
air was full of dcathl}' odor from the filthy ground, 
and the water was putrid from the wash of the 
prison. A long row of our boys that had died 
during the d.ay lay on the right, as we passed 
through the inner gate. Their number would be 
added to until morning, when the dead wagon would 
take them to the place of burial. The whole prison 
enclosed about twenty acres; guards could be seen 
on top of the stockade at intervals of about five 
rods all round the pri.son. There was a line staked 
out about fifteen or twenty feet from the stockade 
that was called the dead line, beyond which was 
sure death to go. Some of our boys were shot 
dead before learning what this line w.as for. 

"Four of us lay down in the rain under our one 
blanket, weary and sad, but were in a short time 
awakened by the robbers tiiat infested the prison. 
One of these fellows stood over me with a large 
club, another drew a razor across the throat of ray 
next neighbor while another looked over the con- 
tents of my satchel. We Dually got the advantage 
of them and drove them off. They were a desper- 
ate set of hard cases, that had been put in the 
navy so that they could be managed, but being 
captured and in prison they entered u[)on their old 
business of robbery and murder. Si.\ out of sixty 
of them were afterwards arrested, tried and con- 
demned, sentenced and hung in prison. The groans 
of the sick, and continual cough, cough, in every 
direction, all through the long niglits were sounds 
that our ears soon became accustomed to, Meu 



430 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



were walking continually day and night until they 
could go no longer, when they would drop down 
and die, being actually starved to death. Many 
were the plans laid for our escape, but few suc- 
ceeded in getting away. 

"It was a common thing to hear the baying of a 
pack of bloodhounds in the night, as they circled 
around the prison pen, and finally struck off in 
some one direction, the sound dying away in the 
distance. This told us that more of our poor boys 
had been trying to get away. Those that were 
brought back were severely punished. Men were 
fastened into the stocks by liie wrists and ankles 
between heavy planks for hours. The stocks were 
in plain sight of us all and it was a common sight 
to see our comrades thus tortured. Had it not 
been for the horrors of the situation few would 
have run such fearful risks to get away. 

"Wells were dug to a great depth in an effort to 
get pure water, but not much could be obtained in 
that way and the suffering for want of it was great, 
until the Providence Spring broke out. This spring 
was so named because it was looked upon by many 
as a direct gift from God. I have drank from 
many a fountain of living water, but I never found 
one so sweet and so pure. How eagerly we crowded 
up to get a draught from that pure fountain, and 
how we hastened with a cup of it to helpless com- 
rades racked with pain and burning with fever. 
How thankfully the sufferers received it. Yes, we 
remember that a last gift to a brother was a drink 
of that pure water. I have no doubt that many 
of us live to-day that would not have survived 
without it. I have read of a party of our men 
visiting the old prison who when thej- came to the 
old spring were completely overcome by their feel- 
ings, wlien they remembered what tiiey had passed 
through. 

"We had but little reading matter and a news- 
paper hardly ever found its way inside the prison. 
We would try to sing but our liearts were too heavy 
for that, only as we would make a forlorn effort to 
cheer up each other. I had a Bible which was not 
taken from me in .all the searchings through which 
we passed. This was often called for by the boys 
and read carefully. We talked of home and of 
the bountiful tables that would I'e spread for us if 



we were so fortunate as to get tliere again. This 
was a favorite theme, and many a time I have actu- 
ally seen those who were listening, moving their 
lips as if the}' were tasting a mother's cooking. 
A poor fellow who passed me one day, stooped 
and picked up an old bone that had been thrown 
out and gnawed it just as a hungry dog would do. 
We tried to studj' up ways of cheering and amus- 
ing e.ach other, that we might not yield to despair. 

"Days and weeks passed slowly av/ay and October 
found us hungry and cold, waiting and hoping for 
release. The in-ison had been enlarged, hundreds 
had been added to our numbers, the death rate h.ad 
increased, but still wc hoped on, hoping against 
hope. To walk about from point to point of our 
allotted space was not an agree.able mode of pastime. 
One needed a stout heart to walk down by the old 
prison gate in the morning, and look at tlie long 
row of our dead comrades as they l.iy there with 
thin, white, ghastly faces, awaiting the dead wagon. 
We wondered why our Government had left us 
thus to suffer and die. Those in authority were 
exulting over us, while each hour in the night rebel 
guards would cry out, "all is well." Our rations 
were withheld for an entire day from the whole 
prison, because a few had been caught planning to 
escape and this at a time when we were already 
reduced to almost absolute starvation. 

'■Well, these years have passed away, but as we 
look back to our days in rebel prisons it seems but 
as yesterday, when, 

"Within the prison walls. 
We were waiting for the day, 
Thatsliould come and open wide the iron doors. 
And tiie hollow e>'e grew bright. 
And the poor heart almost gay. 
As we talked of seeing home and friends once 
more." 

"At Andersonville alone, our Government has 
pl.iced more than thirteen thousand tombstones, to 
mark the graves where our loved ones were laid 
away, and the dear old flag floats to-day over their 
graves." 

It was in December, 1864, when the subject of 
this sketch was exchanged from prison and taken 
to Annapolis, and allowed to go home on a fur- 
lough. At its termination he was ordered to join 



PORTRAIT \ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



•131 



his regiment which was then under orders to cross 
the plains. He went as far as Ft. Leavenworth in 
Kansas, and there his term of service having cx- 
l)ire<l he was disch.irged, having served fully three 
3'ears. He has never seen a d.ay since his prison 
life that he has not suffered from its effects. Since 
that time he has devote<I himself to his farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. t'urtiss are the parents of seven 
children: Rosa K., wife of Frank Stowell, lives 
at Clarkesville, Mich., and has three children; 
Lillie A., wife of John Smith, lives in Boston 
Township, and has three children; Arthur W., mar- 
ried Mary llaynes, with whom and his one child he 
makes his home in Britlon, Mich.; Delia C, wife of 
Edward Mains, is the mother of one child and 
makes her home in Spring Arbor, Mich. Gilbert 
J., Kdith G., and Kvelyn (Jrace are at home with 
their [jarents. All have had the advantage of a 
good common-school education. Mr. Curtiss and 
his family are earnest believers in the doctrines of 
the Melliodist Episcopal Church and are earnest 
workers in all church matters. He has been Class- 
Leader for many years, also Superintendent of 
Sunda^'-school at Berlin Center and the teacher of 
a Bible Cl.ass. He and his sons alw.ays take an 
active part in the efforts to promote temperance. 
His political convictions are with llie IJppublican 
party and his interest in school matters has led to 
his being for a long while a member of the .School 
Board. 



,^ HESTER SMITH, M. D. began his career in 
'!' _ the wilds of Michigan, and .as a matter of 
^^to^ course his life was similar to the majority 
of those who came to this countr}' at that time. 
The sound of the woodman's ax as it felled the for- 
est trees was the most common and the various 
scenes of camping and logging life varied the 
monotony of every da^- affairs. Amid tlicse scenes 
of nature the first sixteen years of Dr. Smith's life 
were passed, but he soon came into prominence be- 
fore the people, and in the duties of his profession 
and also in performing those of a citizen he has 
gained the esteem of all. 

Pr. Smith was born in Jefferson County, N.'Y., 



January 6, 1831, and is the son of Elisha and 
Harriet (Vebar) Smith, who were natives of Massa- 
chusetts. Grandfather Elisha Smith w.as born Feb- 
ruary 1.5, 1759, and married Keturah Edson May 
10, 1780. He was with Gen. Gates until the sur- 
render of Gen. Burgoyne and was in several battles 
of the Revolution. The falher of our subject was 
a farmer and came to Michigan in the spring of 
1812, locating in Ingham County, where he died. 
His wife died prior to his death, July 14, 1845. To 
them were born three children, who are all livin<^. 
Chester in Portland City; Adoniram J., of Sagi- 
naw City and Emoraney, wife of Hiram Godfrey 
Russell, a resident of White County, Ark. Durino- 
his pioneer life Chester Smith was reared to chop- 
ping and logging until sixteen years of age. He 
then labored in a cooper shop until attaining his 
majority. From the age of twenty-one years until 
that of twenty-four his occupation wsis that of a 
gold hunter in California. 

Dr. Smith journeyed to the Golden State in the 
spring of 1852 and returned in the fall of 1855. 
In going he took the overland route and returned 
by the way of Panama and New Vork City. Mr. 
Smith commenced the study of medicine durin" 
the winter of 1855-56. at first rather as a pastime. 
In the summer of 1856 he went to K.ansas and not 
being satisfied there he returned in the sprino- of 
1857. During this time he located some land 
which he afterwards sold. He studied medicine 
with a half-brother, .John E. Smith, then practicing 
at Onond.aga, Ingham County. In July of that 
year Mr. John Smith came to Portland. Dr. Smith 
took a course of lectures in the winter of 1857-58 
in the Western Homceupathic College at Cleveland, 
Ohio. He gr.aduated in the class of 1859 and then 
commenced the practice of medicine at Parma, 
Mich. After six months he removed to Albion, but 
upon visiting bis brother in Portland found him 
sick and was through his persuasions induced to 
move to Portland, October 5, 1859, and here he has 
since remained. Dr. Smith is a member of the 
American Institute of Ilomojopathy .and also of 
the Stale Society. He is also a member of the 
Masonic order, has been High Priest several vear.-< 
and has been their representative member in llu' 
Grand Lodge. Mr. Smith has represented his ordrr 



432 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in conventions two different times. He is a mem- 
ber of tbe Baptist Cburcli, is a Republican and bas 
never voted any otber ticket. His first ballot was 
cast for Abrabara Lincoln. 

Dr. Smilb bas been twice married. His first 
marriage occurred December 5, 1858 to Deborah 
Lockwood of Jackson County, wbo died Septem- 
ber 23, 1862. Two cbildren were born to this 
union — Clara M., wife of Clarence Gillett of Ft. 
Collins, Col., and Glen L. residing in Portland, 
Mich. Our subject was a second time united in 
marriage, taking as his wife Mary A. Murphy. 
Mrs. Smith is a native of Manchester, England, 
but at the time of her marriage resided in Kenoslia 
County, Wis. Of this union there are two children : 
Dale A. and Clarence K. Dr. Smith now holds the 
position of Health Otiicer, and in all his places 
which he has held before men has earned their com- 
mendation anil during his collegiate life struggled 
manfully with adversity and from the battle came 
out a man of rare attainments. Glen L. and Dale 
A. are engaged in the mercantile business in Port- 
land, Mich. 

- orx> . 



fAUREN D. CLIZBE. This name will be 
recognizetl by many of our readers as that 
of a gentleman who, though comparatively 
young in j'ears, has taken a high stand among the 
educators of the State. He has been in charge of 
the Ionia schools since August, 1887, and has 
brougiit them to such a high standard that the High 
School in that city is one of the few in the State 
whose pupils are allowed to enter the State Uni- 
versity without re-examination. Mr. Clizbe has a 
liberal education and combines with his perceptive 
faculties the practicality that makes mental culture 
of real use. Himself an ardent lover of learning, 
he incites the young to a higher aim, and by his 
jjcrsonal example of morality and uprightness adds 
weight to the teachings that are wrought into the 
school work. 

The parents of our subject are .Lames and Abbie 
(Rounds) Clizbo formerly of New York, who came 
to this State in 1835 and are still living in Quincj-, 
Branch County, where the son was born January 



18, 1858. They belong to the agricultural class 
and the early life of our subject was spent amid 
rural surroundings. He first .attended the public 
schools and at the age of eighteen years entered 
upon his work as a teacher. For a time he gave 
a part of each year to that work, but after com- 
pleting his own studies gave his profession his en- 
tire time and thought. He attended the Stale 
Normal School at Ypsilanti, Mich., and was gradu- 
ated from both the classical and scientific depart- 
ments in the class of 1880. 

The first position held liy Mr. Clizbe after his 
graduation was that of Principal of the Birming- 
ham School. He next became Superintendent of 
Schools at Lapeer, whence he was called to Ionia as 
Superintendent. He found the schools in this place 
well regulated and with a good standard of scholar- 
ship, and has ably carried on the work. He was 
Secretary of the County Board of Examiners in 
Lapeer County, and a member of the Board two 
years in Ionia, and whatever move is being ma<le 
in educational circles he takes a deep interest in, 
and bestows upon it profound thought. 

The lady wbo became the wife of Mr. Clizbe 
August 2, 1882, was known in former years as 
Miss Nellie Richardson. She has a fine education 
and prior to her marriage w.as a High School 
teacher in this State. Mr. and Mrs. Clizbe have 
one daughter, Marian R. Mv. Clizbe is Chancellor- 
Commander in Lucullus Lodge, Knights of Pythias. 
He is an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church 
and also Superintendent of the Sunda}' -school. The 
home of the Clizbes is one of the intellectual cen- 
ters of Ionia and under its roof the best society of 
the town is to be met. 



"S^^ LIAS GATES who resides on section 29, 
fe Orange Township, Ionia County, is the son 
[L^g of Fellows Gates, a native of Vermont, 
who was born in 1802. The grandfather of Elias 
was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. 
Fellows Gates, a native of Massachusetts, bore the 
maiden name of Mary Williams. After her mar- 
riage to Mr. Gates in 1826 they resided for year^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOORArillCAL ALBUM. 



435 



I 



in Canada. Then for five years in New York be- 
fore reLuriiing to Canada. They came to Michi<i;an 
ill 18.")5, and sellli'd on a heavily' timbered farm in 
the wilderness, and takiiiij; up fort}- acres began 
ileal ing it. The father remained on this hmd for 
Ihirtysi.x years, bnt has never voted here. His 
wife died in 1881 at tlie age of scveiit3--live years. 
.Slie was a member of tlie Free Will Baptist Church. 
All of their eight, children are now living. Our 
subject; Rachel, Mrs. W. Barber; iSallie, Mrs. 
Thorp: Nathan, Freeman, George; Klizabeth, Mrs. 
W. Carbaugh;and Caroline, Mrs. LcHingwell. 

After receiving a common-school education, 
IClias remained at home until his marriage, I\[arch 
.'it, 1850 to Julia F. Plant, a daughter of Moses 
and Kliza (Naidcn) Plant. Mrs. Gates' parents 
were both natives of Staffordshire, Kngland, where 
they were married and lived until 1833, when 
they came to Ameiica anil settled in Ohio. Later 
they went to Canada, and resided there until 1858, 
when they came to Michigan. They settled suc- 
cessively in Orange, Ionia and Berlin Townships. 
The father is now eighty' j-ears of age. The 
mother died in 1876. They were the parents of 
eight children, five of whom are living. One son, 
Samuel, lost his life at Savannah, Ga., while serv- 
ing in the Union army. 

Mrs. Gates was born in Kngland, .lune G, 1832, 
and being married in Canada, in March, 1851, came 
to Michigan in 1855. She has shown the sterling 
qualities which characterized the early pioneer 
mothers. The patient and strong endurance of 
trials which they showed in their devotion to family 
interests, their tender care of their children, and 
their wise provision for their education overcame 
many obstacles and hindrances to the family 
progress. IMrs. Gates made a visit to England in 
1880. Except five years which they spent in Will- 
iamston, the subject of this sketch and his estimable 
wife have lived continuously on the honiu farm 
since coming to this State. 

Upon the wild forty acres which Mv. Gates took 
up when he came here he built a log house and 
barn, and proceeded to clear twenty-five acres of 
land. Later he purchased more, so that he now 
has seventj- acres all improved and carries on mixed 
farming. They are the happy parents of four chil- 



dren, namely : Henry F., born in 1852, married Julia 
Moore and lives in this townshiii; he has one child. 
Eliza I., born in 1853 is the wife of Ilarlon LaUu ; 
she h.as three children and lives in Ingham County. 
Mary, born in 1801 is the wife of George Wliitty 
and lives in Nashville, Mich., and has one child. 
Helen, born 18GI, is the wife of George H. Myers, 
lives on section 29 and has one cliild. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gates arc earnest, useful members 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church and have trained 
up their children in the church and Sunday-school. 
Their son IIenr3^ is a Steward in the church. Mr. 
Gates has been School Director and Road Over- 
seer of his township. He has always taken a deep 
interest in politics voting the Rci)ublican ticket. 
He li.as been a temi)erate man all his life and with 
his wife commands the respect of the community. 



,EN. FREDERICK S. Ill TCIHNSON. In a 
c^'clorama representing the siege of Atlanta 
m.aybe noticed a iirominent (igureon horse- 
back leading the charge of the Fifteenth Michigan 
Infantr}', which is pointed out to all visitors as that 
of a gallant olliccr whose bravery stands unques- 
tioned and whose daring deserves recounting. The 
onlooker will be told that the man leading the charge 
is den. Frederick S. Hutchinson, whose military 
record is among the best, whose soldierly qualities 
maintained the fullest confidence of his men and 
whose presence inspired them to deeds of valor. 
It is of this man, now a resident of Ionia that we 
purpose to give a brief biographical sketch in the 
accomi)anying i)aragraphs. We also present his 
portrait on the opposite page. 

The birthplace of Gen. Hutchinson was Bedford, 
Ohio, his natal day Septend>er 8, 1839, and his par- 
ents Dr. B. M. and Charlotte (Sharp) Hutchinson, 
whose only child he was. His mother died when 
he was bnt four ^-ears old and he lived with her 
people at Willoughby several years. He attended 
school at Bedford, Tnnisbury, and a select school 
in Cleveland three years, and became well versed 
in the English branches. In the fall of 1858 he 
came to this State and located at Lyons where h^ 



436 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was employed as a clerk and book- keeper until 
1861. July 30 of that j-ear he was enrolled as a 
private in Company F, Fifteentli Michigan Infan- 
try and within seven months had passed through 
the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Cap- 
tain to that of Major. 

The Fifteentli Regiment was sent from this State 
to Missouri and thence down the Mississippi, arriv- 
ing at Pittsburg Landing Aiiril o, 18G2. There it 
passed through the two days' fight at Shiloh and 
Company F was commanded by Gen. Hutchinson 
from noon of tlie first daj- until the close of the 
battle, tlie Captain being absent, and the First 
Lieutenant killed and the Second wounded at the 
first volley. After the battle Mr. Hutchinson was 
made Sergeant Major and recommended for a com- 
mission as Second Lieutenant, which he received 
the last of the month. Immediately after the en- 
g.ageraent at the Lauding he was sent for by Gen. 
Clark, who had been attracted by his skill in mak- 
ing out reports anddirected to Gen. Grant as Clerk 
under Adj. Gen. Rawlins, a position he filled only 
until his commission arrived. 

Col. John M. Oliver having been assigned to the 
command of the Third Brig.ade, Sixth Division, 
Army of the Tennessee, made Lieut. Hutchinson an 
aid-de-camp on his staff and as such he served un- 
til just before the battle of luka, when he was 
assigned to duty as Assistant Adjutant General. 
October 2, 3 and 4, the brigade was hotl}' engaged 
and Lieut. Hutchinson had two horses killed and 
received two wounds. He had been slightly 
wounded at Shiloh. After the engagement at luka 
he was promoted to a First Lieutenancy and after 
the command moved with Gen. Grant to Oxford 
and thence to Grand Junction. He acted as Adju- 
tant General of the Post under his old superior. 
Col. Oliver. At that point he remained until 
ordered to Vicksburg, where his regiment bad a 
position on the right of Sherman's command. 

After the surrender of Vicksburg our subject 
was promoted to the rank of Captain, and the dny 
that he received his appointment during his ab- 
sence the other regimental officers recommended 
his promotion to the rank of Major. The commis- 
sion was received August 1, 1863, and he took 
command of the regiment, which passed up the 



river with the Fifteenth Corps to Memphis, whence 
it marched to Chattanooga. The next notable 
contest in which the command was engaged was 
Rlissionary Ridge, where Maj. Hutchinson was 
wounded and had a horse killed. Thence he went to 
Knoxville and returned and was then stationed in 
the vicinity of lluntsville until February when the 
regiment came home on veteran furlough. 

The day the forces under Gen. Sherman started 
on the Atlanta campaign they were rejoined by 
Maj. Hutchinson, who participated in every battle 
in which the Fifteenth Corps was engaged during 
that campaign. He was promoted to the rank of 
Lieutenant Colonel, June 20, and at the close of 
the campaign went to Savannah where he aided in 
the capture of Ft. jMcAllister, one of the most 
brilliant minor engagements of the war. Another 
promotion bestowed upon him, that of Colonel, was 
dated January 1, 1865. He led his command 
through the Carolinas to Raleigh, and when near 
Goldsboro was placed in command of the brigade. 
After participating in the Grand Review at Wash- 
ington he was sent to Louisville, Ky., and thence 
to Little Rock, Ark., which he readied in Jul}-, 
1865. He visited Ft. Smith and other points and 
for some time was in command of the division, 
having been brevetted Brigadier General. He re- 
mained in Arkansas until August, when he had 
orders to muster out the division, and after that 
work was completed he reported b}' letter to Wash- 
ington, D. C, and received orders to report at 
Detroit for mustering out in October, 1865. In 
addition to wounds already mentioned he was shot 
through the right shoulder at Saluda. A somewhat 
l)eouliar coincidence is the fact that he had five 
horses killed in battle and received the same num- 
ber of wounds. 

After his army experience Gen. Hutchinson re- 
turned to Lyons, this State, where for a year he 
devoted himself earnestly to the study of law un- 
der the guidance of Setli Moffatt. He then came to 
Ionia and was with Blanchard, Bell & Dodge two 
years. When admitted to the bar in 1868 he at 
once began the practice of his t)rofession in this city 
and continued it until January 1, 1875. He then be- 
came Deputy Register of Deeds and after two years 
of official life resunied his practice and continues it 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



437 



to the present time. He is recognized as a most 
capable lawyer, and competent judges affirm that 
they would sooner risk his opinion in a uiatlor of 
law than that of an}' other nioniljcr uf the Ionia 
County bar. 

Gen. Hutchinson was married in November, 
1869, to Miss Ada C. Roof, of Lyons, this State. 
They have two sons — llcrl)erl D. and Albert K. K., 
both stuiicnta. Gen. Hutchinson has been Alder- 
man of Ionia and also Justice of the Peace. In 
1881 he took the Captaincy of Company G, Second 
Michigan State troops, and held the rank two years. 
In 1883 he was appointed Brigadier General and 
Inspector General l)y Gov. Begole. He is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order and of the Grand Armj- 
of the Republic, and votes with the Democratic 
party. 

c-'-r* -J^^- *T»— 



ilLLIAM LAMl'KIN. The late Mr. Lamp- 
kin was widely known throughout Ionia 
Count}-, in the prosperity' of which he had 
been a factor for many years. He was a thor- 
oughly honest and upright citizen, and enjoj'ed to 
an unusual degree the contidence of the business 
community, by whom his word was considered as 
good as a bond. He was not known to have iia<l an 
enemy, and his friends were many and sincere. 
When he was called aw.ay from earth be left a void, 
not only in the liearts and lives of his famil}', but 
of others who hai known Iiim, and his memory is 
kept green. He led such a life as was worthy of 
imitation, and to recall his virtues is a source of 
consolation to those who loved him. 

Mr. Lampkin was born in England, March 3, 
1829, and was a son of John and Martha Lampkin, 
who emigrated to Canada when he was a small boy. 
He came to this State about the middle of the cen- 
tury, and was married in Ionia County April 12, 
1855, to Catherine Hawley. About three j'ears 
later the young couple located on the farm now oc- 
cupied by the witlow and her family, which is a 
part of section 1 7, Keene Township. The property 
W.1S then in a primitive condition, nearly covered 
with dense forests, and the owner had much hard 
work to do in onler to clear and develop it. He 



was industrious and prudent, and his wife was 
capable of superior management, and together they 
planned and worked until their farm became a fair 
and fruitful exi)anse. 

Mr. Lampkin was inde|)endent in his political 
views, and exercised the right of suffrage in behalf 
of the candidates in whose u|)rightness of character 
and business abilit}' he had the strongest confi- 
dence. He was a member of the Mctliodist Episco- 
pal Church, and hehl various important official 
positions. He was a loving father and a consid- 
erate husband, and in his care for his family exer- 
cised his best judgment and endeavored to advance 
their interests both at the time and for the future. 
The children born to himself and wife were eight 
in number, and six are still living. The survivors 
are John IL, Frank E., Bert, Charles W., Lottie A. 
and Ella M. The deceased are Herbert F. and 
Willie. 

Mrs. Lampkin was born in County Brant, On- 
tario, Can.ada, February 20, 1837, and comes of a 
faniil}' that is worthy of respect. Her paternal an- 
cestors were English, and the family in America is 
traced back to a period prior to the Revolution, 
when the traditional three brothers crossed the At- 
lantic and settlc<l in New Flngland. The direct 
progenitor of Mrs. Lampkin fought in the Revolu- 
tion. Her maternal grandfatiier, a Mr. Likins, was 
a soldier in the War of 1812, and died from the re- 
sults of a severe march. 

The pansnts of Jlrs. Lamijkin were Harve\- and 
Elizabeth Hawley, natives of Connecticut and Can- 
ada, respectively. They came to Ionia County 
when the daughter was in her eighteenth year and 
made a settlement in Keene Township, on the farm 
now owned by Horace Peck. There they lived 
many years, attaining to an honorable place among 
the people. They removed from the farm to Sara- 
nac, where Mrs. Hawley died Decemljer 27, 1890, 
and Mr. Hawley followed to his final rest on the 
Gth of May, 1891, while in his eighty-fourth year, 
at the home of his daughter-in-law in Keene Town- 
ship. They had a large family-, of whom the fol- 
lowing survive: Rev, Harvey II., of the Methodist 
E|)iscopal Church, of Lake Odessa; Mrs. Lampkin: 
Matilda, wife of Henry Jackson; Clark; Elizabeth, 
wife of J. L. Welch; Mrs. Emcline Williams; Jem' 



438 



PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



imti; Jane, wife of Daniel E. Wilson; Went- 
worth H.; Benson S.; Mrs. Abrani Tliouias; and 
]\Iis. Mary Lowry. One of tlie deceased members 
of tlie family is the Hon. Willard Ilawley, of Ionia 
County, a sketcli of whom appears in tiiis volume. 
As her girlhood was passed in Canada, Mrs. 
Lani|iliin received the most of her education there. 
By her good parents she was taught firm principles 
and industrious liabits, and so fitted to discharge 
the duties tliat fell to iier lot in later years. Her 
father was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist 
Church, but the daughter identified herself with 
the same denomination as her husband, and has been 
as active in the work carried on by the society as 
she could be without neglecting her home duties. 
Since her children have grown old enough to allow 
her to do more outside her home, she has become a 
more active member of societ}', and joined more 
freely in charitable work and neighborhood affairs. 
She and her husband are certainly worthy of repre- 
sentation in a volume of a biographical nature, and 
their friends will be pleased to see tliis account of 
their lives. Mr. Lampkin departed this life on the 
23d of July, 1878, and Mrs. Lampkin has had 
charge of the estate consisting of one hundred and 
sixty acres, has been able to educate her children, 
and is a capable manager in every respect, 'i'lie 
family contributed very liberally to the Keene 
Methodist Episcopal Church, they bearing about 
one-eiifhth of the cost. 



ellARLES W.BLUMBERG. It h.as been said 
that "God moves in a mysterious way His 
wonders to perform" and it was only 
through a threatening misfortune in the life of Mr. 
Blumberg that he became a resident of Montcalm 
County. His wife was a consumptive, and but 
few hopes were entertained of her recovery. Hear- 
ing that this county with its heavy growth of pine 
and its dry, pure air, afforded peculiar advantages 
in the treatment of this disease, Mr. Blumlierg came 
thither in the fall of 1870. The change proved 
beneficial; in a short time the wife and mother was 
completely restored to health and remains to-day 



the cherished companion of her husband. Mrs. 
Blumberg attributes her perfect recovery to living 
in lumber camps and eating pitch from the pine 
trees. When Mr. Blumberg located in Douglass 
Township, Montcalm County, the farm which lie 
|)urcluxspd was heavilj' timbered, principally with 
pine, although there were scattering growths of 
hardwood. 

During the earlier years of his residence here 
Mr. Blumberg was extensively engaged as a dealer 
in logs for lumber, at times acting as agent for 
others and again buying and handling it himself. 
He is still interested in lumbering to a limited ex- 
tent, doing the most of that kind of business in his 
immediiite neighborhood. It is, however, as a 
tiller of the soil that he is chiefly occupied. His 
first purchase in this county comprised two hun- 
dred and forty acres of land, located just west of 
his present residence. To this he later added the 
two hundred acre tract upon which he now lives, 
and cultivated and improved this large estate 
until it ranked among the finest farms of the 
county. At present he owns two hundred and 
forty acres, having sold forty acres, and given two 
of his sons eiglity acres each. 'He is widely known 
as a progressive farmer, and as such has contrib- 
uted his quota to the development of Montcalm 
Count}'. 

The parents of Mr. Blumberg, IMichae) and 
Almina (Hyde) Blumberg, were natives respect- 
ively of Schoharie and Seneca Counties, N. Y. 
The father was a farmer, although in his early man- 
hood he operated a lumberniill in Schoharie 
County. In 1832 he left his home in the Empire 
State, and in company with his first wife, who was 
formerl^-a Miss Elsworth, came to Michigan and 
settled in Oakland County. There, after the death 
of his wife he w.as again married, choosing as his 
wife Miss Almina Hyde and to them was bor« 
December G, 1838, a son, whom they named Charles 
W., who is the subject of this slietch. Charles W. 
was a lad of seven years when his parents removed 
from Royal Oak Township, Oakland County, to 
Canton, Wayne County, and in the district schools 
of that county he obtained his early education. At 
tlie age of thirteen years he accompanied his i)ar- 
ents to Ingham County and there l^ts education wa§ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



439 



further supplemented by an attemlance during 
tliree months of the year in the schools of Lansiny. 
It may trul}- he said of him that he found the path 
of learning no easy one, for he was compelled to 
walk three miles to school and back daily. 

At the early age of nineteen years, Mr. BUim- 
herg was united in marriage with Miss Martha 
Steel, the daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Gun- 
(lerman) Steel, and a native of New Jerse^v. He 
remained under tlie parental roof for several years 
after his marriage and superintended his father's 
farm. In the meantime the great Civil War was 
being w.agcd and the heart of every patriot re- 
sponded to his country's call. On February 17, 
I8(),'j, ISIr. ninmberg enlisted in Company B, Sixlli 
Michigan Cavalr\', and ten days later w.as mus- 
tered into the United States service. He was im- 
mediatel^' ordered to the front and going to Harp- 
er's Ferry, Va., was stationed in a dismounted 
camp and afterward served at the Point of Rocks 
on the Potomac. While at the latter place Lincoln 
was assassinated and the recruits were kept on tlie 
i/ui vice in search of the assassin. Jlr. Blumberg 
was next ordered to Ciiapel Point and from there 
was sent to Alexandria, Va., where he first joined 
his regiment, having hitherto acted as a soldier in 
the dismounted camp. On the '24lh of M.ay, 18G5, 
the regiment was ordered to Washington, D. C, to 
take part in the Grand Review, subsequent to the 
disbandniont of the larger portion of the Union 
arm}-. 

Although the great war was closed, Mr. Blum- 
Ijer^'s services as a soldier were not ended. The 
Michigan Cavalry l.rigade, consisting of the First, 
Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Regiments, was ordered 
West to serve on the frontier against the Indians. 
They journeyed by rail to Parkersburg, W. ^'a., 
thence by boat to St. Louis, where a portion of the 
regiment was detailed to buy horses. Mr. Blum- 
berg was sent to Leavenworth, Kan., where horses 
a!id equipments were furnished him for service on 
the plains, and from that place he marched with the 
others of his regiment to Ft. Laramie. From that 
post the Sixth Regiment was ordered to march 
under Gen. Connor on the Powder River Indian 
c-x|)edilion. About three hundred miles north- 
west of Ft. Laramie on the Powder River the ex- 



pedition built a fort and remained for three weeks 
in that carap. In the meantime they destroyed an 
Indian vill.age of one thousand inhabitants, engaged 
in numerous skirmishes with the savages, and 
upon one occasion the retreating reds were fol- 
lowed by a band of Indian scouts, or "friendlies," as 
tiiey were usually called, who returned with thirty- 
four Indian scalps. The expedition also estab- 
lished a short route to ^'irginia City, which 
proved of great value to trade, commerce and trav- 
elers. 

L'pon returning to Ft. Laramie, Mr. IJlumberg 
was appointed wagon-master of the train from that 
place to Ft. Bridger, where the Michigan Brigade 
wasconsoliilated int« one regiment, called the First 
Michigan Cavalry. A portion of this regimeiit, 
consisting of men from each company, received 
orders to proceed to Salt Lake City, and after ar- 
riving there our subject, who had been sent among 
others, was appointed assistant wagon-master of 
that post. He filled that ])osition satisfactorily 
until Februar)- 27, 1866, when he was discharged 
and nnistered out of service at that point. His jour- 
ney home was both tedious and expensive; it cost 
him ^300 to get back to Atciiison, Kan., from Salt 
Lake City, and the railroad fare on to Jackson, 
Mich., was 4^31.7;), making a total amount of more 
than his entire wages while in the arm}'. However, 
he afterward received $213 for his transportation 
from the Government. 

I\Ir. Blumberg once more settled down to the 
peaceful pursuits of .agriculture and in April, 186G, 
purchased a farm in De Witt Township, Clinton 
County, Mich. This purchase comprised eighty- 
one acres of timbered land, of which he cleared 
fifteen acres and then sohl the place, after living 
there eighteen months. We next find him in Olive 
Township, Clinton County, where he bought and 
oi)erated a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, 
partially improved. He soon sold this estate at a 
fair advance upon the amount paid for it, and then, 
in the fall of 1870, settled in Montcalm County. 
He has been prominently identified with the best 
interests of the county and is foremost in every 
movement which he thinks calculated to benefit the 
community. Politically, he has always been a Re- 
publican and has served his township as Supervisor 



440 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for eight years. He is also interested in educational 
affairs and has done much to advance the schools 
of the district, and as one of the most substantial 
citizens of Douglass Township is universally hon- 
ored and respected. 

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Blumberg seven 
children have been born, named as follows: Charles 
Dennis, born May 24, 1858; Fiiend 'William, Feb- 
ruary IG, 18G0; Almina Margaret, March 7, 1864; 
Daniel Michael, October IG, 18Gy; George I., July 
8, 1871 ; Mark E., November 25, 1875 ; Clarence ¥., 
March 25, 1880. Charles D. married Adaline Books 
and is now a resident of Washington Countj', Ore. ; 
F. W. lives on a part of the old homestead and mar- 
ried Mary Catherine Beamer; Almina, who mar- 
ried Louis J. Rimes, died July 7, 1886; Daniel was 
united in marriage with Miss Anna Haney and they 
reside near the old homestead ; George and his wife, 
formerly Lizzie McLean, live with his parents; 
Mark E. and Clarence F. are still under the paren- 
tal roof and are being trained for honorable posi- 
tions in life. 

Mr. Blumberg, his wife and tiieirtwo eldest sons, 
are members of the Baptist Church, to which he 
has belonged for nearly thirty years. He has 
served as Deacon in Clinton County and here as 
Trustee. In 188G he donated land on section 9 
for a Baptist Church and afterward assisted largely 
in its erection; he also assisted in building the 
Baptist Church at McBride. Socially he is a mem- 
ber of Stanton Star Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the 
Osmer F. Cole Post, No. 81, G. A. R., at Douglass. 
In the latter he has served as Post Commander 
since its organization. The Grange Hall at Entri- 
can is on Mr. Blumberg's land, on a lease of nine- 
ty-nine years free. It will be seen from this brief 
sketch that Mr. Blumberg has been closely con- 
nected with the development of Montcalm Count^'. 
His whole life in fact, may be said to have been 
passed upon the frontier. Not only did he assist 
his father in clearing farms in Oakland, Wayne, 
and Ingham Counties, bnt after starting out for 
himself he cleared a portion of two farms in Clin- 
ton County, and over two hundred acres in Doug- 
lass Township. lie is proud of the faet that his 
father cleared over thirty acres of land in one year 
after he had attained to the age of three-score 



years. As one of the brave pioneers, to whose un- 
tiring and self-sacrificing efforts we owe our present 
high civilization, the name of Mr. Blu mberg will 
be held in high esteem long after he shall have 
passed hence. 



<| lyiLLIAM S. COWAN. The farm of this 
\^// a^"'-'*^'"-'*" 's not only one of the best in 
W^ Ionia Count}' but in the entire State. It is 
not an immense estate, but is developed to a point 
of perfection seldom reached and supplied with 
buildings far above the average. There are one 
hundretl and forty-eight acres of land on section 
3, Easton Township, under high cultivation, fur- 
nished with every necessary building and stocked 
with fine animals. The residence cannot fail to 
attract the eye of the passer-by, as it presents an 
appearance in keeping with the beauty and com- 
fort of the interior. It is finished in the best style 
of modern architecture, arranged so as to afford 
the utmost convenience and among its other fittings 
is supplied with a hot air furnace, by means of 
which the heat can be gauged to the desired tem- 
perature. The residence is furnished in fine st3'le 
and, what is best of all, its inmates take great de- 
light in intellectual and social enjoyments, and 
right royally entertain their friends. 

It m.iy be wel! to make some mention of the 
ancestors of Mr. Cowan before proceeding with 
his own life histor}-. His grandfathers, both pa- 
ternal and maternal, were Scotch, and his mother's 
mother was of German descent. His parents, Peter 
and Catherine (Greene) Cowan, were born in New 
York and lived in that State until the fall of 1848. 
They then turnel their steps toward Kent County, 
this State, and crossing the lake from Buffalo to 
Detroit continued their journey in a wagon. They 
made their home in Cortland Townshi)) for several 
years, then took up pioneer life in Grattan Town- 
ship, on woodland for which they paid $2.50 per 
acre. They were in limited circumstances and 
when their eighty-acre tract was secured they had 
just means enough to provide for their wants until 
a crop could be raised. The3' found it necessary to 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



441 



"rough it" more or less, but the passing years 
broiigbt an increase of comfort and a good estate 
was left when they passed away. Mr. Cowan was a 
llepublican in politics and a Congregational ist in 
religion. Of the eigiit surviving children in the 
parental family, all are living in Kent County 
except our subject. 

The date of the birth of William S. Cowan was 
.July 9, 1839 and his birthplace Onond.iga County, 
N. Y. He was but nine years old when the family 
came to tliis State and he grew to manhood in Kent 
Count3', amid much more primitive scenes than 
those which his eyes now behold. He pursued his 
studies in the district school and did what be could 
to aid his father, at the same lime fitting himself 
for the agricultural work which he now pursues so 
successfully. Loyal in heart and brave in spirit, 
he enlisted in the fall of 1861 in Brady's Sharp- 
shooters and was attached to the Sixteenth 
Uegimcnl of Michigan Infantry, Array of the 
rotoraac. He had been in the service about six 
months when he was taken sick, and off and on he 
was in the hospital a great deal. lie was finally 
discharged in .June, 1862, and returning to his 
former home resumed the duties of a private citizen. 
His military record is an honorable one and would 
have been more extended had not his health failed. 

May 4,18G5, Mr. Cowan w.as married to Eliza- 
l)cth Allen. The bride was born in Ionia County, 
December 31, 1840, her parents having been early 
settlers in Ronald Township. Her father, Melvin 
1'.. Allen, was born on Grand Isle in Lake Champ- 
lain, which belongs to the Slate of Vermont, and 
died in the city of Ionia November 1, 1887. He 
was of Scotch descent and was a grandson of 
Kbenezcr Allen, a Colonel of the Revolutionary 
array, and cousin to Gen. Ethan Allen, the famous 
hero of Ticonderoga. The mother of Mrs. Cowan 
is of German stock and bore the maiden name of 
Eliza Wood. She is now sevent3--fivc j'ears old 
and resides with the daughter mentioned. Of her 
eight children this daughter and two sons — Mar- 
cellus .1. and Herbert L., both living in Ronald 
Township, are the only survivors. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cowan have three children — Elmer A., Irma L. and 
Edgar .1. 

in 1881 Mr. Cowan removed to Ionia County, 



where his good business ability, companionable 
nature and public spirit have made hira influential 
and popular. He and his family show an unusual 
warmth of hospitality and even the passing traveler 
who calls upon them is "kind!}' entreated." Books 
and papers are numerous in their beautiful dwell- 
ing and it is e.asy to see that they are not for show, 
but that they are tiioughlfull^' and frequently read. 
Mr. Cowan takes great delight in the occupation 
in which he is engaged, bestows much thought 
upon his farm and stock, and lias many progressive 
ide.is re:;arding his work. His swine, which are of 
the Poland-China breed, include a number of regis- 
tered animals. In |)olitics, Mr. Cowan is a Republi- 
can, and in religious faith, a Congregationalist. 

Our subject was not the only member of the 
Cowan family to display loyalty to the Union. His 
brother James was likewise one of Brady's Sharp- 
shooters and w.as one of the best marksmen in that 
body .as well as one of the bravest and most val- 
iant of soldiers. He lost his life at the Battle of the 
Wilderness, while in a rifle pit from which he was 
sighting bis piece on a rebel artilleryman. He was 
struck by a ball just al)ove the eye and instantly 
killed. 



'j^^OBEUT McKENDRY. In various parts of 
f^^ tbe United States natives of .Scotland are to 
^\^ be found filling their station in life with 
honor and displaying the sturdy qualities of 
earnestness, diligence and thrift that have charac- 
terized the nationality for ages past. A worthy 
type of this class is to be found in Ionia County in 
the person of Robert McKendry, one of the prom- 
inent agriculturalists and citizens of Easton Town- 
ship. The farm that he owns and operates is 
favorably locate<l on section 18, and consists of one 
hundred and sixty broad and fertile acres, mostly 
under the plow. The original purchase w.as one 
hundred and twenty acres and after that had been 
cleared and imi)roved Mr. McKendry added lands 
adjoining. The convenient and tasteful residence 
now occupied b}' the family was begun in 1878 
and completed in 1887. It is furnished in a man- 
ner that is in keeping with the prosperous circum- 



442 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



stances of Mr. McKendry and the taste of thu 
family, and its doors are ever hospitably open to 
friends and neighbors. 

Mr. McKendry was born in Wigtonshire, Scot- 
land, May 26, 1841, being a son of Thomas and 
Anna (Agnew) McKendiy. He was eight years 
old when his mother died, and immediately after 
that sad event his father and brother William 
crossed the Atlantic and made a settlement in Or- 
leans County, N. Y. The next year Robert came 
over with his grandparents, crossing from Liverpool 
to New York on a sail vessel and being for-tj'-three 
days en route. Tiie lad grew to maturity in New 
York and from his early youth has been engaged 
in farming. His education was begun in the schools 
of his native land and continued in Orleans County, 
but lie had not the advantages afforded in the col- 
leges. He has however, been a reader and has 
aimed to keep up with the progress of events in his 
gener.al knowledge. 

December 28, laCO, Mr. McKendry was united 
in marriage witli Miss Charlotte O. Brown, who 
was born in Orleans Count}-, N. Y., July 21, 1844. 
She is a daughter of Hiram and Mary (Hutchinson) 
Brown, who were n.atives of New York and Ver- 
mont respectively, and whose family consisted of 
four children. Besides Mrs. McKendry there are 
now living Edwin R., whose home is in Ionia Town- 
ship, and Sophronia, wife of Thomas Thomas, in 
Easton Township. Mr. and Mrs. McKendry have 
three living children — Anna, John and Libbie — 
and lost a daughter Alice. Anna is the wife of 
Edwin Bradford and their home is in Easton Town- 
ship. 

It was in the spring of 1872 that Mr. McKendry 
brought his family hither from New York. His 
fine farm attests to the success with which his 
labors have been crowned, and a mention of his 
name elicits the fact that he commands the confi- 
dence of the business community and that he and 
his family are respected members of society. He 
is one of the prominent political factors of Easton 
Township and takes a lively interest in the selection 
of competent men for the oflices that are within 
the gift of the people. He is in s^'mpathy with 
Democratic principles and politics. He is a mem- 
ber of Blue Lodge, No. 36, F. cfe A. M., at Ionia; 



Ionia Chapter No. 14, R. A. M., and Council Lodge 
of Royal Select Masters at Ionia. He has officiated 
in many of the important offices connected with 
the order. As a Justice of the Peace Mr. McKen- 
dry has labored with credit to himself and the 
community several terms. He is an intelligent 
public-spirited gentleman, honest and upright, and 
he and his family are respected members of society. 

^5^0DFREY F. FAUDE is proprietor of cigar 
•11 j_. factory No. 123, in Ionia. He is an ener- 
*^^ji getic business man, whose goods are now 
sold over a radius of fifty miles, and whose busi- 
ness is to be doubled during the current year un- 
less some unforeseen catastrope befalls him. He 
began business for himself in 1887, i)rior to which 
time he had been doing good work as a foreman, 
after having thoroughly learned the tobacco busi- 
ness. He employs twelve hands who, during 1890, 
turned out 400,000 cigars. The brands manufac- 
tured are G. F., Black Bass, Induslria, Silver licll, 
Sweet Florida and Our Hit. 

Mr. Faude is one of the German-American citi- 
zens who, while manifesting a deep interest in the 
land of their nativity, are yet thoroughly in sym- 
))athy with American institutions, and rejoice 
heartily in the opportunities and privileges of "the 
land of the free." He was born in Wurtemburg, 
German}', August 19, 1856, and was but two years, 
old when brought to this State. He therefore knows 
no home but this, although the traditions of his na- 
tionalit}' and the experiences of the family almost 
take the place of personal observation. His par- 
ents, Philip F. and Caroline (Riess) Faude, located 
in Detroit when they emigrated, the father now 
living in Coldwater; the mother is deceased, the 
date of her death being April 27, 1887. The father 
is a boot and shoe dealer. Their farail}' comprises 
four living children and four deceased. The sur- 
vivors are John J., Rector of Gethsemane Church 
in Minneapolis, Minn.; G. F. ; Anna, wife of E. E, 
Dill, a liveryman in Portland, this State; and Ed- 
ward B. 

Immediately after completing the course of study 




jkro--^^ 



■p^^, ir^^ 



■7^ ft. y'^-y ( 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



445 



in tlie High School atCoUlwater, Godfrey F. Faude 
entered upon the trade of cigar making. He went 
from Coldwater to Jackson, pursued llie tob.acco 
business there a year, and came to Ionia in 188.'), 
as foreman in the prison. He carried on the tobacco 
business tliere about three years, then established 
liimself in business with tiie result before noted. 
He has a happy iionie where he enjoys tiie corapan- 
ionsliip of a wife and two children, and the so- 
ciety of friends who frequent it. His wife, for- 
merly Miss Inez McArtiiur, is an estimable woman, 
and the children, Claude and Faj', are bright and 
interesting. The weddirig rites of ftlr. and Mrs. 
Faude were celebrated at Coldwater February 12, 
187'J. 

Among the younger business men of Ionia Mr. 
Faude is noticeable for the zeal with which he pur- 
sues his object, the quiet and intelligent interest he 
takes in the i>rosperity of the cit}' and the upright- 
ness of his character. He is a member of the Royal 
Arcanum, and has good standing in the Ei)iscopal 
Church. 



-l-+#=^>^=t+-^- 



'j^^ALMER Iiriil) TAYI.UU. It has been the 
Jl) fortune of this gentleman to not only see, 
^ but to .issist in the vast improvements made 
, \ in Ionia County during the past fifty odd 
years. He arrived in Ionia Januar}- 31, 1838, and 
making the county his permanent home he has 
realized to the full the trying situations of the pio- 
neer — the hardships, privations, wants and perplex- 
ities. At the time of his arrival the entire improved 
land ill the county would not exceed two hundred 
acres, and the clearings were frequently many miles 
distant one from another. A d.iy's work then was 
from sun to sun in the summer, and from before 
daylight until after dark in the winter. It fre- 
quently happened that Mr. Taylor, after a hard 
day's work, would s[)end the night with some sick 
one who w.as in need of a watcher, and thus, like 
other men of the day, he showed to the fullest 
extent the spirit of brotherly kindness. 

Our subject, who was the eldest son of Levi and 
Lucy (Ueed) Taylor, was born in Lcwiston, Niag- 



ara County, N. Y., July 23, 1819, and was descended 
in direct line from John Taylor, who came from 
England with (Jov. Winthrop in 1G30, settling in 
Lynn, Mass., until 103'.), when he removed to 
Norwich County. Among the descendants can be 
mentioned (ien- ^'. T. Sherman, Hon. John Sher- 
man. Rev. Noah Porter (late president of Yale 
College), P. T. Barnum, besides many others of 
note. The house in which Palmer H. Taylor 
■was born had a somewhat peculiar history. 
When Buffalo, Black Rock and Lcwiston were 
burned b}' the British and Indians during the War 
of 1812, it was the only frame structure left 
standing in that neighborhood. It was located 
four miles east of the village of Lewiston on the 
Ridge Road and was at that time an open shed. 
When the inhabitants returned to their desolated 
homes the shed was converted into a dwelling, 
and when its owner had rebuilt on the foundation 
of his first dwelling, the remodeled structure was 
used as a storehouse until September, 1818. Levi 
Taylor and his wife then took possession of it and 
began clearing the surrounding land for a farm. 

In the spring of 1822 the parents of our subject 
removed to Lockport, then a new village on the 
Erie Canal, and there the son began his course of 
study. His |)arenls were ever on the alert to secure 
for him a place in the best schools, and being stu- 
dious and possessed of a retentive memory, he 
always ranked among the best in his classes. At 
the age of fourteen he laid aside the arithmetics 
and grammars of those days and in their place 
took up D.iy"s Algebra and Latin. In December, 
1835, he went to Geneva, Ontario County, remain- 
ing there more than a year in attendance jit the 
Lyceum under charge of the Rev. Mr. French and 
William Hogarth, afterward Dr. Hogarth of De- 
troit. In February, 1837, the pai'ents of Mr, Tay- 
lor prepared to remove to Michigan and their son 
packed his books, bade good bye to school and 
started for the far West. He had maile a novel 
pioposition to his parents which was, "have the 
cow shod and I will drive her through Canada." 
The strange idea was carried out and the young 
man w.as nineteen days in passing over the distance 
from Lockpnit to Ypsilanti anil ten from Ypsilanti 
to Ionia. 



446 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The father of our subject was a builder and as 
the emigrants needed assistance in putting up 
houses and barns, he was frcquentl}- engaged in 
that kind of woik, assisted by the son, wbo soon 
became an adept in handling the square, scratch 
and ten-foot pole. The education of the younger 
Mr. Taylor was sufficient to enable him to teach in 
any common school in this State, but a preference 
for mechanical work made him reject all offers to 
take a school except one term, and then against 
his own judgment. The situation of his parents 
were such that he felt it his duty to remain with 
them, and it was not until he was thirty-five years 
old that he set up a home of his own. He had in 
the meantime built for them a comfortable dwell- 
ing and carried out other plans for their comfort. 

October 5, 1854, Mr. Taylor was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Arabella F. Jackson of Monroe 
County, this Slate. For almost a score of years 
they journeyed hand in hand, sharing the toils of 
life, rejoicing together in prosperity and sorrowing 
as one in days of affliction. The death of Mrs. 
Taylor occurred March 6, 1873, and was caused by 
heart disease, which removed her suddenly from 
association with her family. The children born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were George D wight, August 
12, 1855; ]\Iary Abbie and Martha Arabella, June 
8, 1857; William Morris, January 7, 1861; and 
Grace Reed, September 16, 1865. AVilliam died 
January 31, 1861, when but a few weeks. 

Mr. Taylor never sought office and the only pulj- 
lic position to which he was ever elected was the 
important and honorable one of School Inspector. 
In politics he was a Democrat of the Free Soil 
wing when the party was divided and known as 
Hunkers and Barn-Burners. True patriotism and 
devotion to liberty were hereditary in his charac- 
ter, he being descended in both lines from soldiers 
of the United States. His mother's father had 
served through the Revolution and liis own father 
fought in the War of 1812 as a private in Capt_ 
Ste|)hen Gifford's company of New York militia. 

In March, 1851, Mr. Taylor became a Master 
Mason and he was promoted step by step until elect- 
ed Worshipful IMaster of Ionia Lodge, No. 36. He 
wasalso Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge 
of Michigan. In January, 1856, he became a Royal 



Arch Mason and he was at one time High Priest of 
Ionia Chapter, No. 14, and in the Grand Chapter 
he was Grand Captain of the Host. He was dubbed 
and created a Knight Templar in Ionia Command- 
ery. No. 11, April 25, 1862, and on the night that 
President Lincoln was shot he was elected Eminent 
Commander of Ionia Commandery, No. 11. He is 
also a member of Queen Esther Chapter, No. 35, 
Order of the Eastern Star, Ionia, as are also his 
two daughters, Mary Abbie and Grace Reed. He 
is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of 
Ionia and his deceased wife was identified with the 
same organization, both having united with Pres- 
byterian Churches in their earl}' youth. 

In 1 855 Mr. Taylor began contributing to various 
Masonic magazines and he continued his literary 
work five or six years. He then laid ilown his pen 
until October 5, 1878, when he wrote "An Angel 
Visitant," since which time he has contributed to 
many periodicals. He is Recording and Historical 
Secretary of the Ionia County Pioneer Society and 
has a very important collection of history and pho- 
tographs. His most important place in the com- 
munity at present is in the sick chamber, where he 
performs such duties as are suited to a skilled 
nurse, his remarkable vigor and long experience 
making his services very useful, even though he is 
now in his seventy-second year. Politically ho is 
a stanch Democrat. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Taylor will be 
considered by his many friends to be a valuable 
addition to the Album. 



"if] UDSON II. CLARK, editor of the Advertiser. 
Hubbardston, Mich., was born in Italy, Yates 
County, N. Y., January 13, 1865. His 
father, Joel M. Clark, a farmer in that place, 
and his mother, Lucelia Foskett, were the parents 
of nine children, five sons and four daughters. Our 
subject is the youngest of the family. His early 
education was gained in the district schools and he 
finished his school days at the Penn Yan Academy. 
After this event he began in business as an engineer 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



447 



and followed this lino of work for several years. 
He ran an engine in a sugar refinery in Yates 
County for four years, but this work did not suit 
Ills iieaUii and be i-eturned to Itai}' and learned the 
printer's trade. 

Our sul)ject worked at bis trade in different 
places and finally came to Miciiigan in 188;"), first 
locating wbere lie now resides, afterward be worked 
at bis trade in Otsego, Allegan County, and tben 
engiiged in publisbing a paper, the Linden Observer, 
at Linden. Genesee County. Tbis be carried on for 
about two years, tben sold it out and returned to 
llubbardston. Nellie Murray became bis wife 
June 3, 1889. Tbe}' have one son, Ray. 

Mr. Clark lias been carrying on bis present busi- 
ness for about two years, and is building up a 
paper whicli receives tbe warm endorsement of its 
natural supporters. It is increasing in circulation 
from tbe fact tbat no pains are s|)ared to fill its 
columns with selected local news and reliable infor- 
mation upon all important matters; is livel}^ ag- 
gressive and progressive, with opinions and tbe 
courage to express them in a style tbat displeases 
tbe few and wins the admiration of tbe many. 
Tersonally be is a Republican but bis paper is inde- 
pendent in politics. He is a Mason and a member of 
Tuscan Lodge, No. 178, in which he holds a high 
(itlicial position. 

--^ -^-^ ^^ 



^ ETKR .1. KELLOWS is numbered among the 
general farmers and stock-raisers of Ionia 
Count}', and now lives on section .3.3, Odessa 
, \ Township. He was born in Seneca County, 
Ohio, necember 22, 1810, and is a son of Erastus 
and Ruth (Smith) Fellows, both natives of New 
York. Both belonged to tbe Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and with Christian resignation they closed 
their eyes in death. Mr. Fellows passed away about 
1843, and Mrs. Fellows lived until 1890, dying at 
the home of a daughter in Lawrence County, Ind. 
The father was a physician and practiced in Seneca 
County, Ohio, a number of years, lie and his wife 
bad six children, tbe living being Harriet, wife of 
Richard Gaidt, living in Mitchell, Ind.; dulia. 



whose home is in Lawrence County, Ind.; Henry, 
a resident of Grant, this State; Peter J., subject of 
this notice; and Rosetta, wife of Thomas Cash, of 
Grant. 

Our subject w.as bereft of his father's care when 
but three years old, and about three years later went 
with his mother to Sandusky Count}*, she having 
married George Bradsbaw. Tbe lad remained un- 
der their roof until he was about niue years old, 
after wliich he began his personal career with no 
capital except a limited education gained in the dis- 
trict schools, a strong will and the determination to 
succeed. He worked on a farm until the war broke 
out, then entered tbe Union service .as a private in 
Compau}- F, Sixty-Fifth New York Infantry. He 
signed the list of recruits July l.'j, 1861, and served 
four 3'ears and four days. 

During bis army life Mr. Fellows bad tbe fortune 
to participate in several of the most important and 
widest-known battles of the war. The list includes 
Fair Oaks, all the engagements in front of Rich- 
mond, tbe seven days' fight, Antietam, Fredericks- 
burg, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Cold Harbor, Win- 
chester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, etc. After the 
last named he was transferred to the Army of tbe 
Potom.ac, which be bad been sent to join some 
months before. With the Army of the Potomac be 
took part in Hatchie's Run and aided in carrying 
tbe works at Petersburg. He also fought in tbe 
last battle at Sailor's Creek. In New York, August 
1.5, 1865, he was honorably discharged and given 
the commendation which belongs of right to eveiy 
loyal and courageous soldier. 

Returning to bis former liume in Ohio. Mr. Fel- 
lows remained less than a week, tben came to Mich- 
igan and bought eighty acres of land in Newaygo 
County. The land was heavily timbered, and while 
cboiiping upon it, Mr. P^ellows carried on a small 
farm in the neighborhood, which he had rented. 
He resided there three j-ears, then sold out and came 
to Ionia Count}'. He first rented a farm near the 
county seat, and operated it two years, tben came 
to Odessa Township and bought seventy-one acres 
of tbe tract he still owns. With tbe exception of 
ten acres of cleared laml, the farm was in a state of 
primitive wildness. Moving on it Mr. Fellows 
once more set about cutting down forest trees, re- 



448 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



moving logs and brusli aud preparing tiie land for 
man's use. lie has succeeded in placing it under 
good cultivation, and has made such improvements 
as the comfort of the family and the progress of his 
work has shown to be desirable. He keeps a good 
grade of stock and makes quite a specialty of Ches- 
ter-White hogs. 

Tlie marriage of Mr. Fellows and Miss Mary C. 
Hassinger was solemnized October 3, 18fi5, and 
four children have come to bless the happy couple: 
Fred, the first-born, is now living in Lake Odessa, 
and Josie, the second child, is deceased; Jay and 
James M. are still with their parents. The first 
Presidential ballot cast by Mr. Fellows bore the 
name of Abraham Lincoln, and he has never 
swerved in his allegiance to Republican principles. 
He is a member of the Grand Army Post and Ma- 
sonic Blue Lodge in Lake Odessa. He and his wife 
are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and take quite an active part in church matters. 
Mr. Fellows has been a Trustee since the organiza- 
tion was perfected. In various ways he aids in the 
progress of civilization in this part of the great 
commonwealth, and l)y setting an example of manly 
strength of character inlluences the rising genera- 
tion on the side of right. 

AMUFL A. WATT is one of the most 
prominent merchants in Saranac, Ionia 
County, and also carries a large stock at 
Clarksville. His life affords one of those 
examples of close application and good judgment 
that are a source of encouragement to many a poor 
boy. He started in life without a dollar and has 
placed himself at the l\ead of one of the largest 
stores in the county, and with a reputation for 
honest dealing and reliability second to none. His 
store in Saranac is 30x80 feet in size, well filled 
with goods that include all the articles in general 
use in a household. The business experience of 
Mr. Watt has been comprehensive, and as a finan- 
cier he has demonstrated his ability in other lines 
besides that of mercantile life. 

Mr. Watt is of Scotch and Irish descent, his 



parents being David A. and Julia A. (Gallaher) 
Watt, who were natives of Ohio. The father was a 
mercbant during the greater part of his life and 
carried on business at Mansfield and later at Find- 
laj'. He was living in the latter place at the time 
of his death, which occurred January 18, 1860. 
His widow still resides there and has now readied 
the ripe old age of eighty-three years. Slie is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church and has al- 
ways taken an active part in church work. There 
were seven children in the family and our subject 
is the fourth of those who are now living. The 
other survivors are James B., whose home is at 
Findlay, Ohio; Mary J., wife of J. W. Davidson, 
Deputy County Clerk at Findlay and a heavy 
stockholder in a large glass factory; Esther E., 
wife of the Rev. Mr. Ward, residing at North 
Baltimore, Ohio. 

Mr. Watt, of this notice, was born in Carroll- 
ton, Carroll County, Ohio, December 13, 1845. 
He was two years old when his parents removed 
to Mt. Gilead, but they remained in that place 
only two years. They then went to Mansfield and 
four years later to Findla^^ where Samuel re- 
mained until he was about seventeen years of age. 
In the meantime he received a common-school 
education. When he started out in life for him- 
self he weut to Indianapolis, Ind., where he worked 
in a sutler's store about two years. He then re. 
turned to liis home and attended school one terra 
after which, in the spring of 186G, he came to Sar- 
anac as an employe of D. F. Frazell. Mr. Watt 
remained with that gentleman two years, then 
took up the study of telegraphy, which he learned 
in six weeks, after which he took charge of the 
telegraph oflice at Saranac. 

In the building in which the telegraph office is 
located, Messrs. Lee & Goodell had a stock of 
goods and about the time Mr. Watt took charge 
of the office they branched out into the banking 
business. They employed Mr. Watt as clerk and 
he opened the first set of banking books in Sar- 
anac. He continued to work for the firm without 
neglecting the telegraph office, until Lee it Goodell 
vacated the building and G. A. Cotton put in a 
stock of groceries. The post-oflice and express office 
were also located in the building. Our subject en- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAI'IIICAL ALBUM. 



449 



tered Mr. Cotton's employ :inil coulinued with him 
iiiilil early in the '70s, when lie received an ap- 
pointment in the railwa}' mail service. Putting a 
man in charge of the telegraph ollice, he entered 
upon the <Uilies of postal clerk between East Sag- 
inaw and Re«d City, and afterward run from Liid- 
ington to Toledo, C)liio. He was on the Flint, 
Pierre it Marquette Raiiwaj' seven years, and was 
then transferred to the Detroit, Grand Haven & 
Milwaukee, on which he remained lliree years and 
two months. 

Durinjj the period in which he was in Govern- 
ment employ Mr. Watt economized and accumu- 
lated sullicient means to enable him to enter into 
business in a small way. When he left the postal 
service lie took charge of a store of wliich he 
had been the owner some three years. During the 
month of November, 1884, he entered into part- 
nership with F. E. Calioon and the connection 
continued until June, 188G. Since the dissolution 
of that partnerslii|) Mr. Watt has been carrying on 
his business alone. 

Mr. Watt was united in marriage with Miss 
Alice A. Cotton on September C, 1870. Mrs. 
Watt is a daughter of Gilbert A. and Lucy M. 
(Taylor) Cotton, who were early settlers in Ionia 
County. Mr. Cotton was well known in the 
county, particularly in the western part, as he was 
Postmaster in Saranac twenty-five years and for 
a long period was a merchant here. He was car- 
rying on mercantile pursuits when stricken with 
his last illness. He died March 15, 1877, thus 
removing from the commnnitj' one of its most 
esteemed members. His widow survives and makes 
her home with her daughter, Mrs. Watt. She is a 
member of the Episcopal Church, in which her 
deceased husband took an active interest. Mr. and 
Mrs. Watt have three children, named respectively : 
Chillion L., J. Clyde and Stella May. 

By the earnest solicitation of many friends Mr. 
Walt was placed upon the Republican ticket for 
Sheriff in 188G. Although he was not electetl to 
oflice he cut the D<'mocratic majority at the pre- 
vious election down to three hundred votes, wliich 
was a great satisfaction to himself and many 
friends. He has always taken an active part in 
the work of the Republican party in the locality 



in which he lived. He was President of the vil- 
lage board two terms and Clerk of Boston Town- 
ship two terras. He is a charter member of the 
Saranac Lodge of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen. Possessing the true public spirit he 
has always been liberal with his means in sup- 
porting enterprises which would build up the com- 
munity financially and moralli'. Mrs. Watt belongs 
to the Episcopal Church. Both husband and wife 
are well known and respected by all who enjoy 
their acquaintance. 



'\f,'AMES TREDENICK. Among the agricul- 
turists of Ionia County who have been so 
capably carrj'ing on their affairs, both as 
1^^'' farmers and citizens, as to be deserving of 
representation in a biographical work, may be men- 
tioned James Tredenick, an esteemed citizen of 
Kcene Township. His home of fifty-seven acres 
is on section 19, where he has been living since the 
fall of 1879. His farm is of moderate size, but is 
well managed and is the source of a better income 
than some of much greater extent. It affords a 
good maintenance and enables Mr. Tredenick to 
make some provision for the future, and as a home, 
it is comfortable and pleasant. The owner is in- 
dustrious and prudent, and care is taken to make 
the best possible use of the acreage that he culti- 
vates and to supply it with modern improvements, 
such as befit the home of an intelligent and cultured 
family. 

The birthplace of Mr. Tredenick was Lancaster 
County, Pa., and his natal day December 22, 1819. 
His parents, John and Sarah ( Leader) Tredenick, 
were of Irish and German ancestry respectively 
and our subject was the eldest son in the parental 
family. He received a rudimentary education in 
the earl}' schools of his native State and at the age 
of nineteen years began an apprenticeship at the 
trade of a hatter. He served his time, three years, 
and continued to work at the trade some eighteen 
years. In Columbia, Pa., he was in business for 
himself a sliort time. In 1802 he left his native 
State for Michigan and established himself In 



450 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Ottawa County'. His sojourn tliere proved short and 
nine montlis later he was a resident of Kent County, 
in wliieii he made his home several years. Thence 
he came to Ionia County in the year before men- 
tiuned, and here he has remained giving his time 
and attention to agricultural work. 

In 1850 Mr. Tredenick was united in marriage 
with Prisciila Brighton, who carefully looked after 
the affairs of their household through more than 
ihirty years of wedded life; she then bade adieu 
to scenes of time and sense, breathing her last in 
May, 1883. She was the mother of live children, 
named respectively, Henry, Isadore, Lilly M., Emma 
and William .1. Isadore is now the wife of Orren 
Beach; Lilly married John Blakesley, and Emma 
is the wife of William Moore. August 25, 1886, 
Mr. Tredendick became the husband of Mrs. 
Minerva Brighton, daughter of Solomon and Min- 
erva (Smecd) Howe. This lady was born in 
Cayuga County, N. Y., .January 18, 1835, and her 
parents were also born in the Empire State. She 
was nine months old when they removed to Craw- 
ford County, Ohio, and sixteen years old when 
they changed their residence to Seneca County. 
She was first married in 1855 to Jefferson Brighton, 
a native of Pennsylvania. Their union was blest 
by the birth of two children, Frank O., and Jenny 
E., both now deceased. The daughter was married 
and left one child, Gertrude, who was born Decem- 
ber 3, 1878, and is now living in Cleveland, Ohio, 
(where she was born) with her aunt, Mrs. Theodore 
Colman. She is a very interesting and unusually 
smart child. Mrs. Whitney was engaged in leach- 
inw prior to her marriage and her brother Frank 
was Principal of the High School of New Carlisle, 
Ind. The Latter was a graduate of the ^'alparaiso 
(Ind.) Normal School. Mrs. Tredenick's great 
uncle, Elias Howe, was the inventor of the great 
Howe sewing machine. 

For seven seasons Mr. Tredenick was captain of 
a canal boat on the Pennsylvania and other canals. 
He also followed the ocean on the Atlantic co.ist 
about an equal length of time, first as a common 
sailor and afterward as mate of a vessel. He is 
therefore familiar with coast scenery and he 
has been quite an extensive traveler. Financially 
speaking he is self-made. He is in sympathy with 



most of the principles of the Democratic party, but 
casts his ballot more generally for the man of the 
best character than for strict party measures. 
He and his wife belong to the Methodist Ei)isco|)al 
Church and she is identified with the Foreign Mis- 
sionary Society connected therewitli. Mr. Treden- 
ick is a member of the Masonic order, his name 
being on the roster of a lodge at Lowell. He is 
enterprising and public-spirited and may be de- 
pended upon to do all that he agrees, whether in 
business transactions or social matters. Mrs. Tred- 
enick is an unusually intelligent lady and stands 
side by side with her husband in the esteem of the 
people to whom they are known. 



Vf OHN J. MAYNARD. The publishers of 
this BioGKAPHiCAL Album wouUl fail in their 
purpose were they to omit from its i)ages a 
(^7i record of the life of the late John J. May- 
nard, of Portland, Ionia County. In presenting 
some facts in his history we can do no better than 
to copy from the files of the Portland Observer, 
lines written by one who knew him well, and also 
to quote from the issue of September 19, 1876, an 
account of the distressing accident that cost him 
his life. The accompanying paragraphs regarding 
that valued citizen will be perused with sad inter- 
est by the many to whom he was known, person- 
ally or by repute: 

''John J. Maynard was a bo}' of but four years 
of age when his father, the late Gardner May- 
nard, came from Wayne County, N. Y., in the fall 
of 1837, and settled in Saline, Washtenaw County, 
Mich. In February, 1830, they came to Portland 
and settled on section 10. The country being 
new, the opportunities for acquiring an education 
were very limited, but so anxious was the subject 
of our sketch to fit himself for life's duties that 
by steady perseverance he not only accomplished 
his purpose, but received a certificate to teach 
school. The arduous duties of a teacher in those 
days when pupils would walk through an unbroken 
forest for a long distance to reach the log school- 
house, and when the teacher 'boarded around' 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



451 



among the patrons of Ibe school, will be remem- 
bered by some of our oldest iniiabitanls. 

■'Money was then very scarceand teaching was one 
of the few means by wliich it could bo obtained, 
and by this vocation Mr. Maynard accnniulated in 
part the means by which his homestead was pur- 
chased. As a farmer he was very successful, and 
there are few, if any, better farms than his on sec- 
tion 21. About four years ago he removed to this 
village and bought one-half interest in the Port- 
land Woolen Mills, which at the time of his death 
were doing a prosi)erous business. Four years 
ago he united with the Baptist Church, since which 
time liis Christian dei)ortnient and example have 
been unimpeachable. As a manager he had few 
superiors. Economical in his personal affairs, he 
was conservative in the expenditure of the funds 
of others. His advice and counsel was always 
sought and usually followed as safe and expedient. 
As one of the building committee in the erection 
of the new cliurch edifice his death is irreparable. 
His untimely death at the early age of little more 
than forty-three years is to be sincerely deplored." 

The account of the accident is as follows: "We 
are called upon this week to record one of the 
saddest accidents that has ever occurred in our 
midst, by which Portland has lost one of her best 
citizens, the church one of her strongest pillars, 
and a liappy family and a large circle of relatives 
liave been plunged into the deepest gloom. On 
Wednesday' evening last Mr. J. J. Maynard re- 
ceived a telegram from his brother-in-law, Mr. 
James Hower, of Montana, stating that himself 
and wife — Mr. Maynard's sister — would arrive in 
Portland on the 1 o'clock train the following 
daj'. For the purpose of meeting them at the 
depot Mr. Maynard left his office at the woolen 
mills at 12:45 Thursday, and as the shortest route 
he took the railway track. Just as be reached the 
briilge he heard the whistle of a locomotive, and 
doubtless supposing it to be the train, and being 
anxious to be at the depot, he quickened his 
pace into a run, crossing the bridge on a board 
walk at the side of the track, and where there was 
little danger from a passing train. Instead of 
being the tiain, however, it proved to be only a 
locomotive running wild, and not two miuutcs 



ahead of the passenger train, and it was already 
on the biidge before Mr. Maynard had reached 
the trestle work, which is about two rods in length, 
at the end of the bridge. 

•'Not seeming to realize his danger, and doubtless 
supposing it still to be the passenger train, and 
that it would have slackened its si)eed preparatory 
to stopping at the de[)ot, which was a few rods 
distant. Mr. Ma^-nard was observed to [)ut down 
his umbrella and slej) upon the trestle work not 
more than twenty feet ahead of the engine. Just 
here accounts iliffer, but the most authentic says 
that he looked back, and seeing the engine still 
under full headway he made a desperate effort to 
reacli tlio point where he could jump the embank- 
ment; and had he been allowed a moment of time 
he could have accomplished it, but the engine 
caught his right leg, threw him violently to the 
ground and dragged him along for a distance of 
seven rods, bruising his head upon the ends of the 
ties in a sliocking manner. Among the first to 
get to him were his little son, Umbra, and his 
brother, Charles H. IMaynard, wlio were at the 
depot. The unfortunate man was carried to the 
depot, medical aid was summoned, but he died in 
two hours, being entirely unconscious during (he 
time. 

"The funeral of Mr. Maynard was held in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and was the largest 
ever held in tiiat place. Following the mourners 
was his Sunday-school class, next other Sunday- 
school pupils and members of the Baptist Church. 
The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. A. 
E. Mather, of Detroit, who took for Ids text tlie 
words, 'Comfort ye my people.' Approi)riate 
resolutions were adopted by the church and sent 
to the family." 

The widow of Ml. Maynard was born in Berk- 
shire County, Mass., July 10, 1836, and is a 
daughter of John M. and Almira C. (Clark) 
(jibbs, natives of Massiicliusetts and Connecticut 
respectively. When the daugliter, Lovilla C, was 
but a babe the family removed to Portage County, 
Ohio, their route being via the Erie Canal to Buf- 
falo, on the lake to Cleveland, and thence by team 
to their destination. They lived in the Buckeye 
StatQ until 1851, when the^ came to Michigan and 



452 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



located near Porllanil on a farm. Mr. Gibbs now 
resides in the village. The daiigiiter became the 
bride of Mr. Maynard October 12, 1858, and she 
is the mother of two children, a son and daughter. 
The older. Umbra J., is a prosperous farmer near 
rorlland, and Jessie is a teacher of French and 
German in Judson Institute, Marion, Ala. The 
latter was educated at New Haven, Conn., is an 
accomplished scholar and a successful teacher, and 
a lady of fine character .and social qualities. 

Coming of the old New England stock and 
reared on the Western Reserve where mental train- 
ing was looked upon as greatly to be desired and 
a high standard of character was common, Mrs. 
Maynard is worthy of respect as a woman of intel- 
ligence, refinement and capability, and one to 
whom goodwill toward others and interest in the 
sreneral welfare is second nature. 



\Y/UDGE LOUIS 8. LOVELL. Among the 
names held in honor in Ionia County, that 
which introduces these paragraphs has long 
had a place. He who bears it came hither 
many years ago, and has been a potent factor in the 
well-being of the citizens, bearing a worth}' part in 
the battle of life as a private individual, and act- 
ing wi;.h abilit}' in prominent positions to which he 
was called. He is one of the number before whom 
discouragements flee, and who surmount obstacles 
that lie in their way without letting the world into 
the secret of their existence. He has therefore 
gained a competence where many would have failed, 
and has pushed to a successful conclusion affairs 
that in other hands would have resulted far differ- 
ently. 

Judge Lovell was born at Grafton, Windham 
County, Vt., November 15, 181 G, and was the sec- 
ond son of Don and Mary (Shafter) Lovell. His 
fatlier was a carder and cloth dresser, and in later 
years a manufacturer. In the spring of 1817 the 
famil}' removed to Springfield, Windsor County, 
which was the home until 1841. The father die<l 
there August 3, 1839, and some two years later the 
widow brought four children to this State. Her 



son George G., who is now a resident of Spring 
Lake, Ottawa County, had come West in 1829, and 
located in Kalamazoo County-. He and our subject 
are the only living members of the parental family. 

In his early boyhood Judge Lovell attended the 
district school and performed such services as he 
could in his father's factory. He was afterward a 
pupil at Chester and Bellows Falls, and in 183G was 
graduated from Middlehury College. In the fall 
of that j'ear he went South and taught school in 
Georgia about two years. His tastes leading liim 
to legal lore, he studied law in the office of Judge 
Closson, in Springfield, Vt., and D. E. Wheeler, of 
New York. After the death of his father he set- 
tled the estate and in 1841 followed his mother and 
other members of the family to Ionia. Shortly 
after his arrival here he was admitted to the bar, 
but he found both business and pay poor. His first 
suit which he attended, secured to him the fee of a 
swarm of bees. 

The early struggles of Judge Lovell, and his ex- 
periences during the first few years of his residence 
here, would perhaps be of no special value in point- 
ing the moral of his life, uor of unusual interest as 
a matter of biographical history. In 1849 he was 
appointed by President Taylor Registrar of the 
United States land office at Ionia. During part 
of 1856-57, he acted as Judge of Probate, and dur- 
ing the latter year he was elected Judge of the 
Eighth Judicial Circuit, and re-elected successively 
in 1863. 1869 and 1875. In this position he won 
the goodwill of the ablest lawyers of the State, and 
presided with the dignity and impartiality that 
challenged the respect of all. With conscientious 
zeal he thoroughly mastered the details of judicial 
dutj', and came to his work excellently equii)ped. 
He has honored every position to which he has 
been called, by proving faithful, capable and emi- 
nently trustworthy. 

The year after his arrival in Ionia, Judge Lovell 
returned East, and in Iloosick Falls, N. Y., July 14, 
1842, was united in marriage with Mary Thayer. 
This lady was a native of the Green Mountain State 
and a daughter of Adin and Mary Thayer. She 
was always highly esteemed, being possessed of fine 
social qualities and a noble character, and like her 
husband she won a secure place in the affections of 




o- 






PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAIMIICAL ALBUM. 



455 



licr associates. She was called from time to eter- 
nity November 7, 1890, and her loss is sadly felt, 
not only in Lcr home, but in the church and social 
circles with which she was connected for wellnigh 
half aeentur}'. She was the mother of three chil- 
dren: Homer T., a resident of Chicago; Henry II.. 
a hardware dealer in Grand Rapids; and Mary L. 
Judge LovcU is now one of the olHcers in Uio 
First Nalionul Bank of Ionia, having the position 
of Vice President. He is not only interested in 
banking, but in lumbering and money loaning, and 
has for some time past paid no attention to law out- 
side of his own business. He takes a lively inter- 
est in all matters that affect the prosperity or credit 
of his city or count}-, and is desirous of the best 
good of the nation. In former days he was a 
Whig, his first vote having been east for William 
Henry Harrison. In later j'ears he has been iden- 
tified with the Republican l)art3-, and be was able 
to aid a second Gen. Harrison to the highest office 
within till! gift of the people. He belongs to the 
Presbyterian Church, with which his wife w.as iden- 
tified, and both names are recalled among the ac- 
tive workers for the church. 



lS=i=^ ' 



I 



"il^AMES A. SAGE. One of the active bu.<«i- 
ness men of Ionia is this gentleman who has 
charge of the affairs of the Ionia Pottery 
Compan)', which has an extended reputation 
among dealers in such goods asarc manufactured at 
its works and has a trade of vast dimensions in the 
Northwest. Mr. Sage has been Secretary and 
Treasurer of the corporation for several years and 
has had the oversight of its business interests. He 
has an abundance of energy, much financial tact, 
and the 'qualities necessary to one who would get 
the best work from those who are in his employ or 
under his charge. 

Mr. Sage is a son of the Kmjjire State, born in 
Monroe County, near Rochester, October 11, 1835. 
His parents, Hiram and Sally (Rowley) Sage, were 
born in New York and his mother is still living, 
now in the ninety-first year^of her age, and makes 



her home with our subject. His father died while 
our subject was a mere infant. During his boy- 
hood he was taken to Wisconsin in 1844, by his 
mother and stejjfather, and after a short sojourn in 
Milwaukee found a home in Jefferson Countj'. There 
ho remained about fifteen years, coming to this 
Stale in 18G1. A home was made in Olisco Town- 
ship, Ionia County, where he followed teaching 
one term, and carried on farming until some 
months after the Civil War began. Loyalty and 
the belief that the contest going on was destined 
to be longer and harder than had at first been 
liiought, led Mr. Sage to enter the ranks of his 
country's defenders. 

The enlistment of Mr. Sage took place August 
8, 1862, and he was enrolled in Company B, 
Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, and was appointed 
Orderly Sergeant. His company did provost dutj' 
at Louisville and Bowling Green, Ky., for a few 
months. In 18G3 the regiment crossed the Cum- 
berland RIountains with Gen. Burnside and did 
duty in Eastern Tennessee until the ensuing year. 
.\s a part of the Twenty-third Corps it then par- 
ticipated in Sherman's campaign from Chattanooga 
to Atlanta, and in front of the latter city August 
(>, 1864, Mr. .Sage was wounded in the right leg, 
and for this he now receives a pension. He was 
taken to the hospital, and being disabled from 
further service was sent home on leave in Septem- 
ber. He went to Cincinnati when his leave ex- 
pired, and there received his discharge November 
;iO. He had been promoted to the rank of First 
Lieutenant and had won the reputation of a gal- 
lant soldier and true patriot. 

Mr. Sage returned to his former home and re- 
sumed his agricultural work, following teaching 
(luring the winters for the two succeeding years. 
But after a time he sold his farm and engage.', in 
the foundry at Smj'rna. In 1876 he was called 
upon to take a public position, being elected Regis- 
trar of Deeds on the Republican ticket. In 1878, 
having been renominated by acclamation, he was 
re-elected. When he finally retired from the office 
he went into business life and on the formation of 
the Pottery Company- w.as electeil to the offices be 
is now filling therein. Prior to his occupancy of 
the office of Registrar of Deeds he was Supervisor 



456 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Otisco Township four years. Politically speak- 
ing he is a Republican of the str.iightest tj'pe. 

Tlie marriage of Mr. Sage and Miss Sarali A. 
Purely was solemnized November 29, 1860, and 
was blest by the birth of three daugiilers — Lottie 
M., MiuLie B. and Hattie R. Minnie B., who 
was born November 19, 1866, died October 22, 
1872. The eldest daughter is now the wife of W. 
IL Booth. Mrs. Sage is remembered with grateful 
affection by many for her services in the care of 
the sick. No one in the community was more fre- 
quently called upon or proved more capable than 
siic, and her deft ways and extreme kindness will 
long be remembered. She entered into rest Feb- 
ruary 17, 1886. 

A portrait of Mr. Sage appears elsewhere in this 
volume. 

-^— ^^— ^— 

ORVILLE S. SATTERLEE is of English de- 
scent, and from his long line of genealogy 
we trace him back to an illustrious family. 
The Satterleo family came to this country from 
England about 1670. The first record we have of 
the name in England, was that of a Suffolk knight 
living in King Henry's time, about 1235. From 
him is traced the lineal descent to Thomas, the last 
Lord of Satterlee, who was dispossessed by Edward 
IV. for his adherence to the Lancaster cause. This 
gentleman died in 1479, and lies buried with his 
wife Elizabeth, in the churchyard of the Austrian 
Friar in the city of Warwick, Suffolk, England. 

The Satterlees probably originated in Suffolk, 
England, but had their property confiscated by 
King Edward IV. about the year 1469, and moved 
down the coast to Devonshire. There is positive 
evidence that there was a family who spelled their 
name Satherly, residing in Devonshire in the six- 
teenth century, and bearing the same coatof-arms as 
the Suffolk Satteilees. William Satterlee resided in 
Exeter, Devonshire, England, about 1650, and was 
the father of Benedict Satterlee, who emigrated to 
America. Thus we have some generations back 
chronicled to William Satterlee, of Exeter, Devon- 
shire, England. 

Benedict Satterlee married the widow of John 



Dimond, August 12, 1682, at New London, Conn., 
having come to America a single man. To him 
were born — Sarah, Rebecca and William. To 
William were born William, Jr., on the 7th of 
November, 1712; Benedict, on the llth of August, 
1714; John, May 1, 1716; Ann, May 16, 1718; 
Abigail, April 12, 1720; Mary, June 6, 1721; Re- 
becca, March 1, 1724, and Lucy, .lanuary 6, 1726. 
To William Satterlee, Jr., were born Dariah, Jemi- 
mah, Mollie and Jonas. To Jonas were born John, 
Jonas, Jr., Polly, Lucy, Elisha and Bridget. To 
Jonas, Jr. was born John G., May 4, 1792. John 
G. in turn became the father of Nancy A., Novem- 
ber 18, 1819; Orville 8., December 28, 1821; 
Perez B., May 7, 1825; Julia G., April 24, 1827; 
and James A. B., March 1, 1831. 

The birthplace of Orville S. Satterlee was Sara- 
toga County', N. Y. He is the son of John G. .and 
Nancy H. (Weed) Satterlee, who are natives of 
Connecticut. Jonas S.atterlee, the grandfather of 
our subject, followed the sea for twenty years and 
lived to be ninety-five years of age. He was in the 
mercantile trade with the West Indies and his wife's 
name was Lydia Billings. Several members of the 
Satterlee family followed the sea, going out from 
New London. 

John G., the father of our subject followed farm- 
ing pursuits, hotel-keeping, owned a mill, held vari- 
ous olfices, was a man of more than ordinary abil- 
ity and became quite wealthy, but lost much of his 
[)roperty by loaning money in Ionia. After living 
in New York many years, he removed to Connecti- 
cut, where he died. He had been three times mar- 
ried. To himself and the mother of our subject 
were born five children, one of whom was drowned 
when but a very small child. Orville is the only 
survivor. 

The subject of this sketch, as one would judge 
from his father's |)ursuits, was reared to various 
kinds of work, but chiefly to farming. He came to 
Michigan in 1842, located in Portland, and owned 
a piece of land about five miles from this place. 
He cleared thirty acres of it, but soon sold out and 
went to Appleton, Wis., where he worked at jour- 
ney work, and here he was married to Mary Rog- 
ers, May 9, 1854. Mrs. Satterlee is the daughter of 
Richard Rogers, of New York. After marriage Mr, 



PORTRAIT AND IJlUGRAl'llICAL ALHUM. 



157 



Satterlee came back at once to Portland, bought a 
farm and built a home. lie soon afterward sold 
out, owning tliis home less than a year and bouglit 
another trad of land. After visiting Connecticut, 
he went to work on his new purchase, iniprovinl it, 
hut afterward sold out at the beginning of the war. 
He tlien bought a half-interest in the grist-mill, 
which he licpt over a year. His present farm on 
which he resi<les is an elegant one. He has sold 
from it several viPage lots, and also three acres for 
a cemetcr}'. 

To our subject and his estimable wife has been 
born one daughter, Addie, now wife of Erastus 
IJriggs, a resident of Bell.'iirc, Antrim County, 
Mich. The wife of our subject is a consistent and 
conscientious member of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
Satterlee votes the Republican ticket, and owns a 
fine summer home at Charlevoix that he occupies 
a part of the time, enjoying the fruits of industry 
which he has acquired in the brief span of life 
usually allotted to mankind. 



'^ ^' ARSHALL W. ALVORD, a farmer on 
section 25. Ronald Township, Ionia 
County, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., 
January 2, 1813. His father, Josiah Al- 
vord, was a native of Massaciiusetts and a tanner 
by occupation. His mother bore the maiden name 
of Lydia White. Soon after the marriage of this 
couple they located in New York, making their 
home in Wayne County about the year 1815. They 
lived in the town of Palmyra for about twelve 
years. They came to Michigan in 1834 and located 
in Lenawee County, traveling by team and wagon. 
They took up Government land, built a log house 
and improved the land. The mother was called 
from eartli in 1853 and the father survived her 
until 1860. They were the parents of six children, 
three daugliters and three sons, none of whom are 
now surviving except tiie subject of this sketch. 

He of whom we write found his earliest educa- 
tion in PalmjTa. N. Y. He worked on his father's 
farm until he was twenty-four )'ears of age. After 
this he worked out by the month and at splitting 



rails. December 27, 1841. he was ^mited in mar- 
riage with Leah Heal, a native of Monroe County, 
N. Y., born there April 18, 1817. Her parents, 
Joseph and Elizabeth (Claghorn) Beal, were na- 
tives of Massaciiusetts and were among the early 
settlers of Michigan. Our subject settled first in 
Adrian, then in Fairfield, where his father first took 
u|) (.Jovernment land. There he made his home in 
a log cabin with many Indians about him, and re- 
mained twenty years on that farm. In 1853 he 
removed to the place which is now his home. He 
found there a log house an<l about twenty acres of 
land under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Alvord arc 
tiie parents of seven children, five daughters and 
two sons — Cornelia, deceased ; Lucy, Mrs. Benjamin 
Everest; Martin L., deceased; Lydia, Mrs. Thomas 
Cobb; Ellen, Edwin; Ida, Mrs. Fred Kn.aggs. 

Mr. Alvord is not a robust man and is unable to 
do the heavy work upon tiie farm. He keeps hired 
help to aid. him in cultivating his one hundred 
broad acres of laml. He is a pillar in the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, having made his profession 
of faith over sixty years ago, and having been a 
Class-Leader for forty years and a Trustee of the 
local cliurch almost from its first organization. He 
cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison in 
1840, and he is now a member of the Prohibition 
l)«rty. 



'JDWAKD O. HELDINt;, an enterprising 



1,^ young fanner of Ionia County, is located 
Ik^ on section 7, Otisco Township, where he was 
born in 1864. The homestead consists of one hun- 
dred and seventy .acres with good improvements, 
is well stocked, ami is the source of abundant crops. 
The young man who now operates it w.ns reared 
with a thorough knowledge of .agriculture, and hav- 
ing remaineil with his [larents during their lifetime, 
he is continuing the work begun by his father years 
ago. 

The grandfather of our subject was Tiberius 
Belding, who came to this State during the years 
of its early history, and settled in Otisco Township 
in 1840. Here he remained until his death. He 



458 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was accompanied hither by a son Francis W., who 
was born in Massachusetts, and was ten years of 
age at the time of tlie removal. Tiie son remained 
with his parents until after lie became of age, wlien 
he establislied a home of his own, marrying Miss 
Julia K. Day. The chihlren born of this union are 
Edward O., Ralph W., Blanulie D., Grace E. and 
Pearl D. Ralph and Blanche now live in Belding 
and the otliers remain on the homestead. The fa- 
ther served acceptably as Township Treasurer. He 
died in 1879, and his widow survived until 1888. 

Tiie subject of these brief biographical notes, it 
will be seen, is tlie first-l)0rn in the parental family. 
After the death of his father he remained with his 
widon-cd mother as tlie staff of her declining years, 
and continues to hold the position of head of the 
family, while his sisters look after his comfort in 
womanly ways, lie was well educated in the schools 
of the vicinity, and keeps himself well-informed by 
means of newspapers and contact with his fellow- 
men. He was formerly a member of the Grange, 
and is now identified with the Patrons of Industry. 
His vote is cast with the Republican party. He is 
a young man of good habits, ambitious to do well 
in his chosen work, and he is succeeding in his 
worldly affairs, and gaining the commendation of 
acquaintances. 

yTLLIAM J. CONNER, a pioneer of Easton 
Townsliip, Ionia County, and a farmer on 
section 29, is a native of Orange County, 
N. Y., where he was born August 22, 1832. He is 
descended from Irish and Scotch ancestry, his 
fatl>er being Jared Conner and his mother having 
borne tlie maiden name of Caroline McCord; both 
came from New York. His parents had but two 
ciiildren, their daughter Caroline dying early. 
This family emigrated in 1832 to Oakland County, 
Mich., and in February, 183.5, they came to Ionia 
County, where they settled in Easton Township on 
the banks of the Grand River on property now 
owned by James S. Sanford. 

A log cabin in the woods was the first home of 
this household and after making some removals 



he finally settled in Grand Haven, Mich., in the 
year 1849, and died there the following year; his 
wife survived him until July, 1884. He was a 
Democrat in politics and a sturdy, hard-working 
man, enduring the usual hardships incident to 
pioneer life. He built the Bellamy sawmill near 
Grand River in 1836 and was one of the early 
sawmill men of Easton Township. 

W. J. Conner lias been reared to manhood in 
this county and except a few years spent in the 
lumber business at Grand Haven has been a farmer 
all his life. He received his education in the prim- 
itive schools of Michigan, and has supplemented 
those scanty advantages bj^ a habit of reading which 
has kept him well informed in regard to all mat- 
ters of public interest. His wife. Temperance 
(Lemon) Conner to whom he was joined in mar- 
riage March 3, 1857, was born September 13, 1832, 
in Oakland County', this State. She was a daugh- 
ter of William and Hannah (Conner) Lemon. 
When ten years old she emigrated with her parents 
to the Grand River Valley in Ionia County, where 
her father became one of the early settlers of 
Es'ston Township. Of the large family born to 
her parents three only survive: Francis J. living 
in Idaho; George in Kansas; and Mrs. Conner. 
Her parents were both members and influential 
supjiorters of the Congregational Church. Mr. and 
Mrs. Conner have nine living children: Edward 
resides on the old home farm; Frank, Jerry, Har- 
vey, Cliarles, Ferry, George, Cassius and Gordan. 

The subject of this sketch has resided since 
185C on his present farm. He owns about three 
hundred acres of land, which has been gained by 
the hard labors of himself and his faithful help- 
mate and counselor. They have done much pioneer 
work and have borne bravely the hardships inci- 
dental to the life of an early settler. He has been 
a Democrat all his life but indorses the principles 
of the Greenback party. His father built the first 
barn in Palo, Mich., which is still standing. His 
father and uncle brought up the Grand River from 
Grand Rapids to Ionia the first load of flour and 
other merchandise which came in that wa^-. The 
boat they used was hewed out of a whitewood tree 
and was virtually a canoe. They brought as bal- 
last sixteen barrels of flour with lighter goods on 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



459 



top. Mr. and Mrs. Conner .are widely and well 
known for their bospitalitj- and are the center of a 
large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. 
Conner is a well-informed man both on general 
topics and on political subjects, and his fine estate 
attests to his industr3-, hard labor and good busi- 
ness capacity. We are well pleasod to present him 
among the man}- intelligent and publicspiiilcd 
pioneers of Central Michigan. 

The great-grandfather of our subject. John Con- 
ner, and a Air. O'Neil owned at one time a whole 
county in Ireland which was confiscated from them 
during an insurrection, and shonl3' thereafter he 
made his advent in America, settling in Orange 
Count}', N. Y., and spent his last days there. 



j4 KS. JULIA E. HARTWELL is the daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Catherine (Hanson) 
^ Arnold, and the widow of Tylee 1). Hart- 
well, and mother of Thomas O. Harlwell, 
whose sketch will be found on another page of this 
work. Her parents were both natives of Saratoga 
County, N. Y., her father being born there Febru- 
ary .5, 1798, and her mother June 20, 1802. Her 
grandfather, Thomas Arnold, was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War, serving gallanti}' under Gen. 
Washington. Her father died May 2, 1877, and the 
mother April 22, 1891. Seven of tiieir twelve chil- 
dren are now living. Mrs. Arnold was a member of 
the Baptist Cluirch. Mr. Arnold took an active inter- 
est in political matters and was a Democrat. He was 
Township .Supervisor, also Justice of the Peace and 
w.as greatly interested in school matters. 

Mrs. Hartwell was born August 21, 1826, in Sar- 
atoga County, N. Y. She attended the district 
school until fourteen years of age and then com- 
pleted her studies at the Female Academ}' at Bulls- 
ton .Spa. She married June 4, 1845,T3lee D. Hart- 
well, a son of Thomas an<l Phnjbe (Rogers) Hart- 
well, natives of Saratoga County, N. Y. His 
parents always resided in that county. Four of 
their six children are now living. His father was a 
farmer antl held slaves in New York until they 
were emancipated. The husband of Mrs. Hartwell 



was born August 24, 1819, in Saratoga County, 
N. Y. By a district school education supplemented 
by home study he prc[)ared for teaching and was at 
the teacher's desk for seven 3'ears. After tliat he 
attended the academy' at Ft. Edward for a year or 
two, then he went to an institution at Elizal)etli- 
town, N. J., preparing for the ministry. He con- 
tinued here for one year; he finally felt compelleil 
to give up a thorough course of preparation for the 
pulpit but was always a great Christian worker and 
when a pulpit supply w.as lacking in the new coun- 
try he somclimes filled it. 

In 185.5 Tylee D. Hartwell and his wife came to 
Michigan and settled on section 8, Berlin Township, 
upon the farm where Thomas O. Harlwell now 
lives. They came by rail to Kalamazoo, then staged 
it to Grand Rapids, and tlience took a little steamer 
to Saranac under the guidance of Capt. Coon. 
They settled in a dense forest where for three years 
Mrs. Hartwell did not see the sun rise or set, nor did 
she hear a rooster crow except their own. There 
were no roads except one north to the river, but Mr. 
Harlwell was a tremendous worker and he .accom- 
plished an enormous amount of labor. The farm 
was "slashed" and the trees and brush all burned 
down. The house .■md two barns he built himself. 
With his wife's help he set out two hundred fruit 
trees and built all the fences. He died May 2G, 
1880, practicall}' from exposure and overwork. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell were the parents of four 
children, two of whom arc now living: Katie, born 
November 7, 1817, died May 6, 1859; Jennie, born 
Maj- 21, 1851, died January 5, 1854; Thomas O., 
born December 12, 1860 (see sketch) ; and Alice 
E., born August 8, 1867, is married to Ernest E. 
Wagar, and lives in the village of Wagar about 
fifty miles nortii of Mobile, Ala., where Mr. Wagar 
is large!}' engaged in the lumber business. The par- 
ents of tiiesc children were both members of the 
BaptistChurch, in which the father was both Trus- 
tee and Deacon. He also took a very active part in 
Sunday-school work. He was more than ordinarily 
successful as a Bible Class teacher and when at Sar- 
anac was Superintendent. Mrs. Hartwell li.as also 
been a teacher in the Sunday -school. Her hus- 
band was active in local school matters and for 
man}' years was Director in the schools. He 



460 



POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



also took an active part in politics and was an ar- 
dent Democrat. He was Justice of the Peace and 
Supervisor, was everywhere respected for liis noble 
Christian character and was the means of much 
good in both temperance and cliurch work. By his 
first wife, Anna Graham, who died December 15, 
1843, Mr. H.^rtwell had one child, Eliza Ann, who 
died aged three years. 



^f?AMES M. HAZELITT. This gentleman 
h.is been a factor in the agricultural and 
financial progress of Tonia County during 

^ a quarter of a centurj', and is widelj' known 
as one who has made a success of the enterprise in 
wliich he was engaged and built up a most com- 
fortable home. He resides on section 27, Ronald 
Township, where he owns one hundred and four 
.acres of well-improved land, the management of 
which is mainly in the hands of his son. The most 
conspicuous of the buildings on tlie farm is a large 
brick housi-, which contains fourteen rooms, being 
two stories in lieighl, with the main body 16x28 
feet and Jiaving tlu'ee wings. The other structures 
are conveniently located, afford ample accommo- 
dations for slock and crops and are well arranged 
for tiie successful prosecution of farm work. Mr. 
Hazelitt himself gives his chief attention to money 
loaning in which he h.as been engaged some fifteen 
years. He acts as an agent for capitalists and loans 
from $2,000 to *o,000 per year. He shows finan- 
cial tact of a high order and most excellent judg- 
ment as a broker. 

Mr. Hazelitt was born in Waj'ne County, Pa., 
near Honesdale, November 9, 1838 He is a direct 
descendant of John Hazelitt, who was born in Ire- 
land, came to America in Colonial days and was a 
soldier in the Revolution. F'oUowing him in llie 
direct line of descent was James Hazelitt, who was 
born in New Jersey, followed the occupations of a 
farmer and carpenter in that State and later in New 
York. The father of our subject was John Haze- 
litt who was born in 1807; he was the son of James, 
who was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and chose 
farming as his life vocation. He married Sarah, 



who was born in 1 804 and was a daughter of George 
Rolison; her birthplace was in the same county 
as his own. For some time the young couple made 
their home in Pennsylvania, then went to Tomp- 
kins Countj', N. Y., and located on a farm. Thence 
they came to Michigan in 1865, first establishing 
tliemselves in Kalamazoo County, but later coming 
to Ionia County. They settled on land five miles 
northeast of the county seat and spent the remnant 
of their days there, the father dying January 18, 
1872, and the mother January 27, 1880. 

Our subject is the third child and only son in 
the parental familj'. His sisters are Mary A., now 
deceased; Hannah, wife of M. D. Smith, whose 
home is in Allegan County; Sarah, Mrs. D. K. 
Snyder, now of Kalamazoo County; and Addie S., 
now deceased, who was the wife of Frank 15. De- 
lany. Mr. Hazelitt was four years old when he 
accompanied his parents to New York, in whose 
district schools he was educated. He did not leave 
his parents' house until he was twenty-one j'ears 
old, but he then bought a farm of forty acres in 
Steuben County and establislied a home of his own. 
After occupying the place a twelvemonth he came 
to Micliigan and made his home in Pavillion Town- 
sliip, Kalamazoo County. There he bought forty 
acres of land which he operated until his removal 
to his present location. Without neglecting his 
farm he gave some attention to mone3'-loa!iingand 
when his son was able to take control of the place, 
he gave it into his hands for management. 

When he came to Ionia County Mr. Hazelitt 
first bought eighty acres of laud, from which he 
sold off twentj'-eight acres, but he subsequently 
purchased fift3'-two and a half acres and on this 
last tract he now lives. The lady wlio has charge 
of the household affairs became his wife November 
26, 1859, prior to which time she was known as 
Miss Mary E. Houck. She was born in Yates 
County, N. Y., June 2, 1838, and was the oldest of 
six children. Her parents, Peter and Electa (Bige- 
low) Houck, were natives of New York, and in 
that State the mother died. The father spent his 
last days in Michigan. The union of Mr. and Mrs. 
Hazelitt brought to them three sons — J. Irving, 
Peter and Delos. The first named is the only one 
living. Peter having died when four months old 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



461 



and Delos lived to the age of but four weeks. Irv- 
ing was born in Steuben County, N. Y., June 5, 
1861. lie is married and is living on section 26, 
Ronald Township, lie lias two children — Herman 
G. and Edith Pearl. 

In various lines of work carried on by the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Cliurcii, of which ISIr. and Mrs. 
Hazelitt are members, both t.ikc an active part. 
Mr. Hazelitt has been .Steward twcntj'-three 3'ears. 
He is a man of pronounced temperance views and 
principles and is identified with the Republican 
parly. 



'• » *^~ 



^^ 



/^EORGE W. DAVENPORT is one of the 
III f—. farmers of Ionia Count}^ and has lived for 
^^^5! several decades on a tract of land to which 
he went immediately after his marriage. It con- 
sists of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which 
are the improvements usually made by a man of 
enterprising spirit, and from tlie cultivation of 
which ample compensation is derived for the labor 
expended thereon. Mr. Davenport is able to make 
some provision for a rainy day and to do consider- 
able toward aiding those who are in need and hasten- 
ing the wheels of i)rogress in this section. He shows 
in his character, traits which to a close observer are 
confirmatory evidence of his ancestry, although 
his progenitors for several generations were Ameri- 
can born. In the paternal line he is of English 
descent and on his mother's side claims Scotch and 
Dutch blood. 

Mr. Davenport was born in Ulster County, N. Y., 
February 14, 1821, being a son of Beverly and 
Gertrude (Foster) Davenport. His maternal grand- 
father, Samuel Foster, was for five years a soldier 
in the Revolutionary army and was present when 
Gen. Washington delivereil his farewell address at 
the close of the struggle for independence. He 
died in Genesee County, N. Y., at a good old age. 

The father of oursul)ject was born in 17G.5 and 
fought in the War of 1812. He died when his son 
George was but ten yc%rs old, an<l the lad was put 
out to live with a neighbor, with whom he remained 
some three years, after which he started out to do 



for himself. He was of course unable to obtain 
more than a fundamental education, but after his 
marriage and establishment of a home, he added 
much to his fund of knowledge. 

In January, 1847, Mr. Davenport w.as married to 
Miss Lucinda Barrett, daughter of Alexander and 
Polly (Jones) Barrett. The parents of tlie bride 
were natives of Massachusetts and came to this 
State in 1832, locating in Bridgewater, AVashtenaw 
County. There the father died after a long resi- 
dence, but the mother ended her da^'S with her only 
son, Albert, in the village of Portland, in 1862. 
Mrs. Davenport was a teacher prior to her marriage 
and has always tried to keep well abreast of the 
times in her knowledge of passing events and the 
discoveries made in various fields. 

Mr. and Mrs. Davenport have no (children of 
their own, but have given a home to a bo}' and girl, 
one of whom remained with them from early child- 
hood until her marriage, and the other until he was 
of age and fitted for a man's work in the world. 
The girl, Susan Templer, married Harmon Follett, 
a farmer of Branch County, and died leaving four 
children. The boy, Henry Garasha, was brouglit 
West by the Children's Aid Society from New 
York City, and is now a Notary' Public in Chi- 
cago and reflecting credit upon those who gave 
him a home and parental care. Mr. and Mrs 
Davenport cared for the aged mother of the hus- 
band the last twelve years of her life, during 
which time she was a confirmed invalid, and for 
the last twenty-two years his elder brother, who 
has the misfortune to be deaf and dumb and has 
been in ill lieallh much of the time, has made his 
home with them. 

In the month in which their marriage took place 
Mr. and Mrs. Daven])ort made their home on the 
farm which had been purch.ascd a 3'ear or two 
before. The typical pioneer dwelling — a log house 
with slick ciiimne}' — stood upon it in a small clear- 
ing. The country around was sparsely' settled, 
wolves howled near their home, and red men 
haunted the forests, tliej' however, being peaceable 
an<l well disposed. Mr. Davenport had the pleas- 
ure of attending one of their harvest or green corn 
dances, and also witnessed a medicine dance on the 
occasion of injuries received by one of them iii 



462 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



falling from a horse. These ceremonies as he de- 
scribes tliem are very interesting, and so too are his 
accounts of pioneer life, of wliich few know more 
than he, as his parents located in Washtenaw County 
in 1827 and from his early childhood he was sur- 
rounded with primitive scenes. 

Mr. Davenport is identified with the Demo- 
cratic party but cannot be called a politician. He 
served as Justice of the Peace three terms, was 
Township Treasurer five years, and has held other 
positions of public trust. He and his wife have 
been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Portland for tliirty-five years, are consistent 
Christians and honored bj' all who know tlicir char- 
acters and lives. After years of toil and privation 
the}' are now rejoicing in a cozy home and are pass- 
ing their declining years serene in the thought that 
they have been of use in the world. 



■^^- 



-J- 



IMON TOWN is a prominent citizen of 
Miiir, Ionia County, and one of her best 
known business men, carrying on the sale 
of general merchandise in a good building 
on Superior Street. He has a carefully selected 
stock of goods, suited to the needs and desires of 
his patrons, and attractively arranged for their 
view. Straightforward methods are used in dis- 
posing of them and courtesy is shown to the cus- 
tomers, and thus a flourishing trade is carried on 
Mr. Town is postmaster, having been appointed bjf 
President Harrison in 1889, and his official station 
increases his acquaintance with the people of the 
contiguous territory. 

Simon Town, grandfather of our subject, was a 
native of New York and was of English extraction. 
He was an extensive farmer and reared a large 
family. He lived to be seventy-six years old. He 
was a man of large pli3'sical proportions and of 
correspondingly largc-heartedness. His son Ste- 
phen, father of our subject, was born in New York 
and reared to the father's occupation. He carried 
on his enterprise in Onondaga County until 1833, 
when he came to Michigan, settling on what is now 
the State road between Jackson and Lansing, but 



was then only an Indian trail. He bought one 
hundred and sixty acres of land, five miles north 
of Jackson, there being at that time no houses south 
of his home to where Lansing now stands, and 
there he resided until 1851, when he removed to 
Lj'ons Township, Ionia County. He bought prop- 
erty near the village of Lyons and spent the re- 
mainder of his life there. His first farm in the State 
was a heavily timbered one where he had much 
arduous work to do. 

The wife of Stephen Town and mother of our 
subject bore the maiden name of I>lizabeth Schuy- 
ler. She too was born in New York and in the 
same State her parents, John and Hannah (Loomis) 
Schuyler, opened their eyes to the light. From 
184G until their death they lived in Ohio. Mr. 
Schuyler was a farmer in the Mohawk Vallej' in 
previous years, and during the War of 1812 he 
fought for American rights. 

The family of Stephen Town and his faithful 
companion comprised six children, but Simon is 
the sole survivor. He was born in Jackson County, 
this State, February 17, 1836, and the first school 
he attended was in a building three-quarters of a 
mile from his home. After coming to Lyons he 
went to the High School and upon completing the 
course of study, taught during the winter months 
eight years, devoting the summers to farm work. 
After the expiration of that period he took charge 
of the homestead, and operated it until 1878, tlien 
sold it and went to the village of Lyons. There 
Mr. Town engaged in the mercantile business two 
j-ears and thence he came to Muir and bought his 
present edifice, into which he moved his stock. 

Among the recollections of boyhood that 
brighten the memorj' of Mr. Town is seeing the 
Governor and staff pass his home in wagons on 
their way to the Capital, and their attempts to pry 
the wheels out of the mud in whicii they some- 
times stuck. On one occasion the Governor was a 
passenger in the stage and it broke down and His 
Excellency S|)ent the interval devoted to repairs in 
the dwellings of the town. Our subject also recol- 
lects the removal of the Indians to a Territory 
farther West, the passage of the Government 
troops on horseback and the red men on foot. 
In 18G1 Mr. Town was married to Miss Melissa 



i 




\- 



cJU: c4r 4. ;^:J.^,^>^ 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



467 



A. Williams, of Lyons Towiisbip, Ionia County, a 
lady of energy and capabilily umler whose control 
his home is made comfortable and attractive. The 
circle around the hearthstone includes Camilla L., 
Arthur M., Cora and Iva, the eldest of whom is 
Assistant Postmaster. As might well be supposed, 
they have received as i^ood o|)portunities as possi- 
l)le to advance their knowledj^e and fit themselves 
for usefulness and honor. Mr. Town was Town- 
siiip .School Insi)Cctor for a number of years, an<l 
h.is held otiicr local oMices. Politically he is a Re- 
publican. In all that goes to make up gooil citi- 
zenship and tends to the |)rogrcss of the village he 
is conspicuous and of good repute. 



I^B^.'t^SlB 



LP.KRT J. nuLCOMB. Among the resi- 
dents of Montcalm County there are to be 
It found many who have made their own 
@^ wa}', or who have begun their work in life 

will) a limited ca|)ital,and whose careers have been 
cliaraeterized by perseverance, good management 
and wise economy. An example of this kin<l is to 
be found in the person of Mr. Holconib, now num- 
bered among the thrifty farmers of Cr3'stal Town- 
ship. His liome farm consists of eighty acres on 
section 31, from which he removed slumps and 
stones, and which he enclosed and sub-divided by 
good fences, and improved with adequate farm 
buddings. His dwelling is a t.Tsteful, two-stor^-, 
ten-room house, well furnished, and kept in perfect 
ord( r by his wife, who is a notable housekeeper. 

The parents of our subject were Jesse and 
Amorintha (Kendall) Ilolcomb, natives of New 
York, liut residents of Ionia County, this State, 
for a number of years. The father was a tailor 
:ind followed his ti'ade during his early life, but in 
later years gave his attention to farnnng. The 
son, of whom we write, was born in Ionia County, 
August 17, 1848, and grow to manhood on the 
farm. When ol<l enough to take a part in the 
work carried on there ho attended school only in 
the winter, until he was nineteen years of age. after 
wliich he devoted most of the lime for three or 
four years to attendance in the High .School in 



Ionia. lie therefore acquired a practical education 
and gained a thorough knowleilge of farming and 
business principles. 

When Mr. Ilolcomb licgrin liis personal career he 
had some trying experiences, as be was poor in this 
world's goods and the help he expected from his 
parents was not given him, owing to the death of 
his father. That good man i)assed away May !>, 
1869, and when his estate was divided our subject 
received $460, and at the final settlement received 
ij<282 more. He bargained for the farm he now 
lives upon and m.ade his payments bi' working in 
the lumber camps, while at the same time doirig 
what he could to clear his land. lie found a log 
cabin on the place and in it he lived fourteen 
years. Although it was not attractive in appear- 
ance it was comfortable, and Mr. and Mrs. Ilolcomb 
were happy and passed many of their most pleasant 
days in their cabin home. This they were content 
to occupy until the_v had made good arrangements 
for the accommodation of their stock and the 
housing of the crops the^- wished to store. A com- 
modious barn was built in 1871) and other farm 
buildings have been put up from time to time, and 
an orchard set out. Mr. Ilolcomb gives considera- 
ble attention to raising sheep and cattle, and also 
keeps good horses. Ik-side the home place, ho has 
forty acres which is also un<1er cultivation. 

The wife of Mr. Ilolcomb was known in her 
maidenhood as Miss Klla Root, and their marriage 
was solemnized November 22, 1869. Mrs. Ilol- 
comb was born in Jackson County, March 2.^, 18.'>2, 
and was educated in Ionia. A year after her mar- 
riage she taught school one term while her husband 
worked in the lumber woods. She is the daughter 
of James N. and Clarissa A. (Slack) Root. She 
has as great a love for good horses as her husband 
and sympathizes with him in his woik and tastfs. 
'I'hey have no children, but have an a(loi)led son, 
(icorge \V., who has been with them about eleven 
years. 

Mr. Ilolcond) is now iidl.ling tiie ulllceof .lustice 
of the Peace for a second term and for ten years 
he has been Assessor of the district. In politics he 
is a Prohibitionist and has taken an active interest 
in the reform movement, doing much to carry the 
local o|)tion measure in the town>hip. lie is in- 



468 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



terestert in the general welfare to such an extent as 
to take part in public enterprises that promise 
well, and particularly in educational projects. Wlicu 
he and his good wife were young thej' had man}^ 
hardships to endure in clearing a home from the 
primeval wilderness, and her parents used every 
effort to dissuade them from attempting to clear 
anil improve the land. However, tiiej- were not 
easily discouraged and by their united efforts liave 
not only attained success financially, but have set a 
worthy example for all to follow. We are pleased 
to present, in connection with this biographical 
notice, lithograpliic portraits of this worthy couple, 
wlio are regarded witli respect b}' all who know 
them. 



, ANIEL B. MORKHEAU. A goodly num- 
ber of men have gained a competence sutli- 
cient to supply' every reasonable want and 
are now enjoying the results of former 
industry in Montcalm County. One of this num- 
ber is tlie gentleman above named, whose beautiful 
home is in Edmore, where for some years he was 
engaged in business, and with the social, financial 
and religious growth of which lie is still closely 
identified. He is the oldest settler in Edmore, 
owns the finest block and residence in the town 
and has other investments there, including shares 
in the Robinson Opera House, of which lie is one 
of the originators. 

Mr. Morehead traces his lineage to two of the 
best known nationalities represented in America, 
the Scotcii-Irish and the German. His grandfather 
Moreiiead was born in the Emerald Isle and crossed 
the water when a young man, locating in Virginia 
and making that Stale his permanent home. In 
Brooks County his son Andrew, father of our sub- 
ject, was born and thence he went to Stark Count}', 
Ohio, when a young man. He improved a farm 
on which he lived fifteen years, then sold it and 
changed his residence to Carroll County, where he 
bought eiglity acres and cultivated it until his 
strength gave out. He died there in 1874. He 
was a Democrat in politics and a Presb3'terian in 



religion. He was married in Stark County to 
Lydia Burger, who was born in New York and was 
a daugliter of Daniel Burger, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and of German extraction. Grandfather 
Burger was a stone-mason and farmer. He was an 
earl}' settler in Stark County, Ohio, which was his 
last earthlj' home. He belonged to the Presbyter- 
ian Church. 

Our subject was born in Stark Countj', Oliio, 
January 27, 1829, and was the third of twelve 
ciiildren, eleven of whom lived to maturity. He 
passed his early days on the farm and attended the 
district school, conning his lessons while occupying 
a slab bench. Later he was privileged to spend one 
term at Mt. Union College, in Ohio. From the age 
of nineteen to twenty-two years he was engaged in 
carpenter work, having picked up a knowledge of 
tliat handicraft because of his natural aptness in 
handling tools. He then devoted the winters to 
teacliing and the summers to the trade until 1855, 
in tlie spring of which year he went to Illinois. He 
established liimself at New Massillon, Wayne 
County, and worked at his trade there nine months, 
then returned to Ohio and again followed teaching. 

For ten winters Mr. Morehead taught school, and 
during the years included became the owner of one 
hundred acres of land near his birthplace, that he 
improved. The summer after he bought the prop- 
erty tlie frost killed his wheat and other crops. He 
took a scliool eight miles away, and two thirds of 
the time boarded at home, walking back and forth 
night and morning, and doing his own work. Tlie 
paj'inents on the place were made by teaching. 
Mr. Morehead lived on the farm six years, then 
sold and bought another tract near, on which he 
staid two years, next renting it and moving into 
Minerva. There he became book-keeper and sales- 
man in a furniture manufactory, and staid two 
years. During the time he was on the farm lie w.as 
Justice of the Peace one term. 

In the fall of 18G8 Mr. Morehead came to this 
State and began the manufacture of shingles, sasii, 
doors and blinds in Union City, continuing the 
business nine years, and also making the Bertrand 
& Sames corn cultivator, putting out three thou- 
sand of them. Mr. Morehead sold out his business 
and bought a farm near the town, paying $17,000 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



469 



for two hundred and eisiity acres, and for three 
years gave his attention to farming. In this 
otrupation lie proved rather unforliuiate and was 
obliged to sell his farm for less than he paid for 
it. In 187i) lie came to Edmore and for a year 
carrieil on the Junction House. lie tlien houglit 
out a stock of groceries an(J a l>uihling and a year 
later added to the store room, continuing tiie busi- 
ness six 5'ears. Deciding to retire at tiie expira- 
tion of that period lie sold out, and llic very next 
spring, the building having been destroyed by fire, 
he bought tlic site .again and put up a fine brick 
block, Mr. Morehead has manufactured a great 
many screw power slump machines that work very 
successfully. 

The present residence of Mr. Moreheail was 
built in IH8."i after his own design and is the finest, 
largest antl most costi}' bouse in town. It is pre- 
sided over by the lady who became his wife in 
Carroll County, Ohio, October 28, 18o2, and whose 
maiden name was Mary J. Youngker. She was 
iHirn near Minerva September 14, 1835, and re- 
ceived her education in the High .School of that 
lii:i(('. She is an accomplished and agreeable lady, 
anil her amiable disposition wins many friends. 
She has a decided talent for art, has given much 
time to painting and taught the use of the pencil 
and brush. She has often taken premiums at the 
fairs, and she also does bcauliful fancy work of 
various kinds. 

Mr. ami Mrs. Morehead have six children: Hiram 
15., a grocer in tidmore; Lydia .1., wife of Capt. II. 
K. Summers of Grand Hapids; Orien A., head 
waiter in the Grand Pacific hotel in Chicago, III.; 
I'rank McC, book-keeper at Glenwood Springs, 
Col.; Adrian Lycurgus, a wholesale shipper of 
potatoes, from this .State to the South and E.ast, 
ami Daniel I)., with the Dayton licll Ringers. 

.lohn Youngker, father of Mrs. Morehead, was 
l'<irn in Germany and came to America with his 
parents. Jacob Youngker located in Brownsville, 
Pa., and carried on his trade, carpentry there. 
The son became a shoemaker, and followed his 
calling near Minerva, Carroll County, whither he 
removed and entered a tract of now land, on which 
lie made improvements. He belonged to the Luth- 
eran Church. He married Hannah Berry, who 



was born in Williamsport, Pa., being a daughter of 
William Berry, a native of England and a farmer 
by occupation. This family were of the Methodist 
faith. Mrs. Youngker came to this State with her 
daughter, Mrs. Morehead, and died in Union City 
in 1878, at the home of our subject. 

Mr. Morehead is now serving his fourth year as 
Justice of the Peace, and he has acted as a member 
of the village Board of Trustees. He belongs to 
the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment in Ed- 
more, has filled the Chairs, and has Iieen the repre- 
sentative to the Grand Lodge three times and to 
the Grand Encampment once. He is a Democrat 
in politics, and has been a delegate to both county 
and State conventions. He is an otlicial member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Churcii, and his wife 
is also an active member. Both are entertaining 
and hospitable, and deservedly popular in the 
community, and their circle of fiiends is not eon- 
fined to the town. In 1890 Mr. Morehead went 
to Manchester, Coffee County, Tenn., on account 
of ill health, and after nearly a year's residence, 
returned much benefited by his sojourn in the pure, 
mild air of the .Southern tablelands. He bought an 
acre of ground there and built a (hvclling, so that 
he was not dependent upon hotel .accommodations 
for his comfort. 



<i, VILLI AM R. BOWSER. The Ionia Furni- 
\wi '""' t'""ipfi"i'' I'f which Mr. Bowser is 
W^ Manager and .Secretary, supplies the mar- 
ket with high grades of goods which are being 
well received. The industr3' is growing wonder- 
fully, and already ranks among the most prominent 
commercial institutions of Ionia and those wiiicli 
exert the greatest inlluence in its upbuilding. Mr. 
llowser has been a resident of this pl.ace less than 
a decade, but as many years of his life h.'.ve been 
spent within the limits of the county he was not 
uriknown to the citizens here when he joined their 
ranks. 

Mr. Bowser was born in Fulton County, Oliio, 
April l.j, 1845. to John and .\nnie (Guyor) Bowser, 
natives of Pennsylvania and Baden Baden, Ger- 



470 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



many, respectively. The Bowsers came originally 
from Holland. The parental family comprised two 
living children and one who died in infancj'. The 
elder of the survivors is George W., Cashier of 
the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company 
in Wichita, Kan. The parents died when AVilliani, 
their second cliild, was young and he was brought 
to this State by his uncle, the Rev. Aaron Bowser, 
a United Brethren minister and Presiding Elder of 
a Michigan circuit. In Jackson County he found 
his first home and in 1854 came to Ionia and be- 
came one of the liouselioid of J. B. Morehouse, a 
builder at Portland. 

The work of a builder and that of a tiller of the 
soil were combined by Mr. Bowser under the guid- 
ance of Mr. Morehouse until the summer of 18G2, 
when he entered the arm}-, enlisting August 12. 
He was enrolled in Company K, Twenty-first Michi- 
gan Infantry, and attached to the Army of the 
Cumljerland. The noted engagements in whicli he 
fought were Perryvillc, Stone River, Winchester, 
Chickamauga, Savannah, Averysboro and Benton- 
ville. At Chickamauga he was wounded, receiving 
two shots in the leg. He was made Corporal after 
the battle of Stone River and acted as Sergeant for 
a, year. He was discharged June 20, 1865, althougii 
he had been mustered out in Washington, D. C, 
on June 8lh, after partiei|)ating in tlie Grand 
Review. 

When the war was over Mr. Bowser formed an 
association with Mr. Morehouse and built a plan- 
ing mill in Portland, for the manufacture of sash, 
doors and blinds. Tiie firm of .T. B. Morehouse & 
Co. also carried a general line of builders' supplies. 
In 1870 the style was ciianged to Bowser, Grifiin & 
Co. In November, 1874, Mr. Bowser removed to 
Harbor Springs, Emmet County, where he farmed 
and did job work. He was County Clerk there 
four years, beginning his term of service January 
1, 1879. In February, 1885, he returned to Ionia 
County as an officer of the State House of Correc- 
tion and Reformator\', having the position of inside 
gatekeeper until October 19, 1886, when he started 
a furniture business in the institution. He made 
use of the services of twenty-seven men in the 
beginning, which was gradually increased to two 
hundred, of whom he had charge until June 4, 



1890, when he gave up his work there and became 
Superintendent of the Ionia Furniture Company. 
Of this enterprise we have already spoken and of 
the place now filled by Sir. Bowser. 

The pleasant home of Mr. Bowser is presided 
over by an efficient housewife, who was united in 
marriage to him June 24, 1869. She was born in 
Manchester, England, bore the maiden name of 
Fanny M. Swindells, and is a daughter of William 
and Ann Swindells, To Mr. and Mrs. Bowser a 
son and daughter have been born: William G., is 
now working in the factory as a hand carver, and 
May M. is pursuing her studies in tlie public school. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bowser have higli standing in the 
Baptist Church and he is Superintendent of the 
Sunday-school. He votes tlie Republican ticket, 
pursues his course in life energetically yet quietly, 
and is considered a ca|)able business m.an and good 
citizen. He is Adjutant in the Grand Army Post 
and has held the office for the past three years. 



(4l IVINSLOW P. BURHANS, a former resi- 
\/\//l tlt^nt of Ionia, was born in Greene Count}', 
V^ N. Y., Miiy 27, 1821. He was a son of 
Cornelius and Hannah (Leg) Burhans, both natives 
of the Empire State. The father was a farmer 
and was descended from Holland Dutch who set- 
tled in the Mohawk Valley in that region in the 
earl}' days. The subject of this sketch was left an 
orphan when only six years of age, his father 
dying September 28, 1827. His mother survived 
until January 8, 1877. Winslow early engaged in 
the mercantile business and opened a store at Dur- 
ham, N. Y. He married Rachael A. Dorman July 27, 
1847, in .Syracuse County, N. Y. Previous to this 
time lie had been for awhile in Milwaukee, Wis. 

Winslow P. Burhans and family came to Ionia 
in 1849. Here he entered into the banking busi- 
ness, which he afterward pursued. He li.ad at one 
time been eng.aged in the business of a tannery in 
Northern New York, but had sold it out in 
1846. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church and at one time belonged to the Masonic 
fraternitv. He died November 7, 1885. Three 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



471 



children had hlessed tliis union — Dolly D., wife of 
Willis Van Devanter, is living in Cheyenne^ Wyo. 
This 3'oung raan is now Chief Justice of that 
Slate, the youngest Chief Justice in the I'nited 
Stales. Winslow P., Jr., died in earl^- childhood, 
but a third child received the same name, and 
this one is now attending school. Mrs. Burhans 
has recently erected an elegant home on tlie corner 
of LaFayette and Rich Streets, which is one of the 
handsomest properties in the city. The lirst story 
is built of Ionia sandstone and the second of 
shingles. She is a lady of fine executive ability- 
and is engaged in much good work in behalf of 
both the churches and charities of the town. She 
is the worthy widow of a worthy citizen who was 
ever alive to the interests of the community in 
which he lived, and b^' his encrgj- and enterprise 
acijuircd a valuable propert}'. Politically Mr. Bur- 
hans wiis a stanch Democrat. 



-^1 



~aM^^~ 



o'jEORC.K IIOSFORD is one of the earliest 
p settleis in Berlin Township, Ionia County, 
lie has given his time, strength and thonght 
to the culture of fruit and has made in this direc- 
tion a si)lendid record. His New Mammoth Seed- 
ling and his Berlin See('.ling grapes bear as(>lendid 
re|)Ulalion, having taken premiums wherever 
exhibited, and being highly commended at the 
Centennial in 1876. His father, Samuel Ilosford 
was a siioeniiiker b}' trade in New York State, near 
Cayuga Lake. His mother was a native of the 
same State and bore the maiden name of Sallie 
Shaw. .She was left a widow after some fifteen 
years of married life and her second marriage was 
wilh Kzra Winslow, a soldier in the War of 1812. 
Both are now dead. By her first marriage she be- 
came the mother of four children, only one of 
whom, our subject, now survives. By her second 
marriage she bore three children. 

(Jeorge Ilosford was born in July, 1 8'J.l, upon 
the old New York homestead. When only four- 
teen years of age he evinced his ambition and 
enterprise by leaving home and coming alone to 
the new countr}". His parents when iliey came to 



Michigan in 1833 had settled in Oakland, but later 
came to Ionia Count}', and in 1837 settled on sec- 
tion 1, Easton Township, where they spent the 
remnant of their days. Our subject made his 
home with his stepfather for several years and 
worked with him at the trade of a stonemason, 
but began for himself when he was eighteen j-ears 
of age. When he came here there was but one 
frame house in Ionia Git}'. The place where the 
court house now stands was all woods. At this 
point the trees had been girdled but farther up the 
country all was native and undisturbed forests. 
For a number of years the young man worked at 
his Inule and gained the means to buy forty acres 
of land on section 4, of Easton Township. He 
cleared Ihirt}- acres of this wild land and about one 
hundred acres for other people, chopping, logging, 
clearing and fencing. He found all his im|)le- 
ments and kept himself, charging his neighbors ^10 
an acre for his services. He raised cro|)s of wheat, 
corn and potatoes and lived on this farm until the 
war broke out. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was 
on May 5, 1819 united in marrisige to Harriet J. 
Abbott, a daughter of Gilbert and Charlotte Ab- 
bott, who were early settlers in B(iston Township. 
They are both now deceased. By this marriage 
Mr. Ilosford liad five children — Orvis, born May 
23, 1850, married Edith Grant; with their four 
children the}' live in Cedar Springs. Ellen, born 
August 5, 185"2, is the wife of Dr. Wilson of Grand 
Raiiids. Warren, born April 25, 185J, was united 
in marriage to Allie Harler; he also lives in Grand 
Rapids and is the father of two children. Minnie, 
born March 12, 1856, is Mrs. Byron Weeden. With 
her husband and two children she resides in Grand 
Rapids. Bert, born December 5, 1868, remains at 
home with his fatiier. The mother of these chil- 
dren was called from earth Jul}' 27, 1876, at the 
age of forty-six ye.ars. Mr. Hosford's second wife 
was Mrs. Annie E. Harris, whom he married Octo- 
ber 14, 1876. She is the daughter of Samuel and 
Sallie (Morehouse) Van Doran. Although she hail 
been twice married before, she had no children. 
Her parents were natives of New Jersey, but in 
1836 came to Kalamazoo County, Midi., and set- 
tled on a farm where tlu'y brought up their faiiiilj' 



472 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of eiglitfhilclien. Tliree are now living. Mr. Van 
Doran wiio had been a soldier in tlie War of 1812, 
died in 1850. His wife survived liim eight years. 
Mrs. Ilosford's natal day was September 11, 1837. 
Slie received a district school education in Kalama- 
zoo County. 

When the subject of this sketch left his farm in 
Easton Township, just before the war, he removed 
to Ionia. He offered himself as a volunteer in the 
army but on account of imperfect health his offer 
was declined. About this time he decided to visit 
the Far West, and took the trij) to California by 
water, remaining there four months. He was much 
interested in the fruit culture which he saw in that 
region, and returning home decided to devote his 
efforts and study in the direction of that brancli of 
agriculture. Buying twenty-three acres of raw 
land he cleared it off. Later he added to this 
which is now his home farm, until he has sixty acres. 
Fourteen of these are in orchards, twelve in 
grapes, and later he put five acres into the new 
grapes which are his specialty and fur whicli his 
place is so noted. 

He has originateil the two seedlings mentioned in 
the opening paragrapli of our sketcl). Of these 
a well-known |)omologist says: '-This white grape 
seems one of the best yet originated in America. 
The black grape is superior to the famous Concord. 
In its bunch and berry it is of the largest size. 
The white grape is exceedingly close in the bunch. 
If these two grapes retain their hardiness, healtli, 
vigor an<l excellence when disseminated, we may 
look to Michigan as having produced two now 
grapes wliich will add greatly to her reputation." 
Mr. Hosford has some ^ears raised as high as forty 
tons <jf grapes. He has manufactured wine for 
himself, at one time making nineteen hundred gal- 
lons. 

With his fruit farming he also carries on other 
branches of agriculture, having nearly fifty acres 
of land under a very high slate of cultivation. His 
residence built twelve years ago cost. $2,000, 
and his fine barn $1,400. He was a cliarter member 
of the Christian Church at Ionia over thirty years 
ago, where he and his wife still worship, and where 
he has always been active in church matters. For 
many years he was known as the leader in music, 



but he now gives over that branch of work into 
younger hands, but still retains his interest in the 
Sunday-school, where he has from the first organi- 
zation of the church been a faithful and useful 
teacher. He is well informed in regard to public 
matters and keeps the run of politics and the labor 
question, voting the Republican ticket and being a 
member of the Patrons of Industry. He was one 
of the early school teaches in this part of tlie State 
and has been Deputy Clerk of Berlin Township, 
and one of tlie School Inspectors. He is strongly 
interested in the temperance question and has always 
been a very liberal supporter of churches. 



' ' • ^- 



^jl LLEN MACOMBER, a weslthy man of 
Lake View, was born in Perry, Wyoming 
County, N. Y., April 17, 1834. He is a 
son of George and Lucinda (Barnes) Ma- 
comber, natives of New York State. They came to 
Micliigan in 1849 and settled in Macomb County, 
near Mt. Clemens, where they lived several years, 
and then removed to Greenville, Montcalm Countj', 
where they spent the remainder of their lives. The 
father of our subject was a day laborer in New 
York, and had but little more than enough money 
to bring him to Michigan, and yet he died a 
wealthy man. He was a farmer and speculator, 
and in every res[)ect a self-made man. In politics 
he belonged to the Whig i)arty, and eventually 
became a Republican. He had only two children, 
our subject and his sister, Georgia A., who is now 
the wife of William Cottrell, of Mt. Clemens. 

The subject of this sketch was reared in Ntw 
York until about fifteen years of age. His early 
educaiion was limited. He remained witli his 
fatlier until about twenty-eight years of age, and 
then engaged in the lumber business in the pineries 
of Montcalm County. This business he has con- 
tinued to carry on. He located permanently in 
Lake View in about 1860, and started the first saw- 
mill at that place which he still owns and operates, 
and into which he introduced shingle machinery. 
The firm is now INIacomljcr & Bale, under which 
firm name also is carried on a flourishing inercaa- 



PORTUAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



473 



tile business in Lake View. Mr. Macombcr is the 

wealtliiest man in thai portion of tlic county, and 
one of the wcallliiest in tiic comity. He owns large 
tracts of farm and timber lands, is worth [irob- 
ably $75,000, and has tlie (inest residence in Lake 
N'iew. Me is a Republican in his convictions, but 
never dabbles in politics. He has been, however, a 
member of the villaije council ever since it was 
organized, and has done much toward the improve- 
ment and upbuilding of the village, and was one 
of the prime movers in its estal)lislinieiit. He is a 
Knight Templar and a member of the Ancient Or- 
der of United Workmen. 

Mrs. JLacomber, who was Miss Esther Swarthout, 
of Lake View, was born in Pennsylvania, and is a 
member of one of the pioneer families of Mont- 
calm County. She became the wife of our subject 
in 1866. Only two of their five children are now 
living, namely, Nora and Georgia, who are both 
slill living at home. 

— ^ -^^— ^— 

Vl^OBEirr UAKUI). The name of this young 
Jigir gentleman and the work he is doing are not 
<«i * unknown in Ionia or in the remotest part of 
Ionia County. lie is President and one of 
the editors of the Ionia Slandard, a daily and weekly 
journal published by the Standard Publishing Com- 
pany, 1)3- means of which a large number of fami- 
lies derive intelligence regarding the news of the 
da3'. The sheet is neatly printed and well edited, 
its columns filled witli clean and wholesome litera- 
ture, making it a suitable paper for the family cir- 
cle and business readers. A close observation of 
men and things is shown in the local columns, and 
in the editorials, which forcibly express the opin- 
ions of those who have the paper in charge. Its 
political intluence is thrown on the side of Deinoc- 
rac}'. 

Mr. Haerd was born in Terre Haute, Ind., April 
27, 1857, and is a son of John Adam and Cathe- 
rine (Klein) Baerd. His parents were born in 
Zweibrucken, Germany, whence they came to Amer- 
ica about 1818. Thej' first established themselves 
in Indianapolis, but subsequently went to Terre 



Haute and there the mother died in May, 1871. 
The father is a shoemaker. To him and his wife 
si.K chihlren were born, Robert being the eldest. 
The others who are now living are Henry, conduc- 
tor on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, and 
making his home in Dubois County, Ind., and Mrs. 
Carrie Zumstein, whose home is in Evansville. 

When but twelve years old Robert Baerd entered 
the olllce of the Terre Haute Express, and worked 
there some seven years. He then worked as a 
journeyman printer in Grand Rapids, this State un- 
til he was twenty-four years old, when with Albert 
B. Tozcr, he began the publication of a society 
pa|)er called the Saturday Review. After two years 
he abandoned the Revww, and in partnership with 
Erank M. Carroll i)ublished the Agricultural World 
somewhat more than a year. In 1881 he came to 
Ionia, and until June, 1883, he was engaged with 
the Sentinel Printing Company, and he then pur- 
chased the Standard. 

At the head of the househohl affairs in the home 
of Mr. Baerd, is the Lady who became his wife May 
17, 1883. She is an educated, refined woman wlui 
was known in her m.iidenhood .as Miss Ellie M. 
Ilutchins. The husband and wife are gladdened 
by the presence in their home of a daughter Louise. 
Mr. Baerd was City Clerk in 1888-8'J, and is now 
serving as Treasurer. He belongs to the Odd Eel- 
lows lodge, of which he is Noble Gr.and, and he 
has passed all the Chairs in the Knighta of Pythias 
lodge, of which he is a charter member. In poli- 
tics he is a sound Democrat. He is a member of 
the Eirst Baptist Church, and has good standing as 
such. 



^1^1 

KTER WIHT.MORE. This enterprising and 
prosperous farmer who resides on section 3, 
Ronald Township, Ionia County, is a grand- 
son of Peter Whitmore, who w.as born in the 
Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. He w.as one of 
the five children noted in history, who were cap- 
tured by the Indians at the lime of the Wyomin;: 
m.assacre. His parents and all of their children ex- 
cept these five were massacred, twelve of this fam- 



474 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ily flying by the tomahawk. He spent five years 
with the Iiulians before be was finally restored to 
the whites at Albany. He had learned much of the 
ways and speech of the Indians, and could talk 
their language well. Injuries which he received 
whde in the hands of the savages, so weakened him 
as to finally cause his death at the age of fifty 
years. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was born 
in Mohawk Township, Montgomery County, N. Y., 
February 22, 1833. His father, John, was also a 
native of New York, born in Fulton County in 
1802. He followed farming as his occupation. 
His wife who bore the maiden name of Mary Wirt, 
was born in Fulton County, N. Y., in 1803. Her 
father Michel Wirt was of German descent, and 
spoke the German tongue. His daughter spoke 
German also. She was married to Mr. Whitmore 
in Fulton County, N.Y., in 1826. After their mar- 
riage they settled in the town of Moliawk, where 
they remained until the father of Mr. Whitmore 
died in 18G8. The mother still survives and re- 
sides with this branch of tiie family. 

Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore are the parents of six 
children, three sons and three daughters, namely: 
Hannah, deceased ; Margaret, Mrs. J. W. Martin; 
Peter; Eliza, deceased ; John, who resides on the 
homestead; and George. Our subject went to the 
same district schoolhouse until he was prepared to 
teach when he taught his first school under the same 
roof. Later he attended the Johnslo^n Academy 
and was graduated there. He learned the wagon- 
maker's trade and ran a business of this kind for two 
years at Fonda. Thence he went to Long Island, 
and took charge of a farm for Mr. Iloople for 
seven years. 

The young man was now taken with the W^estern 
fever, and in 1870 came to Micliigan and bought a 
farm near Ionia. He returned East after about six 
months to Long Island and was married in 1870 to 
Marj' A. Hooplc, a native of Canada. She was the 
mother of one child, and died in 1878. Her daugh- 
ter resides at home with her father. Mr. Whitmore 
married again in 1881. His second wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Sarah E. Mason, was a native 
of England, and came to this country when she was 
ten years old. To this couple three children have 



been given — John, George and Jesse. The family 
removed onto the farm where they now reside in 
the year 1880. They have eighty acres of well- 
improved land there, forty acres on section 13. 
and ninetj' acres in Manistee County. Mr. Whit- 
more is a Republican in politics, and is in all re- 
spects a public-spirited man. 



i^^l^JIOMAS WELCH resides on a line farm on 
,//j>. section 'J, North Plains Township, Ionia 
\^' County. He was born in County Kilkenny, 
Ireland, December 22, 1828. His parents, Patrick 
and Mar}' (Corcon) Welch, were born, married 
and died in that count}-. They were the parents 
of eleven children, of whom our subject is the 
youngest. He received his early education in 
Ireland and started out for himself at the age of 
fourteen working on a farm bj- the month. 

Mr. Welch crossed the water in 1848. landing 
at Quebec, Canada, and after a two months stay 
there went to Ontario County, N. Y. For two or 
three years he worked on the same farm, but he 
had the Western fever and coming to Michigan 
located on section 12, North Plains Township, Ionia 
County, and set about improving the place. Here 
and on the spot where he now resides he remained 
forty years. It was all woods and he has put all 
the improvements upon it. He had in the mean- 
while been back to New York and on August 12, 
1851, he was united in marriage to Mary Hogan, 
a native of County Tyrone, born there in 1830. 

To tliis home have come seven children, five 
girls and two boys, namely: Mary, Sarah (de- 
ceased), Patrick, Thomas, Margaret, Julia and 
Catherine. Mr. Welch has one hundred and sixty 
acres of land on the home farm, and eighty acres 
on section 10, all the improvements having been 
placed on both farms by the subject. These first- 
class farms are well-stocked. He has ninety head 
of sheep and seven horses. When he first set foot 
in Ionia County he had $150. His handsome resi- 
dence cost him |1,G00, not counting his own work 
and the hauling of the lumber. It is a commodi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



477 



ous two-story farm bouse. His barn is 40x60 feet. 
The borso barn is 32x42 feet and the cow stable 
18x28 feel in (limeiisions. Oilier sheds and out- 
liiiildiiigs are proportionately capacious and con- 
venient. A tool house 30x60 feet shelters liis 
machinery in the winter when not in use. He is a 
stanch Democrat and the family are all members 
of the C'aliiulic Church. 



* IVILLIAM P. (lAlMBKR, M. D., is un- 
\r\j// doublediy the leading pli3'Sician in ,Stan- 
WW ton, Montcalm County, a position to which 
he attained, as it might be said, at a bound. He 
lias been located here but a few years, but by rea- 
son of his excellent judgment, profound sympathy 
and habit of constant study, he has gained confi- 
dence rapidly and won a large following, both in 
the town and the adjacent country. His profes- 
sional studies were carried on under favorable 
auspices, and in schools that rank with the best in 
the land, and since his graduation he has devoted 
considerable lime to hospital visitation and post- 
graduate studies. 

Dr. Camber was born in Fayette, Fulton County, 
Ohio, December 27, 1851, and is the son of George 
and Caroline (IJachman) Gamber, who were na- 
tives of New York. The father came to the 
Buckeye State many years ago and still lives there 
on a farm. He has held the various local offices 
and creditably discharged the duties that pertain 
thereto. The son obtained a High School educa- 
tion and then began teaching — a work which he 
carried on several 3'ears ere beginning the study 
of medicine. He fixed in his own mind the knowl- 
eilge he had acquired in school and added to it 
much that was brought ui) in connection with his 
work as the century grew older. 

The reading of medicine was begun under K. H. 
Rorick, M. D., in Fayette, and Mr. Gamber after- 
ward attended lectures in the Medical College at 
Detroit and then went to the Western Reserve 
College in Ohio, from which he was graduated 
March 4, 1881. taking the honors of his cl.ass. His 
knowledge was not only deep, but varied. Dr. 



Gamber began his professional work in McBride, 

this State, and in a very sliort time had a lucrative 
patronage. While in thai town he found time to 
lake part in the local .iffairs and served as Presi- 
dent and Clerk of Hie village. In June, 1888, he 
carae to Stanton anil at once took the lead in pro- 
fessional circles here. He has a profound knowl- 
edge of the eye and ear and is becoming a recog- 
nized authority on those organs and their treat- 
ment. 

At the bride's home in McBride, M.iy 10, 1883, 
Dr. (iamber was united in marriage with Miss 
Addie I. Rood, eldest daughter of Alexander C. 
and Mary E. Rood. The bride was born at Coral, 
McIIenry County, 111., November 9, 1866, and ac- 
companied her parents to McBride when she was 
seven years old. During the winter of 1877-78 
she was converted under the preaching of the Rev. 
C. C. Miller, now of Pontiac, and in March follow- 
ing was baptized and received into the Baptist 
Church at Stanton. A few years later the Baptist 
Church of ."McBride was organized and she became 
one of its constituent members, retaining her con- 
nection until 1888, when she was again received 
into the mother church at Stanton. From the be- 
gintiing of her Christian life she was an active 
worker in church and Sunday-school and when she 
was called from earth she went peacefidly into the 
valley of the shadow, through which her Saviour 
hiid passed before her. Her death occurred April 
30, 1890, after a brief illness from a congestive 
chill. Her funeral was attended bj^ a large num- 
ber of friends and acquaintances, so that the 
church was overllowing and many were unable to 
enter its doors. The services were conducted by 
the Rev. C. C. Miller, who had been the means of 
her conversion and by whom she had been mar- 
ried, and in the sad rites he was assisted by the 
Rev. F. 11. Young, pastor of her church. Rev. 
Charles Nease, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and the Rev. Mr. Lobb, from the Ba|)tist Church, 
at McBride. 

Mrs. Gamber was a working member of the 
CJood Templars order and was Secretary of the 
Ladies' Library Association of Stanton at the time 
of ber death. The directors of the latter, at the 
monthly meeting following her demise, appointed 



478 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a committee to draft resolutions expressive of 
tLdir feeling, and no better memorial of the earn- 
est, childlike, Clirislian woman can be given than 
in words they used: "We have found her prompt 
in every duty, gentle and loving in all her ways, 
ever ready to sympathize with the unfortunate, 
and clolliing with an abounding charity the 
faults of others. We recognize in the quiet, earn- 
est, sincere Christian life an example worthy of 
imitation by all. We cannot understand the mys- 
terious Providence that cut short so sweet a life, 
but we humbly recognize tliat 

•God hath his mysteries of grace, 

Ways that we cannot tell, 
And he hides them deep 

Like the silent sleep 
Of her he loved so well.' " 

The library of Dr. Gamber contains the best 
writings, both literary and professional, and all iiis 
leisure hours are passed in their perusal. He is a 
registered piiarmacist of the State of Michigan, 
having received bis diploma from the .State Board 
of Pharmacy in March, 1 887. He belongs to the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the 
Knights of the Maccabees. His religious home is 
in the Baptist Church and he is an active member 
of the Sunday-school connected therewith. 

A lithographic portrait of Dr. Gamber is pre- 
sented in connection with this brief biographical 
review. 



♦t^^|<^^ 



^^ LASCOE M. BENEDICT. Ionia is the home 
If V of no more determined man than Mr. Bene- 
^^^ diet, who having carefully weighed the pros 
and cons of a matter, lets nothing stand in the way 
of success in whatever he undertakes to accomplish. 
He is not easily discouraged, and his hopefulness 
arises not from accident or rashness, but from his 
familiarity with that which is before him and his 
settled conviction that certain things can be done. 
He is a traveling salesman, now representing W. P. 
Roome & Co., importers of teas in New York. 

Mr. Benedict is of English descent, but both the 
paternal and maternal ancestors for several genera- 
tions have lived in iVoerica. His parents, Ransom 



S. and Elliza J. (Bell) Benedict, were born in the 
Green Mountain State, and the father was a farmer 
most of his life. For eight years he was Post- 
master at Bedford, Ohio, whicii was the birthplace 
of our subject, his natal day liaving been June 21, 
1845. Olascoe Benedict is the only surviving 
member of the parental family, which numbered 
six children. The mother died when he was but 
nine years old, February 28, 1856, and the father 
passed away February 25, 18C7. 

]Mr. Benedict of this notice was educated in the 
public school of his native village, which afforded 
a good opportunity for all who desired to secure 
practical educations. At the age of seventeen 
years he entered the employ of W. L. Smith & Co., 
in Flint, Mich., and remained eight 3-ears, after 
which he was salesman for A. R. & W. F. Linn 
thirteen years. This was followed by two years in 
business for himself, and this in turn by three 
years in the service of Sprague, Warner & Co., 
Chicago. His next more was to go to New York 
and secure the i)osition he now holds. 

In 1867 Mr. Benedict had the Christmas present 
of a wife, formerly Miss Hattie L. Childs. She 
lived only a few years to share his fortunes, dj-ing 
February 25, 1870, but a few days after the birth 
of a daughter, who bears the mother's name and is 
now engaged in teaching. After tliree years of 
widowerhood Mr. Benedict was united with Miss 
Sarah J. Yates, their wedding ceremony being per- 
formed June 12, 1873. This union has been blessed 
by the birth of three children — Thane, born in 
Detroit, August 18, 1877; Greta in Ionia, October 
21, 1879; and Linn in Ionia, August 7, 1881. 

Mr. lienedict is a Prohibitionist in politics and 
was the candidate of his party for member of the 
Legislature in 1888. He belongs to the Commer- 
cial Travelers Association. He united with the 
Church of Christ in 1860, under the ministration 
of J. H. Jones, and has been devoted to church 
and Sunday-school work. He held the office of 
Church Treasurer five years, and his excellent rec- 
ord as Sunday-school Superintendent extends over 
a period of twelve years. None are truer to their 
friends than he, none more urbane in manners, and 
none are held ia higher esteem. 

Mr, Benedict has a large and carefully selected 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



479 



library-, excelled by few in the county, and he aims 
to keep himself fairly posted in the lileratuie of 
the day. As a, writer he iias gained quite a lepii- 
talion, not only as a frequent correspondent to the 
home pa|)ers under ixms dc plvmc, but as a con- 
Iribulor to such religious journals as the Ckrislian 
Standard of Cincinnati, Oliio, the Octograpliie 
Jicrieir of Richwood, Ohio, and the Disciple of 
Grand Rapids, Mich. He is in frequent demand at 
Sunday-school and district conventions of his 
denomination, and his papers on such occasiuns 
show lliought, coni|)rchensii)n and ease of expres- 
sion. 



jOBERT E. MACKAY, a prominent farmer 
and stock-raiser of Keene Township, Ionia 
County, is a native of Brant County, On- 
; tario, Canada, and was born November .'5, 
1831. He is the son of John and Margaret (Ed- 
mondson) Mackay. His fatiier was a Scotchman, 
and from the Highlands, and his mother from the 
Scottish Lowlands. They emigrated to Ontario, 
Canada, when young and there made their home. 
Our subject was the only son of his father, and was 
reared to manhood in his native county. From 
early boyhood he engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
He received a limited education in the common 
schools of Canada, and ever aimed to make up for 
early deficiencies l)y reading and self-culture. 

The marriage of our subject with Sarah AL 
Thomas, took place in Canada, December 12, 1855. 
She is a daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (\'in- 
cent) Thomas, and was born in Brant County', On- 
tario, February 29, 1832. Her father was born in 
Vermont, and her mother in New York State. Her 
paternal ancestors were Welsh, am! her father was 
in the American army in the War of 1812. He 
afterward received from the United States (Jovern- 
nient one hundred and sixty acres of land as a rec- 
ognition of his services in the army. Three only 
of his eleven children are now living, namely: 
Abram living in Ontario; Louisa, wife of John Al- 
loway, residing in Keene Township; and the wife 
of our subject. 

In the fall of 18G1, Mr. and Mrs. Mackay, after 



several years' residence together in Ontario, came 
to Michigan and settled on section 26, Keene Tf)wn- 
slii|), this county. They have built up the farm 
and made it what it is to day, and Mr. Mackay has 
done an immense amount of work upon this land, 
clearing, chopping and logging. Their first Michi- 
gan home was in a board shanty. Here they lived 
for si.\ months until they were enabled to build 
their presrnt residence. Four children have blest 
their home: George T. ; Ann (Mrs. Albert J. Elli- 
son), of Keene Township; Sarah N. (Mrs. Frank 
M. Abbott), of the same township; and Eddie A., 
a telegraph operator. Oiie hundred broad and i)ro- 
ductive acres form the home farm which is oper- 
ated by Mr. Mackay himself. He is a Republican 
in politics, and wide-awiike to all matters of local 
interest. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mackay are honored and esteemed 
members of society-, anil their hospitality is well- 
known in the community. He is a judicious, con- 
servative and successful agriculturist, and de- 
servedly conunands the confidence of tiic business 
community. 



E^^ 



^ 



\l] AMES B. DRAKE. One of the most prom- 
inent citizens of Easton Township is the 
gentleman above named, who resides on 
'l^jjj section 18, and cultivates a pleasant expanse 
of sixty acres of land. He is itlentified in various 
ways with the best interests of Ionia County, is at 
present bearing a part in its civic alTairs, and is 
quite widely known and universally esteemed. 
His farm is one on which every necessary bidlding 
h:is been erected and such arrangements made for 
sowing and rea|)ing as show that the owner pos- 
sesses progressive ideas and a worlli3- ambition. 

Mr. Drake is the onl}- son of Pliilomon and Caro- 
line (Miller) Drake, and was born in Wayne 
County, N. Y., May 4, 1844. He grew to manhood 
on his father's farm and obtained his education in 
the common schools. When but eighteen years 
ohi, in August, 18C2, he entered the Union army, 
being enrolled in Conipan3' D, One Hundred and 
Thirty-Eighth New York Infantry. After a short 



480 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



time the command was merged into the Ninth 
New York Heavy Artillery under command of 
Col. W. H. Seward, .Ir., son of the renowned Sec- 
retary Seward. Young Drake took part in the 
siege of Petersburg, the battle of Cold Harbor, and 
numerous skirmishes of greater or less importance, 
together with the usual round of camp duties. 
Wliile in the army he contracted a chronic iufirra- 
ily from which he still suffers, and on account of 
which he is in receipt of a pension of $6 per month. 
His war record is that of an earnest, enthusiastic 
patriot, valorous in action, cheerful under privation 
and ready in obedience. 

VVIien discharged from the army Mr. Drake re- 
turned to bis native State, whence he came to 
Michigan about 1878. Deciding upon Ionia 
County as the scene of his future operations he made 
a home in Otisco Township, but removed to his 
present location in the spring of 1885. His prop- 
erty here has accrued from his industrious and 
arduous labors and is a standing monument to his 
perseverance and integrity. 

The wife who shares the home of Mr. Drake 
gave him her hand in New York on the 17th of 
August, 1869. She bore the maiden name of 
Mary C. Drake and is a daughter of John and 
Armeda Drake, who are now living in Shiawassee 
County, this State. The union has been blest by 
the birth of three children, who are named Carrie 
L., Nellie W., and Gertie. They have been given 
the best advantages their parents could compass 
and the oldest is now using her talents as a school 
teacher. They form an interesting group, whose 
society is enjoyed and who are important factors 
in the life of the neighborhood. 

The higiiest oflice within the gift of the citizens 
of Easton Township is that in which Mr. Drake is 
now serving his third term. The fact of his suc- 
cessive re-elections proves that as Su])ervisor he 
give satisfaction to his constituency regardless of 
party affiliations. His own vote is generally cast 
with the Democrats and on the party ticket he was 
a candidate for County Treasurer in the fall of 
1890 but was defeated by Charles Brown, Repub- 
lican. Mr. Drake is identified with the Grand 
Army Post of Ionia, and with tlie Ancient Order 
of United Workmen, Jn all business transactions 



he is honorable and just, and he therefore enjoys 
the confidence of all with whom he h.as dealings 
and they likewise recognize his capacity for affairs. 
He and his wife are hospitable, abound with neigli- 
borly kindness, and have the true, public spirit. 



H^UNCAN ROBERTSON. The traveler in 
I jj Ionia County cannot fail to be struck with 
l^(^ admiration for many of the farm homes 
which lie within its boundaries. One of those 
whicli add to the attractiveness of Ionia Township 
is owned and occupied by Squire Robertson. The 
estate consists of one hundred and sixty acres of 
land that has been placed under thorough cultiva- 
tion and is produftive of mixed crops of high 
grade and large quantity. The stock that grazes 
in the pastures is of the best, and evidences of 
good judgment are everywhere to be seen. Among 
the substantial improvements is a fine two-stor^' 
brick residence that was built in 1883, at a cost of 
$3,000, and a barn 34x90 feet, that was completed 
in 1889. He also has two barns on anollier part 
of his farm. 

The father of our subject was William Robert- 
son, who was born in Perthshire, Scotland, late in 
the eighteenth century. He was a stonemason by 
trade but farmed during most of his life. He had 
ten brothers, several of whom served in the British 
army and were sent to America during the War of 
1812. The motlier of Squire Robertson bore the 
maiden name of Barbara Grant and was born in 
Dundee, Scotland, about 1796. She was a daugh- 
ter of John Grant, a miller and millwright of Dun- 
dee, and a man of prominence in that vicinity. 
The parents of our subject made their home in 
Invernesshire, among the Highlands of their native 
land, and there the mother died in 1854. Some 
two years later the father came to America with 
two daughters, coming directly to this State to 
make his home with his son Duncan, who was then 
a resident of Orleans Township, Ionia County. 
There he breathed his last in 1860. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



481 



The parental family comprised eight children 
who grew to maturitj', those now living being 
David, a resident of LakeCount}'; Eliza, wife of 
Henr}' Dyer, of Osceola County; Ann, who lives 
in Kaston Township, Fonia County; Duncan, sub- 
ject of this sketch; Jane, widow of Angus McDon- 
ald, who resides in Glasgow, Scotland ; Barbara, 
wife of S. Loomis, whose home is in Ronald Town- 
ship, Ionia County; and .Susan, wife of John Dick, 
whose home is in Easton Township. The parents 
belonged to the Presbyterian Church and the father 
held the otlice of Elder. 

Squire Robertson was born June 21, 1827, amid 
the rugged benuty of Invernessliire, Scotland, and 
grew to manhood there. He received a normal 
course of training at Edinburg and filte<l himself 
for leaching, a profession in which he engaged at 
the age of eighteen and followed seven 3'ears. He 
remained in his native land during that period and 
in 18.52 embarked for the New World and estab- 
lished himself in North Oxford, Canada. There 
ho was engaged in brick making four years, after 
which he crossed the border into the United States 
and setlleil at Kiddville, Ionia Count}'. During 
the first winter of liis residence there he was en- 
gaged in the lumber business for James M. Kidd, 
but he then took up farm work in Orleans Township, 
and for a year operated a farm on shares. He next 
bought a tract of wild land in that township and 
began clearing it, building a log house in which to 
live. That was his home until he entered the Union 
army in December, 1863. 

Mr. Robertson was mustered into the service 
January 2, 1864, as a private in Company K, First 
Michigan Engineers. The boys were sent to Chat- 
tanooga, Tenn., where they were put to work build- 
ing hospitals and a stone magazine, cutting and 
sawing logs, etc. The}' next went to Chickaina\iga 
to build a stockade, where Mr. Robertson was 
severely crushed under a huge log and entirely 
disabled. He was kept with the regiment until it 
reached Atlanta and then sent to the hospital at 
Jeffersonville, Ind., later coming home on furlough 
in December, 1864. When his leave expired he 
relurneil to the hospital and thence rejoined the 
regiment at Goldsboro. N. C, after which he went 
on will) his comrades to Raleigh, was present at the 



surrender of Gen. Johnston to Gen. Sherman, and 
took part in the Grand Review nt Washington. He 
then went to Louisville, whence by special order 
he was sent to his own Slate an<I discharged at De- 
troit in July, 1865. 

Coming back to Ionia County Mr. Robertson 
settled ui)on section 8, Ionia Township, obtaining 
a tract of land upon which a few poor improve- 
ments stood, but which w.as uncultivated and not 
even cleared. He went industriousl}' to work to 
remove the timber and place the land under culti- 
vation, and <luring the years that have passed he 
has made of it a splendid pro|)erty. The lantl is 
still under his personal oversight and he manifests 
as much enterprise in his affairs as when he first 
began to build up his home here. He would be 
unwoithy the name of Scotchman were he to aban- 
don his thrifty habits and prudent ways, and 
equally- unworthy the name were he not kind-hearted 
and ready to assist those who are in need. 

March 22, 1866, Squire Robertson was married 
to Mrs. Sarah Kerton, nee Bowden. Her parents 
were Joseph and Mary (Waldron) Bowdcn, natives 
of Devonshire, England, the one born in 1795 and 
the other in 1797. Mr. Bowden died in 1850, but 
his widow lived to a good old age, passing away in 
1883. They were the parents of six children, four 
of whom are still living, all in Devonshire except 
Mrs. Robertson. This lady was born February 8, 
1832, and lived in Devonshire until she was twenlj' 
years of age. She then came to America with her 
first husband, William Kerton, and their home was 
in.ade at Jamestown, N. Y. After a few months' 
sojourn they settled upon a farm in Warren County, 
Pa., remaining there four 3'ears and then coming to 
Ionia County. After living in (Orleans Township 
for some time they took possession of the farm 
now uncler the control of our subject, and here Mr. 
Kert.)n died in 1864. Having no children of their 
own Mr. and Mrs. Kerton reared a girl named Ada 
Jane Kidd, and since her second marriage Mrs. 
Robertson has had the care of Maude E. Ilarnden, 
who still makes her home with her foster parents. 
By a former marriage Mr. Robertson had three 
children, two of whom are now living — V.'illiam 
I), and Henr}' J. The former married Martha 
Johns an<l has three children; his home is in Ronald 



482 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Township. The second son married Mar^' Wurs- 
ler. but has no f.aniily ; lie lives upon his father's 
f.-irm. 

The title by whitli Mr. Robertson is familiarly 
known has been earned b\' fourteen years work as 
Justice of the Peace. He has been School director 
and Moderator at different times, and in 1890 was 
United tStates Census Enumerator. He is interested 
in tlie social orders and besides being a member 
of a Grand Army Postal Ionia, he belongs to the 
Patrons of Industry- and a Masonic Blue Lodge. In 
politics he has taken an active interest, frequently 
serving as a delegate to conventions and always 
working for tlie success of the Republican party 
of which he is an uncompromising supporter. He 
is a strictly' temperance man in his habits, is thor- 
oughly honorable in business transactions, is the 
soul of good nature and has quiet and pleasing 
ways. He and his wife belong to the Christian 
Church at Ionia and he is an Elder there. He takes 
a part in Sunday-school work, teaching' a class in 
the local Sunday-school when it was in session, and 
was formerly its Superintendent. It would be diffi- 
cult to find a couple more tlioroughlj' deserving of 
the esteem of their acquaintances than Mr. and 
Mrs. Robertson or one having a larger circle of 
sincere friends. 



^iii^E 



ERRY J. LOAVREY is probably as well 
known as anj- man residing in Howard 
City, Montcalm Qjunt}', and his name is 
recognized beyond the limits of the county. 
He is proprietor and publisher of the Howard City 
Record, a paper that has a good circulation and is 
a well-edited sheet, its columns supplied with care- 
fully selected news and bright utterances on mat- 
ters of local and general interest. In connection 
with them is a job otiice, equipped with modern 
conveniences for tuining out fine work and enjoy- 
ing a wide reputation for the excellence of ils 
products. 

The birthplace of Mr. Lowrey was Auburn, Ind., 
and his natal day February 26, 1859. His parents 
were William A. and Elizabeth E. (Stahl) Lowrey, 



and the other members of the parental family are 
Mrs. L. W. Spach, now living in Kansas C'it3-, Mo.; 
Mrs. O. Brubaker, of the same place; and George, 
who is engaged in levee work in Arkansas and 
Mississip[)i. The father was a contractor and 
builder, principally engaged in biidge building, 
and while thus emploj'ed at Delphi, Ind., met his 
death b3' drowning in October, 1873. The wid- 
owed mother survived until 1881. The Lowreys 
are of Scotch-Irish ancestry. 

After studying in the public school until he had 
obtained a practical knowledge of the ordinary 
branches of an English education, young Lowre}' 
entered the printing office of the DeKalb (Ind.) 
liepublican in 1875, and there learned the "art 
preservative of all arts." In 1881 he went to Elk- 
hart and took the foremanship of a daily paper, 
but some months later abandoned the situation an<l 
went to Toledo, Ohio. In 1883 he returned to his 
native place and formed a partnership with C. P. 
Ilouser, and acted as manager and editor of their 
pnlilication a year, after which he came to Char- 
lotte, Mich. There he became foreman of the 
news and job departments of the Republican, and 
there he remained until 1885, when he removed 
to Howard City. He purchased the Record plant 
and set about making of that journal a more 
potent factor in molding the opinions of the 
people than it has ever been. 

The energy that characterizes every successful 
editor, especially of a countr3' paper, is in most 
instances felt in the affairs of the town in which he 
dwells, and this is true in a large degree in the 
case of Mr. Lowre}'. He has been active in pro- 
moting the growth of Howard City b}' advocatmg 
public improvements, not onl^' in the columns of 
the Record, but wherever his voice could be used 
to good effect. He was one of the chief instru- 
ments in securing the very excellent system of 
waterworks now in operation in Howard City, 
urging the movement when a member of the 
Council, and materially aided h3' his influence the 
calling of a special election through which the mat- 
ter was carried to a successful issue. He was 
appointed Postmaster in July, 1889. Politically 
he is an ardent Republican, and sociall3' a member 
of the Masonic fraternity. He is row Secretary of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



483 



the Micliigan State Press Association and Presi- 
dent of the local branch of the National Loan & 
Investment Conii)any, of Detroit. 

Tlie pleasant home of Mr. Lowrey is kept in 
order and made attractive by the prudence and 
taste of Mrs. Lowrey, who was formerly Miss 
Amanda Knsley. .She is a daughter of Fred 
Ensley and was united in marriage to Mr. Lowrey 
October 25, 1883, at her home in Waterloo, Ind. 
Tlie liome is brightened by the presence of a 
charming little daugliter named Bessie. 



\f( OIIN M. BROWN. This venerable man h.as 
long been numbered among the farmers of 
Ionia Count}' and has done raucii hard work 
here, including the clearing of large tracts 
of land and the cultivation of an extnded acreage. 
His home is on section 7, Otisco Township, and the 
farm he now owns tiiere consists of one hundred 
and sixty-live acres. He has been the owner of 
much more land, having given his children amounts 
aggregating a value of some ^4,000. He has been 
a breeder of lierkshire swine, but the chief stock he 
now keeps is pure-bred Jlcrino sheep, eligible to 
registration. 

The grandfather of our subject was John Brown, 
a native of Massachusetts and an early settler in 
New York, where he made his home during the 
remainder of his life. He held the rank of Captain 
in the Revolulionar}- forces. His son, Timothy, fa- 
ther of our subject, was born in Leyden, Mass., and 
was twelve years old when the family removed to 
New York. He began his personal work as a farmer 
when twenty-two years old and continued it until 
his death, which occurred in 185.3. He was married 
in New York to Deborah Morse, a native of Hart- 
ford, Conn., and to them came several children, 
one of wliom w.as born July 11, I8IG, in Cortlanil 
County and christened John M. 

rntll he was of age John M. Brown remained 
with his father and he then worked at various occu- 
palions in his native .State until 1844. Being led 
to believe that the newer regions near tlie Great 
Lakes woiihi afl'Dni iiim a better opportunity to 



advance he came to Michigan and until 1848 re- 
sided in Oakland County. He then removed to 
Ionia County and his 6rst purchase of property 
was eighty acres in Otisco Township. To this he 
has added at various times, enabling him to start 
his children in life as before noted. His comforta- 
ble circumstances are creditable to the energy and 
persistence he has manifested during the decades 
that have passed since he came hither. 

The wife of Mr. Brown bore the maiden name 
of Marilda Skidmore and is a daughter of John 
and Sally (Bishop) Skidmore, who were natives of 
Guilford, Conn., and of New Y'ork respectively. 
The grandfather of Mrs. Brown, Joel Bishop, was 
related to John Bishop, who emigrated from Eng- 
land in 1639. Mrs. Brown was well reared and 
since her marriage, March 5, 1848, she has been 
devoted to the comfort of her husband and the 
children with whom they are blessed. They have 
two sons and a daughter living, and one son and 
daughter deceased. The latter are Frances K. and 
Mark, and the survivors, Franklin E., Mark H. and 
Mary E. 

When he first began to study national questions 
Mr. Brown decided that slavery was wrong and his 
first Presidential ballot was cast for the Abolition 
candidate, James G. Birney. He voted for Lin- 
coln and Grant, but since 1872 his ballot has been 
a Democratic one. 



ANSOM STANBIit). We arc writing of a 
man who is a prominent farmer and stock- 
raiser of Ionia County. Mr. Stanbro has 
served his country' conscientiously in the 
Civil War, and also by his sterling qualities 
of citizenship. By his industry and perseverance 
he has accumulated considerable property and 
his name is well known and prominent among 
the citizens. Mr. Stanbro resides on section 14, 
Easton Township, and is a native of Wayne County-, 
Mich., his natal day being September 13, 1831. 
He is a son of Josiah and Rutii Stanbro, who are 
natives of New York. His paternal ancestors were 
of English descent, his great-grandfather being a 



484 



PORTRAIT AND BI0GRAPH1C.A.L ALBUM. 



soldier in the Revolutionary War. The father of 

our subject while yet in New York, was made a 
captain in a militia company. 

The parents of our subject were earl}' pioneers 
of Michigan, and when he was two years old 
they came to Oakland County, and were among 
the first settlers. His father died in this count}', 
and his mother passed away in Wayne County, 
Mich. Four children were born to these parents, 
but two only survive: Ransom and Helen F., wife 
of Ezra North, of Easton Township. The boy- 
hood days of our subject were spent in Oakland, 
tills State, and here he was reared amid scenes sub- 
ject to the unsettled state of the country and did 
much pioneer work. He acquired a fair education 
offered him b}' the means of perusing good books; 
and being a person of keen observation, he informed 
iiimself comparatively well on the general topics of 
the day. Our subject was united in wedlock No 
vember 30, 1857, with Vina E. Porter then resid- 
ing in Oakland County, Mich., who was born Julj' 
7, 1830. She is a daughter of Willard and Betsey 
(Arthur) Porter, who are natives of New York, and 
came to Oakland Count}', Mich., among the first 
settlers. Some of tiie ancestors of Mrs. Stanbro 
were connected with the Revolutionary AVar. The 
union of her parents was blessed with three chil- 
dren : Asa, a resident of North villc, Mich.; Jul- 
iette, wife of Henry Watkins, living in thiscount}'; 
and Mrs. Stanbro. 

The subject of Ihis sketch enlisted in Company 
E., First Michigan Engineer Corps, and was at- 
tached to the Army of the Cumberland. His duties 
were principally to build corduroy and other 
bridges, and the running of sawmills. He was dis- 
charged in October, 1865, and returned to Ionia 
County, where he has since remained. While in 
the service of his country he participated in the 
Grand Review at Washington. He settled on bis 
farm two years previous to his enlistment, and 
purchased eighty acres of land at $4.50 an acre, 
and built a rude house in wliich he lived until 1884, 
when he erected his present and more commodious 
residence. 

Mr. Stanbro and liis estimable wife have endured 
the usual hardsliips of the life of a pioneer. They 
first settled in a timbered country where there were 



no roads, and the first thing which was accom- 
plished upon tliis settlement was the laying out of 
roads back and fortii to the farm. Our subject and 
his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and are well respected in society. Mr. 
Stanbro is a Republican, and is a pensioner for his 
army service. Our subject has been ably assisted 
in his efforts to acquire a home by his wife, and 
they now own a fine farm of eighty acres of land. 
He is a member of the Gr.and Army of the Repub- 
lic Post at Ionia. 



^OHN R. MUSSELMAN. Among the suc- 
cessful and prosperous agriculturists of 
■ Ionia County we take pleasure in introduc- 
(^J/y ing to our readers the worthy subject of 
our sketch, the efficient Deputy Sheriff of Ionia 
county, who resides on section 5, Eaton Town- 
ship. He is a native of Ionia County, where he 
was born April 7, 1853, and a son of William and 
Sarah (Turner) Musselman. His father was born 
in Pennsylvania and his mother was a native of 
England. The father, William Musselman, emi- 
grated to Ionia County in 1837, and purchased two 
hundred and fourteen acres of Government land at 
$1.25 per acre. He had to cut a road for three 
miles into the woods to reach his now home. Here 
he erected a log cabin and made his home until 
death called him awa}', September 17, 1888. He 
had been twice married and of his children two 
survive — James A. and John R. His first wife 
lived for some years after the}' came to Ionia 
County. His second wife, Elizabeth Clay, died in 
March, 1878. He was a member of the Congrega- 
tional Church and was a public spirited and enter- 
prising citizen, a Republican in his politics, and in 
many ways a successful and prominent man. In 
his death Easton Township experienced a real 
loss. 

John R. Musselman was reared to manhood in 
this county. Here he assisted his father in eaily 
pioneer labors on the farm. The family was quite 
popular with the Indians who used to stop over 
night with them in friendly fashion. He made the 



,<£4fe». 




cJ/'^^.M^^^. 



PORTRAIT, AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



487 



best of his scanty opportunities of education and 
has always improved iiimself in every way tlirough 
life, so that lie is an intelligent an<l well read 
man. 

The marriage of oursulijeet November 30, 1871, 
united him with Maggie K. Cole, who was born 
Jul}' 7. 1853, in Ontario, Canada. She was a 
daughter of William and Mary A. (Agon) Cole. 
Her father being a native of England and her 
mother of Ireland. When about fifteen years old 
she came with her parents to Ionia County and 
settled on section 4, Easton Township. Later the 
famil}' removed to Otisco Township, where her 
mother died in September, 1888 and where her 
father now resides. To her parents were born five 
children three of whom are living, namely: Mrs. 
Musselman; Jennie, Mrs. William Beach; and 
Thomas. 

Three interesting cliildren bright<)n the home of 
Mr. and Mrs. Musselnian — .Sarah, born October 12, 
1872: Emory W., February 15, 1878; and Vernice 
M. December 19, 1887. A fine farm of two luin- 
di'ed and fourteen acres surrounds the family resi- 
dence. He is a Reimblicau in politics and is 
eflieienlly serving his third year as Deputy Sheriff 
of the county. 

Mr. Mnsselman and his interesting" family are 
all highly respected members of society. He enjoys 
the full confidence of a business community and 
is an earnest promoter of all ,advanced movements. 
He is well known for his liberality and public 
spirit. Mrs. Musselnian is an active member of the 
Free Methodist Church. 



ATHANIELP. HOPKINS. A position of 

prcjniinence amonir the landowners of Ionia 
I// 
4 County, is held bj- the gentleman above 

named, who has long been the owner of farm lands 

in Lyons Township. His home is on section 21, 

and abounds in comforts such as the abundant 

means of the owner, and the tastes of the family 

make feasible. Mr. Hopkins has five hundred acres 

of land in a body, which is clear of incumbrance, 

and he has given to three of his children three hun- 



dred and thirty and a half acres. His property is 
not derived from inheritance, but has been accumu- 
lated by his own hard work and wise management. 

Jonah Hopkins, grandfather of our subject, was 
born in Rhode Island, and died in New York at 
the age of fourscore and four years. He took up 
arms against the mother country', and served in the 
Colonial army seven years. His son Asahel, father 
of our subject, was born in Providence County, K. 
I., sixteen miles from the city of Provi<lence in the 
year 1795. When the War of 1812 was r.aging, he 
went to the field !is a drummer boy. When grown 
to manhood he married his cousin Olive Hopkins, 
whose father was a soldier in 1812. She was born 
in Rhode Island the same j-ear as her husband, and 
their marriage took place in that State in 1815. 
They made their first home in Wa^-ne County, N. 
Y., thence went to Cattaraugus County, then to 
Allegan}' County, and finally to Ionia County, 
Mich., in 1845. They located in Lyons Township, 
and when called hence, in 18G3 and 1872 respec- 
tively, their mortal remains were deposited side by 
side in the Lyons cemetery. They had twelve chil- 
dren, and four sons and four daughters lived to 
adult years. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Cattaraugus Ccmnty, N. Y., July 23, 182G, an(l 
is the second son aii<l fourth child in the paren'lal 
family. He lived in his native Stale until he was 
nineteen years old, then came to Michigan with his 
parents and remained with them ten years longer 
ere starting out in the world for himself. He had 
no capital except his natural abilit}- and the knowl- 
edge he had acquired during his youth. His first 
occupation was working by the month for .lames 
M. Webster for four months, when he invested his 
earnings in two yoke of steers. The next spring he 
plowed ten acres and [ilanted it in corn, and' in the 
fall fattened hogs. He had worked at the coo|)ei's 
trade, and so made his own barrels and packed his 
own pork. 'J'his he sold and invested ihe proceeils 
in cattle, and in this way continued to speculate. 

The first land bought by Mr. Hopkins was eighty 
acres in Portland Townshi|), which he traded for 
fiftj' acres near the village of that name. The sec- 
ond tract was sold, and in 1818 sevcniy-eighlacres 
on section 33, Lyons Township, was bought. The 



488 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



same year this land was sold, but the next purchase 
was of forty-eight acres on the same section. This 
also was sold in a short time, and Mr. Hopkins then 
went into Ronald Township and bought a quarter- 
section. He broke tl)e ground on forty acres, 
sowed wheat and made a mile and three-quarters 
of rail fence, preparatory to further improvement 
of the place, but within tlie year he sold it. The 
next purchase made was of eighty acres in the same 
township, and there Mr. Hopkins made his home 
eight years. During that time be bought eighty 
acres in North Plains Township, and in 1862 he 
sold both farms and bought one hundred and twelve 
acres on section 28, Lyons Township. This was 
already improved, having previously been the home 
of Joseph Le Tandre. 

In 1863 Mr. Hopkins bought one hundred and 
thirty acres known as the Aca Bunnell farm, which 
was partly improved, and two years later purchased 
sixty-one acres more. During the same year lie 
also bought one hundred and seventy acres which 
was known as the D. C. Richard farm, thus making 
up an estate of four hundred an<l seventy-three 
acres. Since that time he has continued to buy and 
sell or trade lands, and while retaining a large acre- 
age, has given enough to his cliildren to start them 
well in life. The solid financial standing of Mr. 
Hopkins affords abundant proof of his excellent 
judgment in making investments. 

In his early manhood Mr. Hopkins was married 
to Miss Hannah Green, daughter of Daniel and 
Orpha (George) Green, who was born in Wyoming 
County, N. Y. The wedding ceremony took place 
at the bride's home December 28, 1852. Of the 
union there were born five children, two of whom 
died in infancj'. The survivors are Laura A., wife 
of D. M. Mills; Albert F. ; and Alice J., now Mrs. 
Frank* Lindsley, all living in Lyons Township. 
Mrs. Hopkins died November 25, 1867, and Mr. 
Hopkins was again married in 1868, his bride being 
Miss Julia F. Barrus, who was born in New York. 
Of this union eight children were born, all of whom 
are deceased excepting two: Dora M., now Mrs. 
Joseph Plowman; and Kapha Ella. Mr. Hopkins 
has always voted the Democratic ticket. He is 
connected with the Odd Fellows lodge in Ljons, 
and has been a Mason ten years. He finds his re- 



ligious home in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
As a citizen he has always been peaceable and law- 
abiding, and as a neighbor he is cordial and friendly. 
"We invite the reader's attention to a lithographic 
portrait of Mr. Hopkins presented on another page 
of tliis volume. 

i.i .^ •'^•^^!^^. ti .- 



2^'^^ENAS B. KNAPP was born in Androscog- 
gin County, Me., September T, 1852, the son 
^ of W. R. and A. M. (Green) Knapp. Thej' 

were both natives of Jlaine. The boy's life until 
he reached thirteen years of age was spent on 
a farm. He had few opportunities for education 
and went to school only six months out of the year. 
He has risen above these disadvantages of his 
childhood, has made himself a place in the world 
and is now one of the honored residents of Sidney 
I'ownship, Montcalm County. 

This youth began his life work in the lumber 
business at the age of thirteen years, when he went 
to Williamsport, Pa., and engaged in a lumber mill. 
Here he advanced step by step until he commanded 
the higiiest wages paid in the mill. At the age of 
twenty-four he came to the State of Jlichigan and 
stopping at Big Rapids, engaged in work in the 
mills and in the woods. Then he went to Lake 
County and entered the same business. 

The first mill which Mr. Knapp owned was at 
Ijdmore; it was a shingle rcill and for two years he 
operated it and then sold it and came to Stanton to 
superintend L. Cory's mills, about three miles 
nortliwest of Stanton. After this he went to the 
Upper Penninsula where he ran a mill for Hood & 
Gale of Big Rapids. He then came to Stanton, 
bought a mill and moved it three miles west of 
town, and has been running it from that time to 
this. 

Mr. Knapp chose as his life partner Frankie M. 
Charlesworth of Eagle Lake, Blue Earth County, 
Minn. Their marriage took place December 28, 
1880, and they have been blessed by the birth of 
five children: Arthur I., born December 12, 1881; 
Willoughby C, September 15, 1883; Ethel E., 
March 24, 1885; Frankie M., October 27, 1888, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



489 



Zella B. April 9, 1890. All of tliese children liave 
lived to Itrighten lliu lioiue of llieir parents. 

The gentleman of whom we write lias two broth- 
ers in Michigan, namely : \V. R. Knapp at Mecosta, 
Mecosti County, in the milling business, and 
Chailes H. Knapp, at Ueraus, in the same county. 
This brother acts as foreman in our subject's mill 
there. Mr. Knapp takes an active interest in llic 
cause of education. He is a Democrat by convic- 
tion and casts his vote for that party. He owns a 
well-Improved eighty-acre farm, much good stock 
anil one of tlie best mills in the county. He em- 
ploys about twenty men all the year round in shin- 
gle sawing. He was so unfortunate as to lose by 
fire a 4^5,000 mill about two years ago, but notwith- 
standing this he is a prosperous man and lias a 
good business. 

L. BOWER, M. D., one of the leading phy- 
sicians and surgeons of Greenville, Mont- 
calm County, is often called to visit [latients 
twenty to twenty-five miles away, ami has in 
some instances gone even farther from home to re- 
lieve distress. His practice is large and remuner- 
ative, but his interest in charitable and municipal 
enterprises prevents him from becoming a man of 
great wealth. He has a beautiful residence and 
cnjoj's every comfort, and has been able to give his 
sons excellent advantages. The i)rofessional repu- 
tation of Dr. Bower is not confined to the immediate 
vi(Mnity of his home but reaches out over a wide 
territory by reason of his connection with public 
health as an official. 

In Tomi)kins County, N. Y.. in 18.39. he of whom 
we write was born. His parents were Tillman and 
Martha K. (Denison) Bower, who were likewise 
natives of the Empire State. The father was en- 
gaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 
184fi. His widow still lives and is now seventy- 
nine years old. She is making her home with her 
son, the Doctor. The parental family comprised 
five children, and the living are Henry .M.,a farmer 
near Greenville; Dr. Horace L. ; and Dana, a farmer 
in the vicinitv. One of the deceased sons vras the 



Rev. George Bower, who ilicd in New York in his 
forty-first year. He was educated in Denisou 
University in Ohio, and Crozen University in 
Pennsylvania, and was a minister of the Baptist 
Church from his early manhood. The paternal 
grandparents of Dr. Bower were George and Betsey 
Bower, who were born in the Keystone Slate and 
were of German descent. They had seven children, 
one of whom is still living — Mrs. Nathan Wakely 
of Black Creek, N. Y. The maternal grandparents 
of our subject were Charles and Sarah ( Henderson ) 
Denison, natives of New York, who have four chil- 
dren living, viz: Roxana, Mrs. Martha F. Bower, 
Mrs. Prudy Bower, and Mrs. .Sarah F. Devine. Tiie 
occupation of both grandfathers was farming. 

The early years of Dr. Bower were spent upon 
the home farm am\ he did not break loose from 
his (larents until he was of .age, although from the 
age of nineteen until twenty-four he spent the 
winters in school teaching. After gaining some 
fundamental instruction he attended the Cortland 
and Ithaca Academies, where he .acquired a liberal 
education. He began the study of medicine in his 
native State when twenty-four years old but subse- 
quently read at Clarkston, Oakland County, this 
State. He entered the Medical College at Albany, 
N. Y., and after completing the course of lectures 
he was gr.adualed in due form. He established him- 
self in Greenville, where he has remained, except 
for a short time, since he entered upon his profess- 
ional work. Of the physicians remaining in the 
city who were here when he came in 1865. he 
is the oldest. For a few years he was in partner- 
ship with a former preceptor. Dr. J. Driunmond, 
but most of his work has been carried on alone. 

For the past six years Dr. Bower has been Grand 
Medical Examiner of the Royal Templars of Tem- 
perance, a society in which he holds membership. 
For an equal length of time he has been County 
Physician and Surgeon, and has also held the respon- 
sible position of City Physician. He belongs to the 
Northern Medical Society' and his own exp rienee 
and observation adds much to the uscfulne.'s of 
that body. Politically he is a Prohibjticmist. He 
and his wife belong to the Baptist Church of which 
for a number of years he has been Clerk. His mar- 
riage to Miss Ella A. Clark, formerly of l^etroit. 



490 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



took place in 1865 and the union has been blessed 
by the birth of two sons— Geoige C. and Albert J. 
Mrs. Bower, a^laughter of Nelson W. Clark, was the 
recipient of good advantages in lier youth and is 
educated and refined. 



■4-+ 



1-^— 



HAUNCY J. RUMSEY. This cognomen is 
.well known in Ionia County and the region 
^^surrounding it, as that of a gentleman who 
has been crowned by fortune with abundant worldly 
means. lie is one of the strongest capitalists in 
the county and has stock in various companies and 
land in several localities, with houses and lots in 
Muir and other towns. Every wish that reasonable 
man can have, he is able to gratify and every taste 
he is able to cultivate. He is a resident of Muir, 
adjoining which village he has a fine farm of two 
hundred and forty acres with good improvements, 
where he keeps about twenty-four head of Hamble- 
tonian horses. At Jackson he has a herd of about 
the same number, botii being worthy tlie examina- 
tion of all lovers of noble steeds. In raising these 
fine animals Mr. Rumsey has been interested for 
the past fifteen years. 

Our subject is the son of WilliamJI. and Elizaljetli 
S. (Marvin) Rumsey; the former was born in Rut- 
land County, Vt., in 1797, and the latter in Genesee 
County, N. Y., in 1801. The father was a farmer 
and merchant and for some years kept a hotel- 
They came to this State in 1856, and settled at 
Albion, Calhoun County, where they lived in retire- 
ment, enjoying the fruits of former labors. Mr. 
Rumsey died January 24, 1873, and Mrs. Rumsey 
in 1872. Both were of English descent. Tiiey 
had two sons, but he of whom we write is the only 
one now living. His brother, William M. was born 
in 1839 and was a farmer and druggist; be died in 
Jackson County in 1883. 

The birthplace of Chauncy Rumsey was near 
Batavia, Genesee County, N. Y., and the date of 
tiie event February 4 ,1844. Until twelve years old 
he attended school in his native county and after- 
ward studied in Albion (Mich.') College. When 
eighteen years of age he left home to begin the 



battle of life for himself and his first position was 
at Jackson in the flouring mill of H. A. Haden & Co. 
He began his work there at $6 per week and during 
the last year received ij! 1,500 for his services. He 
had worked for the firm from 1860 to 18G9 and 
risen to the position of manager, and also kept the 
company's books. 

In the fall of 18G9 Mr. Rumsey came to Muir 
and securing men and teams went North and cut 
lumber in the pineries of Montcalm County, whence 
it was rafted down Fisli Creek and Mai)le River to 
tlie mill of Jeremiah Marvin — uncle of Mr. Rumsey 
— at Muir. After a j'ear spent in working in the 
interest of that gentleman, Mr. Rumsej' bought him 
out and carried on lumbering for himself until 1873, 
when he sold out to N. 15. Hayes. Two years later he 
bought a steam mill on the same stream, now known 
as the J. J. Begole Mill and ran it until 1883, when 
he sold the machinery and turned his attention to 
farming. He owned .some seven hundred acres 
of latd in Montcalm County, all covered with pine 
trees, and from that tract he cut timber, clearing 
the entire tract. 

The farm and timber lands of Mr. Rumsey amount 
to some two thousand acres located in several coun- 
ties. He was one of the organizers of the Savings 
Bank established in Ionia in January, 1886, and is 
a stockholder and director; the same is true of the 
Electric Ligiit Company, established in that city 
December 12, 1888. He was also instrumental in 
organizing the Capital Wagon Works of Ionia and 
has ^10,000 invested therein and holds the office of 
President of the corporation. Mr. Rumsey is 
Trustee of Muir and has been for fifteen years. 
He is an affable gentleman, interested in the social 
orders and is a Royal Arch Mason. Politically he 
is a Democrat. 



TEPIIEN T. MINARD, the present genial 
and efficient Supervisor of Easton Town- 
ship and influential citizen of Ionia County, 
is a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., 
where he was born January 16, 1837. He is a son 
of Isaac and Eleanor (^Ingraham) Minard. His par- 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



491 



eiits were bolli natives of New York and his pater- 
nal ancestors were Frencli and on tlie maternal 
side lie is from Knglisli stociv. Some of his ances- 
tors on bolii sides were in the Rcvolutioiiarj' War. 
To his parents were born ten children, six of 
whom are now living — .Stephen T., Robert, John, 
Daniel, Samuel and Joseph. 

In 1855 our subject emigrated with his parents 
to Dane County, Wis. In 1850 the mother died 
and the father decided to return to New York 
State with a part of the family. After their return 
Kast he died in Ulster County after the close of the 
Civil War. The boy, Stephen, received his prelim- 
inary education in the district schools of Dutchess 
County, N. Y., and Dane County, Wis. When 
about twenty years old he entered Milton Academy 
in Rock Count}', Wis., and there look a four years' 
course in the Normal and Scientific Departments. 
lie taught for some ^-ears and was Principal for 
three successive years of the gra<led schools at Jef- 
ferson, Wis. 

Mr. Minard was married May Hi, 18(il, to Hen- 
rietta E., daughter of James M. antt Eliza (Will- 
iams) Fitch. By this union there were boin five 
children, two of whom arc living — Ernest E. and 
Arden J. Three have been called from earth — 
Lillian, Ardella and James. In 1867 our subject 
brought his family to Ionia County and located in 
Ionia Cit}'. For more than two years he was en- 
gaged in the manufacture of agricultural imi)le- 
ments under the firm name of Fitch, Tew & Minard. 
He then bought the farm where he now resides in 
Easton Township which com|)rises eiglity acres. 
When he bought the property there was a log cabin 
on the place and in this he resided for some time 
and then built the fine resilience which now adorns 
his farm. The farm was partially cleared when he 
took it but he hiis virtually made it what it is. 
Both he and his good wife are earnest members of 
the Metliodist Eiiiscopal Church, and active in all 
social movements; he serves as .Steward and also 
olliciates on the Board of Trustees. He served as 
Justice of the Peace one term, was Township Clerk 
for two years and Notary' Public for eight years. 

Mr. Minard is a stanch Democrat in politics and 
an active promoter of all movements for the bet- 
terment of society. His education has been obtained 



by his own energy and pluck and not through the 
help of the schoolmaster, and he has acquired so 
large a degree of culture and intelligence as is 
rarely to be found in a rural home. He and his 
estimable wife are |)romincnt members of society 
and noted throughout the community for their 
warm hospitality. In the spring election of 1891 
he was made Supervisor of the township by a hand- 
some majority. 



=»«•< 



^^ANIEL T. IIOYT. The life of this gen- 
tleman affords an example to other citizens 
of Ionia Count}', showing what may be 
accomplished by the persevering industry 
of one who begins his work in the world under 
very adverse circumstances. He was left fatherless 
when but a child and went from place to place 
wherever he could find opportunity to make a 
home, until he was able to begin farming, and bv 
rigid economy and continued efforts he managed 
to save the wlierewithal to buy a small tract of 
land. After various experiences he came to this 
State and finally took possession of a farm on sec- 
tions 18 and 19, Rcuiald Township. There he has 
a well-im[)roved place consisting of one hundred 
and sixty acres, where ho is successfully carrying 
on general farming. He has besides a forty-acre 
tract on section 1 7. 

Mr. Hoyt was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., 
August 1, 1824, and is the fourth child of Abram 
and Mary (White) Hoyt, natives of Connecticut 
and New York respectively. His grandfather, 
Enoch Hoyt, is supposed to have been a native of 
England. His maternal grandi)arents died when 
his mother was quite young and she was reared by 
one Daniel Toffee, in Dulchess County. There 
her marriage took place and soon after she and 
her husband located in Tompkins County. Mr. 
Hoyt, father of our subject, died there, leaving 
his widow with four children and no means for 
their support, as he had been able to save vcr}' 
little while working at the trade of a tailor. Mrs. 
Hoyt is still living at the venerable age of ninety- 



492 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



one years, her home being in Auburn, N. Y. Be- 
sides our subject the surviving merabers of her 
family are: John, wiiose home is near San Fran- 
cisco, Cal.; Mrs. Elizabeth Race, of Auliurn, N. Y., 
and Alfred, a farmer in Rice County, Kan. 

Daniel T. lloyt was left fatherless when six 
years old and from that time until he reached his 
majority his days were spent under divers roofs 
and his time devoted to such labors as were im- 
posed upon him by the families with whom he 
lived. He attended the district schools whenever 
opportunity afforded and when he was old enough 
to do so engaged in farming. Prior to his twenty- 
(Iflli year he had saved *500, wliic'i he thought a 
very good capital. He came to Michigan in 1852 
and located in F^ssex Township, Clinton County, 
buying land which he improved and operated until 
February, 18511. He then removed to his present 
location. 

In Scii)io, Cayuga County, N. Y., August 28, 
1851, Mr. Hoyt was united in marriage with Miss 
Harriet Sperry,a native of that county who proved 
her worth as a companion and helpmate during a 
period of well nigh forty years. She was removed 
from the scenes of earth September 26, 1887. She 
left four children — Charles D., Frederick, Mary 
M. and Percy. The daughter is the wife of John C. 
Wood. Mr. Hoyt was a second time married. May 
1, 1889, wedding Mrs. Elsie Babcock, who was born 
and reared in Vermont. The first vote cast by our 
subject was headed with the name of Zachary Tay- 
lor. For years he has been a Republican and iiis 
party adherence is strong. 

-^^ ^>^ ^ 



eORNELIUS E. DENSMORE. The Dens- 
. mores belong to an old Scotch family, and 
' possess in a large measure many of the su- 
perior qualities and habits of that sturdy and 
lionest northern people. The branch to which our 
subject belongs can be traced back to Scotland, 
whence about 1 020 the ancestor of the American 
branch of the family came to this country and 
settled in New England. Cornelius E. Densmore. 
who resides on section 30, Easton Township, Ionia 



County, stili retains much of the fine physical in- 
heritance which has come down to him through 
generations of sturdy, temperate and industrious 
progenitors. He was born in Conway Counlj', 
Mass., August 23, 1834, of Slassacliusetts i)arenl- 
age. 

Our subject is the son of Rufus and Louisa 
(Stebbins) Densmore. His father emigrated to 
Ionia County, Mich., in 1836, and settled on a farm 
in Easton Township, which is now owned by W. 
A. Inman, near where the House of Correction 
now stands. Here he lived until 1844, when he 
removed to Essex Township, Clinton County, this 
State, and made that his final home. He passed 
from earth in 1847, having lost his wife several 
years previous. This early pioneer was twice 
married. Of seven children born to him Ave sur- 
vive, namely: Elvira, wife of Ozi B. Sevey, liv- 
ing in Clinton County; Cornelius E. ; John E., in 
Gratiot County; Louisa, Mrs. Wallace Coomer, 
also in Gratiot County', and Andre.w F., in Wash- 
ington, D. C. 

Cornelius was left doubly orphaned at the age 
of fourteen years, and was bound out to Gardner 
Chidester, of Ionia Township. After four j-ears 
residence with him he began to work for himself. 
He has alwa\^s supplemented his scant early advan- 
tages in the educational line by a course of intelli- 
gent reading and careful observation of men and 
things. His marriage with Adelia M. Smith was 
celebrated August 23, 1858. This lady was born 
Julj' 7, 1838, and is a daughter of Sidne3' L. and 
Phebe (Scott) Smith, early pioneers of Washtenaw 
County. The father was a native of Connecticut 
and the mother was liorn in Pennsylvania. Five of 
their seven children are now living: Harvey B., 
living in Clinton County; Mrs. Densmore; Jacob 
W., of Clinton County; Emory B., of St. Johns; 
PriscillaE., Mrs. A. F. Currier, in Clinton County. 

Mr. and Mrs. Densmore have been the parents of 
seven children, six of wliom are living — Clarke E., 
Emory C, Jay R., Albert S., Nellie A., and Willie 
E. He served bravely in the Union army during 
the Civil War, enlisting September 20, 1862, in 
(Company M, Sixth Michigan Cavalry, which was 
made a part of Custer's Brigade. Our subject 
fought in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsyl- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AI-BUM. 



493 



vania Court House, Cold Harbor, and many en- 
gagements of minor importance. He was cap- 
tured at Trevilian Station, Va., and was confined 
for a short time in prison at Kiobinond, wlicnce lie 
was sent to Andersonvilie. After six montiis of 
torture and starvation in tliat slaughter house he 
was taken to Milan prison, Ga. After being there 
about one mouth he was released on parole and 
sent from Savannah to the hospital at Am apolis, 
Md. He remained there for several weeks, receiv- 
ing the best medical and surgical treatment and re- 
turned home on a short furlough expecting to be 
exchanged and returned to his regiment. But 
owing to i)liysical incapacity he received an honor- 
able discharge July 30, I860. 

By industry and perseverance Mr. and Mrs. Dens- 
more liavc acquired eighty-five broad and |)roduc- 
tive acres, which they have put under excellent cul- 
tivation. The Wesleyan Methodist Church is their 
religious home and here Mr. Deusmore has for 
some lime served as a Class-Leader. He is in re- 
ceipt of a pension from the Government. He is 
widely known as a public-spirited and enterprising 
gentleman, and although he is broken down in 
health by tiie hardships and privations which he en- 
dured within the walls of Andersonvilie, he has 
still the endurance and strength necessary to an 
active life. The posterity' of our subject may well 
point with pride to his honorable record both as a 
citizen and soldier, and they find in his example 
their best stimulus to a worth}- life. 

oris L. HOLMES. Probably no resident 
of the thriving village of Belding, Ionia 
!*j jy^ County, is doing more to advance its business 
interests than the gentleman above-named. He 
is one of its leading <lealers, both in general mer- 
chandise and clothing, and is the owner of quite 
valuable property in the town and of farm lands 
in different parts of the State. His stock of gen- 
eral merchandise is valued at about %4..'>00 and his 
associate in business is Harry J. Connell. Mr. 
Holmes is associated with his brother in the cloth- 
ing business and their stock amounts to some 



!j!6,000. Both establishments are in a flourishing 
condition and the manner in which they are con- 
ducted would do credit to much larger towns. Mr. 
Holmes is one of four gentlemen that propose to 
build a block of four stores in the near future. 

The father of Louis L. Holmes was christened 
Frederick and is a native of the Province of On- 
tario, Canada. When a young man he followed 
the occupation of farming and is now carrying 
on that work in Orleans Township, Ionia County. 
His first settlement in the State was made in 1867. 
in Otisco Township, but he remained only six 
months ere removing to his present location. There 
he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land 
to which he has since added forty acres. He was 
married in County Norfolk, Ontario, in 1852, 
to Lodema Smith, a daughter of Ansel and Phebe 
Smith and a native of New York. Mr. Smith 
served two years as a private in the War of 1812. 
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Frederick 
Holmes are Louis L., Charles R., Lyman W. and 
Carrie. The youngest son is in business with our 
subject and the others are with their parents. Mr. 
Holmes is a Democrat and he and his wife hold 
membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The birthplace of our subject was County Nor- 
folk, Province of Ontario, Canada, and his natal 
day September 27, 18.i6. He remained with his 
parents until he was twenty years old and in the 
meantime was educated in the common schools of 
Ionia County. At the age mentioned he began 
clerking for Smith A: Smith of Ionia, but at the 
end of a twelvemonth came to Belding and entered 
the employ of Leonard N. Devine, a dealer in gen- 
eral merchandise. He remained in the establish- 
ment a year, then spent about the same length of 
time in the grocery and crockery business. In 1881 
he returned to his farm in Orleans Township, where 
he lived about three years, then removing lo Alma 
he carried on tin agricultural store one year. 

The next removal of Mr. Holmes was to Belding 
aiul here he engaged in the sale of general mer- 
chandise, and has remained, pursuing a steady 
business course. He is the owner of town prop- 
erty valued at about *4,500, the same consisting of 
ten lots and three g<joil houses. His outlying land 
(consists of forty acres, improved, in Orleans Town- 



494 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sliip, one hundred and sixty acres in Sheboygan 
County, this .State, and one liuiidied and sixty acres 
of pine land in Minnesota. 

At the bride's home in Easton Townsliip, Marcli 
20, 1881, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage with 
Miss Maria Kellogg. This estimable lady was a 
daughter of Shiverick and Maria Kellogg and was 
a native of the Empire State. Her wedded life 
was brief as she was called from time to eternity 
Jauuary 20, 1885. 

Mr. Holmes is a firm believer in Democratic 
principles and jiolicies and has been honored by his 
associates witii election to the office of Town Trea.s- 
urer, a capacity in which he served one term. He 
is a Master Mason, enrolled in Belding Lodge, No. 
355, and is also a member of Fortuna Lodge, No. 
20, K. of P. His business ability and public spirit 
are recognized by his acquaintances, and with his 
manly character give him good standing in the 
community. 

- OOP - 



W EVERETT H. DOLPH, a prominent citi- 
I (j^ zen of McBrido, Montcalm Count\', resides 
JLAXv^ in a beautiful home which is not only 
adorned with the usual refinements of a home of 
taste, but which is rendered delightful as a place 
of social meeting on account of the hospitality and 
cordiality of the master and mistress of the house. 
Mrs. Dolph is a lady of unusual refinement and 
culture and her home is enjoyed by all who seek it. 
Mr. Dolph has now retired from active business as 
a lumberman after a well-spent life of hard work 
and economy, and is enjoying the fruits of his 
labor. He is a descendant of a prominent Eastern 
family, being the son of Norman, the son of 
George, who was one of the first settlers of Wash- 
ington County, N. Y. In those early days he im- 
proved a beautiful farm on Wood Creek, but the 
Erie Canal was built through this region and the 
S3 mmetry of his farm was in his opinion destroyed 
thereby, so he sold it and removed to Ashtabula 
County, Ohio, where he improved another f-irra 
and resided on it until he was called to his last 
rest. He was with his father in the battle of 
Plattsburg, in the War of 1812. Before leaving 



the State of New York he built and ran canal 
boats on the Erie Canal, as he was a mechanic and 
followed the business of carpenter and cabinet- 
maker. 

It was in 183G that the family removed from 
New York to Ohio. Here the father engaged in 
farming, while at the same time he carried on his 
business of a builder and contractor. Here he 
also built a mill. His good wife, who bore the 
maiden name of Lydia Ann Nims, died in 1860. 
Norman Dolph married a second time, and after 
this he removed to Leon, Ohio, and made his home 
on a large farm, carrying on la addition to his 
farm work a grocery business. Three months 
before his death in 1884 he came to the home of 
his son and spent his last days with him. This 
man of strong religious convictions and intelli- 
gence in public affairs, being a Baptist in church 
connections and a Republican in politics, passed 
away at the age of four-score years. 

The subject of this sketch is the youngest child 
of his parents. He was born in Welsh Hollow, 
Ft. Ann Townshii), N. Y., December 11, 1831. 
He was therefore five years old when the family 
removed to Ohio, where he received his education. 
He early learned the practical management of a 
sawmill and operated the one which was built by 
his father from the time he was a youth until he 
reached his twenty-sixth year. He then did the 
same work for others until March of 18G1. He 
now decided to start out for himself more inde- 
pendentl3' and purchased a mill in Cherry Valley. 
He had to go in debt for this, but by dint of hard 
work, day and night, he managed to pay for it. 
For a long while he worked twenty hours out of 
the twenty-four and as might have been expected 
he broke down in health. In 1866 he removed to 
New Lyme and entered upon the same line of 
business. 

Mr. Dolph's coming to Michigan was in the year 
1868. He built his first mill at Pierson in the 
dense forest and here he engaged in manufacturing 
lumber for ten 3-ears. In 1878 he built a shingle 
mill on section 34, Home Township. In 1882 he 
built another mill on section 4, Da}' Township, 
but by the failure of others he lost a great deal at 
different times. 





^ 



r^. 



d-j^-C-^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



•«97 



Besides llie uinnufacUire of lunibor Mr. Uolph 
engaged in general merciiandise, in wliioii lie was 
fairl_>- successful. lie was well knijwn llirougliout 
the Kast and had llie reputation of making an A 
No. 1 shingle. He has been in the habit of pur- 
chasing the land from which he had cleared tlie 
limber and turning it into improved farms. In 
1887, the timber having given out in the region 
where liis mills were situated, he came to McBride 
and bought the home in which he now resides, 
living in the village and superintending his farm 
outside. 

This gentleman owns one hundred ancl sixty 
acres on section 4, Day Township, and the same 
on section 34, Home Township. About one hun- 
dred acres of this is finely improved. He has 
taken much interest in raising blooded stock of all 
kinds. He owns some fine specimens of the Ham- 
bk'tonian strain of horses, ami his principal crop is 
hay. 

The lady who became Mrs. Dolph October 21, 
1867, in Lenox, Ohio, was Sarah, daughter of 
James Akins; she was born in Bristolvillc, Trum- 
bull County, Ohio, July 4, 1841. Her gr.ind father 
came from Ireland in the early days and located 
in \'irgiuia, from which he removed to Ohio. 
He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Her father 
carried on the double avocation of farming and 
blacksmithing. Her mother was of (German de- 
scent, being Mary A., daughter of William Barbe, 
who was a very early settler in Ohio, and whose 
family belonged to the religious denomination 
called Dunkards. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dolph have three children: Lillian 
received her education at Stanton, and was for 
some time lier father's book-keeper at Dolph's 
Mills. She married William Carruthers and they 
live on a farm in Day Township. The second 
child, Norman, is a shingle manufacturer at (Jlad- 
win. His biographical sketch appears in this 
book, as well as that of the second son, Charles 
L., who is also engaged in the manufacture of 
shingles at Harrison, Mich. 

While residing in I'ierson the subject of this 
sketch was a member of the village Council and 
was its President for several years. He also served 
on the School Board. The people of McBride 



have also made him President of their village. He 
is an active memt)er of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, and of the Independent Order 
of (iood Templars. He takes an interest in politi- 
cal matters and casts his vote with the Kepulilican 
part}-. The name of this gentleman was t)riginally 
DeWolf .ind was, as its form indicates, of Prencii 
origin, and the family was of noble blood. Soon 
after the ancestors of this branch of the family 
came to America llic name was corru|)ted into 
Dolph. 



-SS^* 



* i 9- 



'\|(OSKPn D. MORSi;. lonia County is the 
home of a large number of energetic farm- 
ers, many of whom have estates of consider- 
'V^/J "'jl'i e.xlent, whereon numerous substantial 
buildings are seen. One of this number in (Jlisco 
Township is Mr. Morse, whose portrait a|)pears 
on the opposite page. His property is located 
on section 0, and comprises two hundred and forty 
acres of land with good buildings, line stock and 
all necessary machinery. Mr. Morse pays consid- 
earable attention to stock-raising and makes rather 
a specialty of Merino shee|), but be by no means 
neglects the cereals for which the soil and climate 
of Central Michigan arc so well ad!ii)te<l. 

The birth of Mr. Morse took place May 1 7, 
1812, in the township in v/hicli he still resides. He 
remained with his parents until he was seven years 
old, from which time until he was of age his home 
was with his uncle, Rnfus R. Cook. He then in 
Decern lier, 1863, enlisted in the First Michigan 
Kngineers anii served his country faillifully until 
October 20, 186.5, when he was honorably- dis- 
charged. The only prominent engagements at 
which he was present were Bentonvillc and Savan- 
nah, but he and his comrades aided the Union 
cause by their work in throwing up fortifications, 
building briilges and railroads, and destroying that 
which would facilitate the movements of the 
enemy. After his return from the army Mr. 
Morse turned his attention to farming and has in- 
dustriously pursued that honorable occupation. 

Mr. Morse obtained a valuable Christm.is gift in 
1867, it being no less Ihau an etUcicnt and affec- 



498 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tionate wife. Mrs. Moise was known in lier maid- 
enhood as Miss Emily Fisi<, she being a daughter 
of Joseph and Abbie (Kimberly) Fisk, who were 
natives of Massachusetts. She is second iii order 
of birth in a family which also includes Frank, 
Ambert and Walter. The home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Morse is brightened by the presence of three chil- 
dren, named respectively, Ona B., John L. and Ru- 
fus R. 

In commeinoratioii of the trying experiences in 
which he participated during the Civil War, Mr. 
Morse has identified himself with tlie Grand Array 
of tlio Republic as a member of Dan S. R. Post, 
No. 126. He has taken some part in llie civil af- 
fairs of the township, by serving as Commissioner 
and School Inspector, and in 188(1 he was Census 
Enumerator. When called upon to aid in public 
affairs he is faithful to his obligations, but he has 
no particular love for official life. He is a Repub- 
lican, well informed regarding party policy and all 
topics of general interest, and is numbered among 
the reliable citizens of the county. 

-v^ 'o>o..^;>><^^-o»o.. «.— 

' AMES A. ALDRICH, one of the most prom- 
inent and public-spirited farmers and stock- 
raisers, in Boston Township, Ionia County, 
resides on section 21. He was born in 
London District, Canada, on the 27th of Au- 
gust, 1841, and is a son of Robert S. and Sarah 
J. (Weed) Aldrich, both natives of New York 
State and of English descent. The father was 
by trade a wheelwright, which business he fol- 
lowed in the early part of his life, later becom- 
ing a farmer. He resided a short time in Canada, 
and came to Kalamazoo County, Mich., in 1844, 
where he pursued farming until advancing age 
oblii'ed him to abandon active work. His wife 
died about 1864. They were the parents of four 
children, two of whom are now living: Melissa, the 
wife of Lee Davis, with whom her father is now 
residing in Eldorado, Kan., and James A., our sub- 
ject. Tlie parents were members of the Baptist 
Church. 

The subject of this sketch was but three years 



old when he arrived at his new home in Michigan. 
After receiving a common-school education he re- 
mained with his parents on the farm until the Civil 
War broke out. A month after he attained his 
majorit3', he enlisted September 4, 1862, in Com- 
pany L, Sixth Michigan Cavalry. He was in active 
service for two years and nine months and was 
only laid aside by wounds which disabled him. He 
participated in the battles of Hanover, Gettysburg, 
and Falling Waters, and was in all the engage- 
ments through the Wilderness, Beaver Dam, and 
Yellow Tavern, Va. This last engagement was a 
very stormy one and our subject was seriously 
wounded by a gunshot in the left hip. In conse- 
quence of this he was taken to Point Lookout 
hospital, where he remained until able to be about. 
The war was then nearl}' over and he received an 
honorable discharge June 6, 18G5, having partici- 
pated in fifteen battles, and having been wounded 
twice in hip and wrist. After his discharge he re- 
turned to Michigan and coming to Ionia County 
purchased of his father, one hundred acres of land, 
the farm on which our subject now resides. The 
land was entirely unbroken and covered with a 
heavy growth of timber and underbrush. The first 
season he built a small frame house, and worked 
hard year by year, clearing his land, and putting 
it under cultivation. It is now all in a fine con- 
dition and well improved. His residence and barns 
are worthy of note, and he has kept a good grade 
of stock of all kinds. 

Mr. Aldrich has always been read}' to aid in 
promoting the best interests of the community, and 
although not one of the old settlers, or rather not 
ranking among the very earliest pioneers, he has 
seen great improvements in the township during 
his residence here. He started in life without riches 
and all he has gained, his good farm, and pleasant 
home, are the result of his industry and enterprise. 
He intends to spend the remainder of his days in 
this township. He was formerly a Democrat, but 
is now a member of the Prohibition party. He has 
been a School Inspector for two or three terms and 
has also filled the offices of Road Commissioner and 
Justice of the Peace. He is at present Master of 
the Grange to which he belongs, and is also a mem- 
ber of the Grand Army of the Republic. 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



499 



Mr. Aldrich's first marriage was willi Mary 
Lawler, in June, 1865. Of the tiiree ciiildren by 
tliis marriage, two are living, Willard wlio is 
studying law at Ann Arbor, and Robert who re- 
sides at Owasso. The mother of these children was 
called from them while they were still very young. 
She died February 25, 1870. The second marriage 
of our subject took place September 20. 1871. 
The lady whom he now married was Betsey A. 
Gould, who was the first white child born in Bos- 
ton Township, and a daughter of Moses and Han- 
nah (Towne) Gould. Mr. and Mrs. Gould were 
among the very first settlers in the county. They 
gave their daughter the best eilucation they could 
command, first in the district schools and after- 
wards in the State Normal school at Ypsilanli. She 

t 
was a graduate of that institution in the class of 

1865. She engaged in teaching before her mar- 
riage and also after that event, teaching in all some 
thirty-two terms. She is a member of the Metho- 
dist Kpiscopal Church, and she and her husband 
arc both highly respected and well known in the 
comraunitv in which they make their home. 



^ 



^^\ EORG E li O P F O r G H . The town of 
III I--, Smyrna, Ionia County, supports some very 
%JJll thriving business establishments, one of 
them being the store of Mr. Iloppough. A slock 
of general merchandise is carried and a good busi- 
ness done, it having been built up since 1872, 
when our subject abandoned farming for merchan- 
dising. He understands the needs of the people in 
this cominunitj', is judicious in his selection of 
goods, and i)leasant and honorable in his metlio<ls 
of disposing of them. He has been Postmaster 
since October, 1872, and has served in public ca[)ac- 
ities whereby he has become thoroughly acquainted 
with the people. 

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Ho[)pough 
were Peter and Margaret Hoppough, natives of 
New York and his parents were Decker B. and 
Lydia (Noble) Hoppough. His father was born in 
New Jersey and went to New York when twelve 
years old, making that his home until 1861, and 



then coming West. He established his home in 
Otisco Townshi|), Ionia County, buying what was 
then known as the Moe farm of two hundred and 
seventy acres. His marriage took place in Hone- 
oye, Ontario County, his wife being a native of the 
Kmpire State and a daughter of Levi Noble, who 
was born in Vermont. To Decker Hoppough and 
his wife tlie following children were born: Hattie 
A., Mary E., George, Carrie B., Frank, Decker 
Clark, Jr., Alice, Adda and M.ark. All live in 
Ionia County except Decker, whose home is in 
North Dakota. Their mother has been for many 
years a meniber of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and to her tlioy owe wise guidance in their early 
years. 

In Ontario County, N. Y.. George Hoppough 
was born December 1.3, 1845. He obtained a prac- 
tical education and when quite young took up the 
occupation of farming in his native State. He 
came to Michigan with his father in 1864 and con- 
tinued his former occupation until the time men- 
tioned as that of the beginning of his mercantile 
career. He is a Master Mason, belonging to Beld- 
ing Lodge, No. 355, and took his first degree in 
Grattan Lodge, No. 159. In politics he is and al- 
ways has been an unwavering Republican. He held 
the office of Township Clerk two years and that of 
Collector an equal length of time. 

In September, 1874, Mr. Ho|)pough was united 
in marriage with Miss Eva Brink, daughter of 
Irvin and Harriet (Paddock) Brink, natives of 
New York whose other children are Chancy E., 
Martha, tJirard. Oiin, I.avinia, Gazella, Addie, 
Koxana, Elmer and Fred. All of this family are 
living — Gazella in Colorado; Girard, Elmer, Fred, 
Roxana in Tustin, Midi. Olin in Cleveland; 
Lavinia in Utah; and Ida at Newbury, in the 
rpi)er Peninsula of Michigan. Mr. Brink came 
to this State many years ago and bought an eighty- 
acre farm in Hillsdale County, but afterward 
removed to Ionia County. He is now living in 
Osceola County, still engaged in farming and work- 
ing more or less at his trade — carpentry. He and 
his wife belong to the Advent Church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ilopprjugh are the parents of three 
intelligent children, named respectively, Cora, Car- 
roll and Clayton. All arc still with their parents 



500 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and devoting their time to the studies suited to 
tlieir capacities and such a share in liome affairs as 
their years and strength malve fitting. It is the 
purpose of their parents to equip them as well as 
Ijossible for the liattle of life that they may be able 
to pursue honorable and useful careers. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hoppough are well known throughout the 
town and their circle of friends extends into the 
surrounding country. 

— ^-3*jM»— 

C. PETTERSON, a manufacturer of lum- 
ber, and a well-to-do citizen of Home, Mont- 
IJ calm County, is one of our country's adojjted 
sons, who reflect credit alike upon his nsitive and his 
adopted country. Both parents were born in Got- 
teuburg, Sweden. Tlie father was a carpenter and 
cabinet-maker. In 18G6 he came alone to Amer- 
ica intending to engage in work and bring on his 
family to join him. He worked at his trade at 
Paris, Mich. After five years of industry and fru- 
gality he liad accumulated enough money to buy 
tickets for his wife and all the children. He pur- 
chased them and sent them home and joyfully 
awaited their coming, but before their arrival he 
sickened and died. The widow came on with her 
family and supported her little ones for some time, 
when she married .John Miller, a native of her old 
home. After four years spent at Grand Rapids, 
the family removed to Howard City, thence to 
Ionia, and in 1878 came to Home Township. The 
motliei' bought the place which the sou now occu- 
pies, and which she sold to him, and bought an- 
other home on section 31, where she now resides. 
She is an earnest and conscientious member of the 
Presbyterian Church. By her first marriage she 
was the mother of four children: our subject; Eil- 
wood, who resides at Big Rapids; Alfred, who 
makes his home with our subject; and Bennie, who 
is with his mother. Her second union resulted in 
three children: Josephine, who is her brother C. 
C's. housekeeper; and Ellen and Freddie who are 
at home. 

The subject of this notice first saw the light in 
Gottenburg, Sweden, March 13, 1862, and was 



therefore eight years old when he took the memor- 
able journey which was to result in such disap- 
pointment to all. During the four years that the 
family resided at Grand Rapids he spent most of 
the time in school, but during the last year was 
employed as a cigar maker. He was also in atten- 
dance upon school while he lived at Howard City, 
but while in Ionia worked in a brickyard. After 
his mother removed to the old farm in Home Town- 
ship, he helped to improve it and then for some 
time worked in a sawmill. He was in the employ' 
of J. B. Mathews, for three years, beginning at the 
bottom and working his way up to a responsible 
position in the mill. He was now prepared to buy 
a farm, and purchased from his mother and settled 
on the land. AVith his farming he has also atteniled 
to the business of threslfing for his neighbors, hav- 
ing a fine steam thresher. 

In the fall of 1889, Mr. Petterson erected his 
present sawmill which is run by steam, and whi(;h 
has a capacitv' of eight thousand feet per da}'. 
Somewhat later he added to his acreage by twenty 
acres which he bought from his mother. His is tlie 
only lumber manufacturing business now located 
in Home Township. Beside this business he de 
votes himself largely to general farming and stock- 
raising. In politics lie is a stanch Republican, and 
has occupied the position of Pathraaster of the 
township. 



^ 
® 



^ €-*^ ^• 

\|]OSEPII TOWNSEND, one of the prosper- 
I ous farmers of Ionia Count}', is pleasantly 
located on section 2G, Lyons Township. He 
has now one hundred and forty-three acres 
of land, having reduced his landed estate by giving 
his children tracts upon which to begin their work 
in the world. Mr. Townsend is engaged in general 
farming, and markets good crops, as well as stock 
of average number. He was born in Jefferson 
County, N. Y., December 4, 1824, and traces his 
ancestry in the paternal line back to the mother 
country. His grandfather, Jonathan Townsend, 
was born in Genesee County, N. Y., and in the 
same locality, the next in the direct line opened 



PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAnilCAL ALBUM. 



501 



his eyes to the light in 1800. The father of our 
subject bore tiie siime given name as the grand- 
father, and followed the same oecupalion, farming. 
The l.id}- who became the wife of Joiiallian 
Townsend, .Ir., was born and reared in Riiode 
Island and bore the maiden name of Hannah Mines. 
Tlicy livt'(l in llic Empire Slate until 1864, then 
came to Michigan and located on the section that is 
now the home of tlieir son Josepii. Here he died 
in the year 18G8, and his wife in 1867. They were 
the parents of eight children, four of whom survive. 
Of these Joseith is the eldest. The others are Blrs. 
Lucy Wilder, wiio resides in Wayne Count}', N. Y.; 
C'orlis, wlio lives in Sanilac County, Mich.; an<l A. 
]>., whose home is in L^ons Townsliip. .luseph 
Townsend, wlio is tlie third in order of birtli in 
the parental family, received the ordinary school 
advantages and bore the usual part in liomc duties 
until after he was of age. He tlien learned the 
trade of a carpenter and joiner and for six years 
wielded the saw and plane at Syracuse. He then 
went to Brooklyn, where he worked at his trade 
about six months, after which he embarked for 
Australia, in which far country he spent about four 
years. 

Mr. Townsend made the voyage on a sailing 
vessel, via Cape of Good Hope, and spent a part of 
his time after reaching Australia in mining. He 
also worked at his trade, doing a little better than 
he would have done at home. He returned to his 
native place, via Cape Horn, stopping in Liverpool 
and London and spending about a month in the 
great metropolis. After reaching his old home he 
gave his attention to farming in the county seven 
years and in 1864 removed to this State. He 
selected a tract of land wlierc he is now living, 
upon which there were no buildings. Here he has 
pursued the even tenor of his way, making a good 
support and some provision for future needs, while 
giving his children good advantages. 

In St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 18,')9, Mr. 
Townsend was married to Miss Mary Arnold. She 
was born in .lefTcrson County, August 14, 1838, 
and reared there. She is the sixth of twelve chil- 
dren born to Caleb and Mary Arnold, wlio were 
natives of the Kmpire Slate and who died in Michi- 
gan. Tlie family of Mr. and Mrs. Townsend con- 



sists of four sons and a daughter, whose respective 
names are Charles, Hlugenc, Minnie E., Harry W., 
and Jay. The daughter lives in Lj-ons Township 
and is the wife of George S. Stiles. Two sons, 
Harry and Jay, still remain with their parents. 

A peaceable and law-abiding citizen, an enter- 
prising farmer, and a man of honor in the affairs 
of life, Mr. Townsend has the respect of his 
acquaintances, and his friendly spirit has won a 
warmer feeling from his neighbors. He has served 
as Patlimaster and School Director. His religions 
belief coincides with the doctrines of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and his political faith is that of 
the Dcnidcratic party. 

ANIEL DILDINE, a farmer and stock- 
i|J raiser of Ionia County, owns and occupies 
a tract of land on section 9, Easton Town- 
ship. He bought this land in 1865, when 
not a stick of timber had been cut upon it, and did 
some clearing even before he began to make it his 
home. He has live<l upon it since 1870 and now 
has it supplied with raanj' conveniences and stocked 
with macliinery and animals of consiilerable value. 
The attractiveness of the estate indicates something 
of the nature of the owner and his wife who shares 
in liis [)lans and calculation, and enjoys with him 
their results. 

William H. Dildine, faiher of our subject, was born 
in Pennsylvania, and for some _vears lived in New 
York. In 184.3 he came to this State and set up 
his household in a log house in Easton Townsliip, 
Ionia County, on section 10. The tract of land 
that he secured was very slightly improved and 
much of it was still covered by trees. He developed 
it and made it his home until called hence in March, 
1890. Many years ago he served as Township 
Treasurer. He voted the Republican ticket, took 
great interest in the schools, and was an earnest 
Christian, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in which he was Class-Leader for many 
years. In fact, he was one of the representative 
pioneers of the county, and highly esteemed. 

The first wife of William Dildine wasOrrisa Wing, 



502 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAFHICAL ALBUM. 



who left a son Silas, who now lives in East Portland, 
Oregon. In the Empire State Mr. Dilrline was 
married to Mrs. Jane (Laken) AVing, widow of 
Silas Wing, and she too left one son, Daniel, sub- 
ject of this notice. The third matrimonial alliance 
of Mr. Dildine was with Catherine Reynolds who 
is still living, occupying the homestead in this State. 
She belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
is a highly-respected member of society. Iler living 
children are four in number, namely: Jane, the wife 
of George Conner, living in Orleans Township; 
Orrisa, wife of James Delong, who resides in Lake 
View this State; and William and James, residents 
of Easton Township. A son and daugliter are 
deceased. 

The subject of this biographicgl notice was born 
in Chemung County, N. Y., April 7, 1840, and was 
therefore a child of but three years when he began 
his residence in this State. He received a limited 
education in the district schools of Ionia County 
and bore some part in the work by means of which 
the homestead was brought under subjection. He 
remained in the county until he was nineteen years 
old, when he determined to seek the Pacific coast, 
where his brother Silas was, and where he believed 
he could do better than at home. His desire to see 
something of the country was also a factor in his 
decision. He took passage at New York City o:i 
the steamer "Baltic", which landed hira on the 
Isthmus, and crossing to the Pacific side he em- 
barked on tlie ''John L. Stephens", which carried 
him safely' to San Francisco. He left the Amer- 
ican metropolis, February 7 and reached the Golden 
Gate about the 1st of March. 

For four years Mr. Dildine made the Golden 
State his home and during that period was engaged 
in various occupations. He returned to Ionia County 
via the Nicaraugua route. Not long after his re- 
turn he bought the property he now occupies and 
his after work thereon has already been noted. 
He was married November 2.5, 1865, to Luc}' Heald, 
and they are the happy parents of one daughter — 
Mary J., who lives in the same township as them- 
selves and is the wife of Milo Van Slyke. 

Mrs. Dildine was born in St. Lawrence Count}-, 
N. Y., June 7, 1845, and was ten years old when 
her parents came West. Thomas W. and Mar}' 



(Lavery) Heald settled in Orleans Township, Ionia 
County, and there Mrs. Heald is still living. Mr. 
Heald died several years since. Five of their chil- 
dren survive, namely: Jane M., wife of Henry 
Toggart, and Eleanor, wife of A. Grover, both 
living in Easton Township; Nelson, in Stanton, tliis 
State; Mrs. Dildine; and Lyman, in Orleans Town- 
ship. Mr. Heald was a native of Vermont and Mrs. 
Heald was born in New York. The former was a 
carpenter and blacksmith and also devoted consider- 
able attention to farming. He did a groat deal 
toward the improvement of Orleans Township and 
the building up of Palmer Station. 

Mr. Dildine has his own views on political issues 
and reserves the right to vote for whomsoever he 
considers best fitted for public office. He and his 
wife are active in social matters, enjoying the con- 
fidence of their neighbors in an eminent degree, 
and have high standing in the Methodist Episcopal 
Ciiurch. 



ILLIAM L. SAMAIN. This gentleman, 
wliose home is in Ionia, is in the employ 
^ \!^ of the Detroit, Lansing & Northern Rail- 
road as an engineer, having charge of an engine 
on one of the local trains. He was born in Ann 
Arbor in 1859 and is of English descent. His 
father, Joseph .Samain, who was born in Baltimore, 
Md., is still living, but his mother, Betsey (Bur- 
bans) Samain. died in 1875. For a number of 
years their home was near Portland, this State, 
where the father carried on agricultural pursuits. 
Politically he is a Democrat and now at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-one, hale and hearty. 

Our subject was fortunate in being able to se- 
cure a good education, his parents being on the 
alert to give him evefy advantage they could, and 
his own application doing tlie rest. When he be- 
came of age he went on the railroad as fireman on 
an engine. So faithful was he and so observing of 
the duties peiformcd by the engineer that within 
two years he was promoted to the charge of an en- 
gine. He stands high witii his employers, who 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



503 



recognize the sturdy principles that animate him 
and tlie regard he shows for the interest of the 
road. 

Mr. .Sainain has an attractive residence, well fur- 
nisiied, and showing in and about it the refining 
tench of woman. It is presided over by a true- 
hearted wife, to whom he was married in 1883 and 
whose maiden name was Annie iSIcDonald. She 
lias many sincere friends in the pleasant circle of 
accjuaintances wliere she and Iter husband are re- 
ceived. Mr. Samain is a stanch Democrat, fully 
believing that the prosperity of the Nation depends 
to a large extent upon the success of this parly. 
He is a member of the lioyal Arcanum Lodge in 
Ionia. 



u 



•^m- 



ILLIAM U. TEBBEL. The business of a 
WW// '"illcr is one of importance in every coni- 
^^ munity as upon it depends much of the 
comfort of tiie families in the vicinity. The sub- 
ject of this biographical notice is engaged in that 
business In Smyrna, Ionia County, where he owns 
a milling property valued at $8,000. He has a 
large run of custom work, as the products of his 
establisiimeiit have become known as lirst-class, and 
the dealers fin<l a ready sale for that which they 
procure of him. Mr. Tcbbel is a practical miller, 
having thoroughly learned the trade in his youth, 
and followed It for a considerable length of lime. 
Mr. Tcbbel is a Canadian by birth and Is the son 
of .lohn and Mary (Comer) Tebbcl, who were na- 
tives of England. They came to this State in 18C5 
and made their home in St. Clair County, wiiere the 
husb'ind and fathcrdied in Se[)tember, 1881. The 
widowed mother is still living at the age of eighty- 
one years. Their marriage w.is solemnized in the 
mother country- and they were blest with the fol- 
lowing children: Avis, William U.,.Iohn W., Mary 
Ann, Alic3, .lames C, Julia and Henry. Avis an<l 
Henry are now deceased. The father was a farmer 
by occupation, and both parents governed their 
lives by Christian principles, liolding niembership 
in the Methodist Episcopal Churcli. 

The subject of this biographical notice was l)orn 
December 3, 1838, and remained in Canada, the 



land of his birth, until 1862. In the meantime he 
pursued the studies that are commonly taken u|), 
and when nineteen years old left tlie parental home 
to learn the trade of a miller. He has pursued his 
chosen calling from that da^' to this, as an appren- 
tice, journeyman and manager. He came to this 
State in 18G2, and made his first settlement in St. 
Clair County, remaining there a few years. He 
worked at various places and for different people 
until 1880, when lie established himself at Smyrna 
and entered upon his successful career here. He Is 
and always has been a Republican. His business 
reputation is that of a reliable man, and his per- 
sonal character is such as to give him a position 
among the respected citizens. 

Mr. Tebbel was married to Miss Mar}' Purdy in 
1866. This lady Is a daughter of Louis and Char- 
lotte (Bartlett) Purdy, and her brothers and sisters 
are George, James, John, Charlotte, Harriet, Sarah, 
Jennie and Elinor. She was well reared and in her 
own home looks carefully after the comfort and 
future good of the family. To Mr. and Mrs. Teb- 
bel six cliihlren have come, all at home but the 
first-born, who is happily married and lives in the 
same town as her parents. The names of the sons 
and daughters are Jessie, George, Charlotte, Nellie, 
John and Edna. 



ilL^ ENRY F. HULL residing in Ronald Town- 
ifjli ship, Ionia County, w.as born in Berlin Town- 
/^^' ship, Rensselaer County, N. Y., February 
(^ 24, 1824. He is the son of Peter and Lnah 
Almena (Bullock) Hull, and the grandson of 
Peter Hull an early settler in that county, who 
came there about 1767. His death occurred the 
same year, at the advanced .age of fourscore and 
nine years. His grandfather was descended from 
one of three brothers who came from England and 
settled on the New England Coiist. One found his 
home in Boston, one in Rhode Island and the third 
in Connecticut. 

The mother of our subject, Leah Almena Bullock, 
was born In New York Slate. Her mother was in 
the Wyoming Jlassacre and was twice captured and 



504 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



twice escaped. SLe wandered on foot two hundred 
miles, bare-headed and bare-footed far from friends 
before she was found by any who would care for 
her. After the marriage of Almena Bullock to 
the father of our subject at Sand Lake, she made 
her home in Berlin and afterward in Richfield, 
Otsego County. In 1848 they came to Michigan, 
where they lived the remainder of their days. The 
mother was called from earth in 1 856 and the father 
survived her until 1870. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hull were the parents of seven 
children, two daughters and five sons: Lewis B., 
and Hamilton are deceased; Lavaldin resides in the 
city of Tro}', N. Y.; Henry F., our subject; Amy 
R., Mrs. McKenzie, of this county; Ezra lives in 
Colorado, and Sarah, deceased. Mr. Hull was 
reared in his native place and lie has pleasant mem- 
ories of his early life there. Mr. Hull was first 
married in Cooperstown, N. Y., February 6, 1848. 
He there took to wife Zarina Contraraan, a native 
of New York. From this union six children were 
born, three only now surviving — Chester F , Daniel 
D., and Cora K. The mother of these children 
died December 14, 18G7. His second marriage was 
contracted May 2, 1868, with Sophronia M. Ran- 
som, a native of New York, born in W.iyne 
County, January 29, 1833. Mrs. M. Hull was pre- 
vious to the marriage witli our subject the widow 
of Mr. Lewis H. Ransom. Her maiden name was 
Comstock. The children of the second marriage 
are: Alice E., Mrs. Vernon Iloworth, Pxlgar M., 
and Henry A. 

The subject of this sketch first came to Michigan 
in 1845 prospecting, and returning East brouglit 
his family in 1848. He purchased the land where 
he now resides in 1838 and moved on to it ten 
years later. It was a perfect!}' unbroken forest and 
he has had to make all the improvements. He lias 
built tiiree houses on it since he first moved there; 
the last one in which he now resides is a fine two- 
story brick, which was erected at a cost of $3,500. 
It is one of the finest houses in the county. When 
he first came here there were only forty voters in 
the township. He has one hundred and sixty acres 
of well improved land. In its cultivation he has 
proved himself a hard working man and he has 
gained all he owns by his own endeavors. He has 



been active in politics, belonging to the Republican 
party and always voting the straight ticket. For 
twenty years he has been Highway Commissioner. 
His wife professes the faith and doctrine of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mr. Hull is a 
Disciple in belief but is not now connected with 
any local church. 

LVIN HOOPLE is numbered among the 
general farmers of Ionia County, owning 
and operating a tract of land on section 
22, Ronald Township. He has made many 
improvements upon the property since he took 
possession thereof, and the farm, although not of 
more than fair size, is very productive and would 
bring a higher price in the market than some of 
greater extent. Mr. Hoople was born in County 
Dundas, Province of Ontario, Canada, March 14, 
1851. His parents, Joseph and Polly Ann (Ran- 
som) Hoople, were natives of the same county as 
himself, and the father is still living in his native 
land. The mother died April 21, 1860, leaving 
two daughters and five sons: Caroline, wife of R. 
Moss, lives in St. Johns, N. D.; William G. is 
engaged in the leather trade in Brooklyn, N. Y.; 
Mary A. died when about thirty-seven years old; 
Henry D. is farming In Canada; Ira A. farms on 
the old homestead tliere; Edmond is a farmer in 
Ronald Township, Ionia County ; Al vin, the young- 
est of the family circle, is the subject of this bio- 
graphical notice. 

The school privileges of Mr. Hoople were con- 
fined to attendance in the common schools of his 
native place and prior to his nineteenth year, at 
which time he began life for himself. He went to 
New York and began working in the leather busi- 
ness with his brother William, but after a trial of 
tv.'O months gave up the work and turned to farm^ 
ing. He had an uncle living on Long Island and 
on his farm he labored six months, and then went 
to Portland, Pa., on the Delaware River, where he 
remained five years carrying on a tannery. He 
next embarkoil in the furniture business, but being 
burned out two years later, he went to Great Bend 




Q.-iC/-£^^i^'\^-\^ ux^C'\..--i.''i.-(^^^--^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and resumoil tanning. lie remained in llial place 
four years, liien came to Ionia County, Mich., and 
bought an eight^'-acrc farm on wliicli he lias since 
lived. 

The marriage of Mr. Iloople and Miss Nancy 
Brngler was solemnized in New Jersey, April 'J. 
1873. The bride was born in that State October 
29, 1819, and is the eldest of nine children, making 
up the family of James and Susan (Cramer) Brng- 
ler. Three of her brothers and one sister are now 
living. Mr. and Mrs. Iloople have had two sons 
and two daughters. They were bereft of their 
first-born, James L., in his infancy'. Their home 
is still brightened by the presence of Adel, who 
was born in New Jcrse}', May 3, 1875; (iertrude, 
who was born in Pennsylvania, August 7.1876; 
and William G., who was born in this State, De- 
cember 27, 1883. 

Although Mr. Hoople had no superior educa- 
tional advantages, he is possessed of a considerable 
fund of knowledge, having taken advantage of 
various opportunities to inform himself regarding 
the world's history and the progress of events, lie 
takes an interest in educational matters and those 
Social enterprises which appeal to the intellect. lie 
is now President of the Literary .Society of Honald 
Township, lie exercises the right of suffrage in 
behalf of Republican principles. He and his excel- 
lent wife belong to the Methodist E|)iscopa] f'liurch 
and are earnest, Inimble Christians. 



tip. 



^^ 



OHN RAMSEY. The late Jotin Ramsey 
demonstrated in his life what can be accom- 
plished by a man of determined will and 
good natural ability without the advantage 
of a thorough education or extraneous influence. 
He had no advantages other than a vigorous body, 
strength of mind and good principles, but as years 
|)assed on he built up a competence and was able to 
surround his family with comfort and even luxury. 
There are many living in Ionia County who well 
remember the earnestness and honor that charac- 
terized him and who recall him as one of the typi- 
cal farmers of Portland Townshii). 



The ancestors of Mr. Rr.msey were originally 
frcm .Scotland, whence they fled to Ireland in the 
days of Bruce and Wallace. The ancestral occupa- 
tion was farming and the religion of the family- for 
many generations was Presbyterian. The parents 
of our subject were William and Jane (Scott) 
Ranise}', who were born in the Emerald Isle and 
who died there, the mother in 181G and the father 
in 1857. They reared three sons — Robert, William 
and John. Robert came to America and settled 
in St. Clair County, this State, and died at Smith 
Creek about 1879. William, the sole surviving son 
of the little family, is carrying on the farm at the 
old home. 

Our subject was born May 7, 1832, and from his 
eighth year until he left the Emerald Isle, his home 
was at Raphoe County, Donegal. When in his six- 
teenth year he crossed the broad Atlantic and, hav- 
ing landed at New York, came to St. Clair County, 
this State, to join his brother Robert. There he 
remained nine years following lumbering during 
the season. His education had been limited, but 
his natural quickness was such that he was able to 
attend to any kind of business without ditlicully, 
and as years advanced he kept well informed on 
general topics of the day, having an ardent love 
for books and newspapers. 

After his marriage Mr. Ramsey bought ninety- 
seven acres of land in Danby Township, Ionia 
Count}', where he lived six years. He then tra<)ed 
for a farm of ninety acres, to which he .added until 
it comprised two hundred and forty-live acres, 
which was sold and a well-improved tract of two 
hundred and forty acres in Portland Township 
purchased. There Mr. Ramsey continued to re- 
side until his de.ath May 4, 1885. Not only by his 
immediate family circle but by many acquaint- 
ances he was sincerely mourned, as he had been 
a friend to all in need, had lived an upright life 
and was in cordial fellowship with those about him. 
He had never formally united with any church, 
liut believed in the tenets of the Congregational 
societj' an<i governed his daily walk by the ilictates 
of conscience. 

The lady whom Mr. Ramsey «-on for his wife 
was Miss Elvira Complon, daughter of the Rev. 
John Compton, whose biography appears else- 



508 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



where in this Album. The marriage ceremony 
was performed October 30, I806, and mutual hap- 
piness followed in its train. Mrs. Ramsej' was the 
recipient of careful training and was well fitted to 
discharge the duties that came to her as wife and 
mother. Five children have been born to them as 
follows: AVilliam J.; Jennie E.,who died May 27, 
1886; Robert; Freddie died in infancy; George is 
his mother's mainstay, as lie is still at home. 

The many friends to whom the memory of Mr. 
Ramsey is dear, will be pleased to notice his por- 
trait on another page of this volume. 



ELEG S. DODGE. Tlie Stanton CUpiier, 
of whicli Mr. Dodge is proprietor and edi- 
tor, has no superior in the towns of the 
State. It was established by our subject 
in 1879, and has grown in power and in wortli from 
year to yenr. Its subscription list is now over 
eleven hundred, wiiich gives it a circulation beyond 
the limits of Montcalm County, so that its influence 
is felt in many localities. Mr. Dodge possesses a 
logical mind, an;l his former life strengthened his 
habits of tliouglit and his ability to express his 
ideas in such a way as to move others, so that liis 
edi'>-orial quill wields a power beyond that of many 
editors. 

Mr. Dodge was born in tlie Hoosier Slate in 1848, 
being a son of Cliarles and Melissa (Shaw) Dodge. 
His mother died when he was in his second year, 
and he was bereft of his father when but six years 
old. They were natives respectively of New En- 
gland and Bucl<s County, Pa., and the father was a 
blacksmith, and later a farmer. Although he had 
scarcely entered liis teens when the Civil War be- 
gan, young Dodge went into the army as a drum- 
mer in the Twentieth Ohio Infantry, Company B. 
After serving several months he was disciiarged in 
1864. In June, 1864 lie re-enlisted as a drummer 
in Company A, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth 
Ohio Infantry, but was mustered in as a private, 
and fought with the other boys in blue until the 
close of the war, receiving his discharge the last of 



Jul}', 1865. When his martial duties were over he 
took up the matter of educating himself, and dur- 
ing a few years following his discharge was a stu- 
dent in the University of Notre Dame at South 
Bend, Ind., Hillsdale (Mich.) College and the State 
University at Ann Arbor. He began reading law 
at Elkhart, Ind., in 1868, was admitted to the bar 
at Goshen, Ind., in 18G9, and in 1873 received a 
diploma from the Department of Law at Ann Ar- 
bor, all expenses of his education being met by 
raonc}^ saved from his army service and earned 
from time to time afterward. 

Mr. Dodge caine to Stanton that year, and gave 
his attention to his profession until 1879, when he 
founded the (Jlipper. He possesses an unusual 
amount of meclianical ingenuity, and it was under 
his personal supervision that the machinery for the 
CUppt'r office was built and set up. He is an in- 
ventor of printing presses, and has taken out sev- 
eral valuable patents on important improvements 
the manufacture of which he has recently com- 
menced. In politics Mr. Dodge is a sound Demo-' 
crat, and his paper gives voice to his opinions, and 
the theories and principles of the party. 

Ill his home life Mr. Dodge is happily situated, 
having an intelligent and well-bred wife and a 
bright young daughter just .advancing into maiden- 
hood. Mrs. Dodge was formerly a resident of Three 
Rivers, St. Joseph Count}', and bore the maiden 
name of Helen J. Throp. She entered into the 
marriage relation August 6, 1873. The daughter, 
Chella R., was born November 12, 1876. 

\i7 EVI BROAS. Among the residents of Ionia 
I |?g) Count}' who are now living in retirement 
j JLAy ^ enjoying the results of former labors, is 
Levi Broas, whose home is on section ll,Otisco 
Township. He was formerly a large landowner 
and extensive farmer, having a landed estate of 
four hundred acres, but he has sold most of the 
tract for village property, and has retired from 
active work, except such as accords with his special 
tastes and affords him recreation. He was a thor- 
ough going, energetic farmer, and kept everything 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



509 



about liis liome in good shape, and so secured the 
best results from tlie cultivation of tiie soil. He 
is a gre.it lover of fine horses and always keeps 
good roailstcrs, in whose speed and action he takes 
delight. 

Mr. Hroas was horn Doccniber 31, 1821, in 
rister County, N. Y., and was but a lad when his 
parents removed to this .State. His father, Charles 
Hroas, a native of Long Island, was born Decem- 
ber 22, 1790. and in the Empire Stale was married 
to Catherine Roosa, who was of Holland extrac- 
tion and a daughter of Abraham Roosa, who was 
born in New York. Mr. Bro.as was a blacksmith 
in his early life, but he also understood farming and 
S0(m after his arrival in this .Slate he located on a 
farm. He came hither in 1 837, and after some inves- 
tigations took up four hundred acres of Govern- 
ment land in Otisco Township, where the town of 
Belding now stands. The first house he built was 
11x14 feet and there was no dwelling between it 
and Ionia. His experiences were such as were 
common to pioneer settlers and the changes that he 
witnessed gave evidence to the wisdom of his be- 
lief regarding the future of the Slate. The first 
election in Otisco Townshi|) is supposed to have 
been held in his primitive residence. His death 
occurred January 1, 1855. His family included 
two sons and two daughters, named respoctively : 
Peter, Rachel, Sarah and Levi. Peter died in New 
York at the age of twenty-two years. 

Reared from boyhood on the land to whic-h he 
later fell heir, our subject became thoroughly con- 
versant witii farm work in all its phases, from the 
o|)cning stages of development of raw I.ind to the 
finished work of a thoroughly-cultivated estate. 
His recollections of tlie early times and his reminis- 
cences are interesting, as are the tales of all who 
participated in such scenes. He obtained a good 
education for the time, and has added to his knowl- 
edge by the means that are open to all who desire 
information. After his marriage he brought his 
wife to his father's house and here he has contin- 
ued to make his home, becoming the owner as 
mentioned. 

The marriage of Mr. IJroas took pliice at Steele's 
Corners, his bride being Ruth Ann Just, daughter 
of James Just, whose life is outlined elsewhere in 



this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Broas two sons and 
three daughters have been born, named respectively, 
Charles, J. Just. Catherine, Belle and Jenny. The 
last named was a gr.aduate of the Belding High 
School and was about to be gr.tduated from the 
High School of Detroit when she was taken sick 
and died at the age of nineteen 3ear8. The .sons 
are engaged in mercantile pursuits and are follow- 
ing their cho.sen vocation very successfully, Charles 
being located in Lansing and J. Just in Bay City. 
Mr. 15roas is a Master Mason, belonging to Beld- 
ing Lodge No. 355. He is a Republican, always 
ready to aid the party by his vote, but never con- 
senting to hold ollice. Among the adornments of 
his present home is a large cabinet of specimens, 
including some twelve hundred preserved birds, 
forty animals and a large collection of insects. 
There are also some seventy kinds of sea shells, 
nine varieties of star fish and many corals and 
agates. The birds include almost every variety 
found in this State and their preservation is due to 
the skill of Mr. Broas as a taxidermist, a work 
which he began aliout 1874. 



UAiKR H. LOCKE. Although the events 
of the Civil War do not appeal with tlie 
force of reality to the younger members 
of society, yet every loyal heart feels a thrill of 
gratitude to those who fought and endured durin" 
those trying years. Among the veterans who are 
living in Ionia County is Mr. Locke, a farmer of 
good repute living on section 14, Otisco Township. 
He has been a lifelong resident of the county, and 
farming was chosen by him when quite young as 
the work to which he should devote his energies of 
mind and body. He has succeeded well in his vo- 
cation, has become the owner of a good property, 
and been able to supply his family with comfort 
and even luxury. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
Reuben and Phebc (Russell) Locke, natives of 
Massachusetts, who removed to New York in an 
early daj* and there s|)ent the balance of their days. 
The husband was a farmer. His father was a Rev- 



510 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



olutionary soldier and he furnisheri guns to the 
patriots during the patriotic war. Both he and 
his wife belonged to the Baptist Church. In their 
family was a son Russell, who was born in the old 
Bay State and was ten years old when he went to 
New York. He remained there until 1835, then 
came to this State and set up his liome in Ionia 
County. In the township of the same name he 
resided a score of years, then retnored to North 
Plains Township and seven ye.irs later to Easton. 
A decade passed and lie then removed to Otisco 
Townsliip, where he is now living. 

Russell Locke was married in Oneida County, 
N. Y., to Mary Goodwin, who shared his fortunes 
until July 26, 1854, wiien she crossed the river of 
death. She left six children, named respectively: 
Cynthia, Wilber IL, Ruth Ann, Electa, Minersa and 
Maria. AVhen the family came hither there were 
but few houses in the county and their experiences 
included arduous toil, lonely hours, and depriva- 
tion of the privileges and conveniences of thickly 
settled sections. The first vole cast by Russell 
Locke was for Andrew Jackson, but his next was 
for a Whig candidate and with that part}' he acted 
until its disorganization, since which he has been a 
Republican. He is a member of the Baptist Church. 

The subject of this notice remained under iiis 
father's roof until he was twenty years old and 
tlien entered the army. He was born in Ronald 
Township June 14, 1841, enlisted in September, 
1861, and was mustered in on the 12th of the 
month. He was enrolled in Company D, Third 
Michigan Cavalry, with which he fought until 
January 18, 1864, when he was discharged at La 
Grange, Tenn. The next day he re-enlisted and 
his final discharge was received October 12, 1865, 
after "the cruel war was over." He was promoled 
to the rank of Corporal in 1862 and in 1864 be- 
came Sergeant. The noted battles in which he 
took part were Island No. 10, luka, Shiloh and 
Corinth. Tlie work he did in his countr3''s cause 
was not confined to those fields, but his loyalty and 
devotion were shown in his obedience to camp 
rules, on weary marches and in skirmishes without 
number. 

A short time after his return from the army Mr. 
Locke was married in Ionia to llarriet Parker, 



daughter of Edward and Clarissa (Gregory) Parker. 
The bride's parents were natives of Orleans County 
N. Y., and their only other child was a daughter 
Sarah. Since 1866 Mr. and Mrs. Locke have been 
journeying down the stream of time side by side. 
They have two sons, Alfred R. and Charles P. 
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Locke is upon a fine 
tract of land consisting of two hundred and forty 
acres, two hundred of which have been bereft of 
timber, fitted for cultivation and supplied with 
necessary and convenient buildings. The farm 
also bears thriving orchards and such other im- 
provements as belong to a thoroughly well-regu- 
lated estate. Mr. Locke was a Republican until 
quite recently, but he is now a Democrat. 



|ERT B. SAMPSON is a typical Western 
man of the better sort, well educated and 
If/ progressive, and wide-awake to the interests 
' of his family and the community. He was 
born in Porter Countv, Ind., on the 16th of July, 
1855. He is the son of Newlan and Jane (Carman) 
Sampson, both natives of New York. He early 
emigrated to the Wolverine State, being only three 
or four years old when his father decided to come 
to Hillsdale County. Here they made their home 
upon a farm. 

In early life our subject was favored with good 
opportunities for an education and he received ex- 
cellent business training. He was an attendant on 
the High School at Hillsdale. His father enlisted 
in Comjiany K, Eigliteenth Micliigan Infantry and 
he met his death in the Battle of the Wilderness, 
May 6, 1864. Mr. Sampson has four sisters living, 
namely, Mrs. Kate Hall, who resides in Lynn, Mass.; 
Mrs. Martha Rich, living in Hillsdale Connty, 
Mich.; Anna G. Simpson, residing at Hillsdale un- 
married and Mrs. Phila A. Harmon, residing at 
Eaton Rapids. Most of his life has been spent in 
Micliigan and he has never gone out of it except 
for a short visit, not exceeding six months. 

At the age of eighteen years young Sampson 
went to Stanton, Mich., and engaged in the mill- 
ing and lumbering business and thus continued 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



511 



until about seven years ago, when he came to his 
pifiient homestead in Sidney Township, Montcalm 
County. He has been a himber scaler and always 
commanded excellent wages at this work. .Sep- 
tember 27, 1880, he was married to Emma A. Bcrr}', 
of this countj'. Four lovely children enlighten 
their home, Leon G., born November 18, 1881; 
Mabel, November 23, 1883; Lottie J., August 16, 
1885; and the baby not yet named who came to 
this household January 5, 1891. 

The gentleman of whom we write takes an active 
interest in educational matters and is giving his 
children a good schooling. He is also wide-awake 
on political questions and is a thorough Prohibi- 
tionist. He views all subjects from a moral and 
religious standpoint and is an earnestly' conscien- 
tious man, although not a member of any special 
church; yet he is a Sunday-school worker and has 
acted as Superintendent of Sunday-school. Five 
3ears ago he was so unfortunate as to lose his house 
by fire, but he rebuilt it at once and in 1888 he 
erected his large and handsome barn. He has a 
fine [arm of seventy acres in first-class condition. 



^^^ 



RS. SUSAN PHILLIPS. That business 
ability is not confined to the male sex is 
L^ proved by the experience of the estima- 
ble lady above named, who is one of the 
most successful farmers of Ionia County. She hsis 
a good property on section 23, K.aston Township, 
bought with her own hard-earned money, and car- 
ried on so carefull}' and intelligently that it affords 
her an excellent maintenance and enables her to 
make some provision for the future. If industry, 
economy and prudent management entitle one to 
representation in a BioGRAPinCAi, Album, then is 
Mrs. Phillips deserving of mention here, and we 
deem it a pleasure to represent a brief outline of 
her history to our i-eaders. 

Mrs. Phillips comes of highly respected families 
of the East, her parents being George and Rebecca 
(Green) Cummins, of New Jersey. Their family 
comprised eight sons and daughters, and the other 
survivors are Mathias, living in Genesee County, 



this .Slate; Green, whose home is in New Jersey; 
Elizal)eth, wife of William Vreeland, in New Jer.sey ; 
Mary, wifeof Harvey Fleming, in Oakland County, 
this State; Rebecca, wife of Nicholas Martines, in 
New Jersey; and Joseph, who also lives in their 
native State. 

Susan Cummins, now Mrs. Phillips, was born in 
Warren County, N. J., April 23, 1845. Her father 
was a farmer and she, like other farmers' daughters, 
became conversant with manj' of the details of agri- 
cultural work. She pursued her studies in the 
common school and remained at home until she had 
grown to womanhood. After coming to this State 
she was married November 7, 1867, in Oakland 
Count}', to Hiram W. Phillips. Two children were 
born of this union — linb^-, wife of J. O. Post, living 
in Easlon Township, and Eula, wife of William 
Lee, whose home is in Ionia. In 1874 Mrs. Phil- 
lil)S look possession of the propertj' which she ha<l 
bought and upon which she is still living. The 
tract consists of lifty-fivc acres, supplied with a 
good residence and such outbuildings as arc made 
necessary by the work carried on there. 

Mrs. Phillips necessarily finds her time quite well 
taken up with the management of her farm and 
of business affairs connected therewith, but she is 
able to bear some part in the social pleasures of the 
neigliborhootl anil is a respected member of society. 
She has the confiilence of the community and, as 
one who has made her own w.iy to competence, she 
is regarded as affording a fine example of what can 
be accomplished by a woman who is thrown upon 
her own resources and has the worthy ambition to 
make for herself a home. 



r^T^IIOMAS J. ALLEN. The late Thomas J. 
//jS., Allen was one of those active, energetic 
v^^ men to whom Ionia Count}', in common 
with other sections of the country, owes much of 
its prosperity and the greater part of its develoi)- 
ment. He was always ready to engage in any 
work by which he could earn an honest dollar and 
Ui3 busy life was also a useful one. When called 



512 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to exchange time for eternity lie was occupj'ing a 
farm io Sebewa Township, the original tract con- 
sisting of one hundred and twenty acres, to which 
he had subsequently added seventy-six adjoining. 
In the division of his property the latter fell to the 
cliildren of his first wife, but it has been bought by 
the two younger brotliers and again united with 
the original homestead. It is now occupied by the 
widow and her son Merritt, and has been the fam- 
ily home since the father's decease, whicii occurred 
in 1873. 

The parents of our subject were William and 
Margery (Dominie) Allen, both natives of the 
Empire State. They removed to tliis State many 
3-ears ago and here the father died. The mother 
survived several years and died at the home of her 
son Thomas. Their family comprised five chil- 
dren, named respectively: Prudence, Thomas J., 
William, George and Minerva. George died in 
infancy; Minerva is the wife of Henry Reed, of 
Sebewa, Ionia County. 

Thomas Allen was seventeen years old when he 
became a resident of Portland, Jay County, and 
thence he came to Ionia County in 1861. He was 
engaged in farming from his youth up to a greater 
or less extent, and for some years ran a threshing 
machine. During the winter season he was princi- 
pall}' occupied in lumbering in the northern woods, 
but when a young man had carried on that work in 
Minnesota. He owned a farm of one hundred and 
twenty acres in Jay County, which he exchanged 
for an equal amount in Ionia County', giving quite 
a sum as boot. He continued the improvement on 
his new farm and was prospering in his calling 
when death took him. 

When twent^'-three years old Mr. Allen was 
married to Miss Emily llammontree, daughter of 
George Hammontree, the marriage taking place in 
Ionia County. By the union he became the father 
of two children — Amanda J., now the widow of 
Nelson Van Bureu, and George W., a clothier in 
I'ortland. The latter married Anna Probasco, 
daughter of E. Probasco, but she is now deceased. 
April 26, 1859, our subject made a second matri- 
monial alliance, wedding Miss Rozilla H. Smith. 
This lady was born in Ciawford County, Ohio, 
December 9, 183'1. Her parents, Samuel and Mary 



J. (Hannah) Smith, were natives of Pennsj'lvania 
and early settlers at their Ohio home. The father 
died there in 1840 and the widow shortly after- 
ward removed with her five small children to 
Seneca County, where all grew to womanhood. 
They eventually became residents of this State and 
the mother died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. 
Allen, in 1888. Besides Mrs. Allen the children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Smith are Elizabeth J., wife of 
William Martin; Nancy, wife of Lamed Brown; 
Sarah Ann, wife of J. W. Nichols, and Mary, wife 
of Hiram Hart. 

The second marriage of Mr. Allen was blest by 
the birth of two sons — Merrit S. and Ora C. The 
elder son was graduated from the Portland High 
School in the class of '88 and engaged in teaching, 
but has recently turned his attention to the man- 
agement, of the homestead and bids fair to be a 
successful farmer. The younger son resides in 
Danb}^ having as his wife Carrie Wilkins, formerly 
of Portland. He is a teacher and also » farmer. 
The father of these joung men was a member of 
the Methodist pjpiscopal Church, with which de- 
nomination their mother is identified. He was 
quite active in local politics and never fails to go 
to the polls and cast a Republican ticket. 



y^ILLIAM KEEPER is the son of Abram 
Keefer, born near Philadelphia, Pa. The 
^-^ family is of Pennsylvania Dutch origin. 
Abram Keefer married Mary Ann Weston, a native 
of Pennsylvania who was born in 1800. They 
lived in Ohio after their marriage until 1847, 
when they came to Michigan and settled upon a 
farm on section 1, Orange Township, Ionia County. 
It vfas all raw land, a portion being oak open- 
ings. He took three hundred and tvventy acres 
upon which he built a hewed log house, the nicest 
house in the country at that time. He w.as a fine 
mechanic and bridge builder, building many bridges 
in Ohio and Michigan. He died in 1862 and his 
wife in 1872. Of their eight children six grew to 
maturity and five are now living: George lives in 
Portland; Abrara in Orange; Samuel in Kansas; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



513 



Mary Ann ( Mrs. O. Morse) in Gratiot County; and 

oursulijccl, llie youngest of tlie family. The fatlier 
was a stanch Ueinocral iii [)olitics. He showed 
great interest in educational matters, and was a 
member of the Scliool Board. One son, John, 
served in a regiment of Micliig.-in iiif;iiiti'y ;uid 
was killed in battle. 

December IG, 1837, was tiie natal da^- of our 
subject, his birthplace being Stark County, Ohio, 
and he was therefore ton years old when Iiis father 
came to Michigan. He attended school in the log 
schoolhouse on his father's farm and tlien remained 
at home and assisted in the work until he reached 
his majority, and indeed after that he |)referrcil to 
st.iy at the old place and relieve his father of the 
res|)onsibilit3' of the home farm. For forty-three 
3'ears his home has been here and he h.as seen this 
property pass through all tlie stages of improve- 
ment from wild Ian<l to its present slate. He has 
three hundred and forty acres of land, including 
the old liomeslead of one hundred and fifty-five 
acres. He is a great worker, iiaving cleared off 
one hundred acres of this himself, including the 
removal of stumps and stones from all of it. Two 
hundred and eiglily-fivc acres are under the plow. 
He practices mixed farming and raises graded stock 
for market. His residence built in 1882 cost ^3,000, 
and he has built a barn 26.x72 feet and a large 
amount of shed room. 

Mr. Keefcr married August 13, 1862, .hilia M. 
Carbaugh, a daughter of George and M.agdalena 
(Forman) Carbaugh, both natives of Pennsylvania 
who came to Michigan in 1856, and settled where 
William Carbaugh now lives. George Carbaugh 
died in 1862, and his wife In 1870. Of their eight 
children five are now living. Mrs. Keefer was 
the youngest child, born September 14, 1838, in 
Virginia where she received a common-school edu- 
cation. Her parents were hard-working people and 
starting in early life with but ver3' little have 
gained all that they have by persevering and in- 
dustrious efforts. The mother of William Keefer 
was for ten years before her death perfectly help- 
less ami dependent upon her son for every attention 
and assistance, which he granted most tenderly and 
unstintingl^', and for nineteen years was badly 
afflicted with rheumatism. Of liis five children, 



the eldest, Ulj-sses Grant, was born October 14, 
1863; Emma .May, born Sei)tember, 1 86.5, is now the 
wife of William T. Naldrelt, with whom and her 
one child, Dora May, she lives in Midland County, 
Mich.; William S., born Se|)lember 13, 1867; Ida 
Klla, October 27, 1870; .Sheridan Wilson, Decem- 
ber 19, 1873. All have had a good schooling. 
Ida has taken a course in the High .School at Ionia, 
and William S. is a student in the business college. 
He li.is been a member of the Grange, of which he 
has been Master. He h.is alw.ays voted the Re- 
publican ticket since Abraham Lincoln's first can- 
didacy and is wide-awake to all political questions. 
He is Assessor of .School District No. I, frfictional, 
and has been a member of the School Board for 
about twenty years. For four years he has been 
Supervisor of the township and has also filled the 
oHices of Constable and Justice of the Pe.ace. He 
operated a threshing machine for nine years and 
his sou has for six years been in the same line of 
work, while his father showed the same liking for 
machinery in his opemtion of a sawmill for some 
years. His character for integrity and temperance 
and his connection hy marriage with some of the 
best families in the township have combined to 
m.ake his name a prominent one in that section. 



y^ ARCELLl'S J. ALLEN, a prosperous far- 
mer residing on section 5, Ronald Town- 
ship, Ionia County, was born in Long 
Plains, Midi., October 27, 1845. His father, 
Melvin 15. Allen, was born and reared in Vermont. 
At eighteen years of age he removed to Franklin 
County, N. V., there he married Eliza C. Wood, 
who was born in Malone, Franklin County, N. Y. 
After three years residence in that State tliey 
removed in 1837 to Michigan and settled in Bur- 
ton Township, Ionia County, when tliere were 
very few settlers in that coimty. They afterward 
lived in Palo, Ronald Township, thence removed 
to Long Plains, where our subject was born. Tlicy 
finally made their home in Ionia, where the father 
died in 1887. The mother, now in lier seventy- 
seventh vear, resides with a d.iughler in East-n 



514 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Township. Their five children are: Claria, who 
(lied at the age of twenty-seven 3'ears; Elizabetii, 
Mrs. W. S. Cowan; our sul)ject; Edgar M., who 
died in C^olorado; and Herbert L. 

The subject of this biographical review took his 
first scliooling in a log schoolliousc. Afterward he 
attended llic Union school at Ypsilanti. He began 
work as a clerk in a store at Bay City. He spent 
one year there and then one year in Ionia. He 
then purchased and settled upon the place where he 
now resides. During the two years when he was 
clearing his place of timber he and his brother 
Edgar kei)t bachelor's hall on the place. Tliis 
however became wearisome and uninteresting and 
on October 15, 1871, he married Susan S. Morri- 
son, a native of Ionia, Mich., and at once went to 
housekeeping on the farm. There was then no 
road to the place but it is now one of the finest 
farms in the county. He has two hundred and 
four acres all under cultivation, except ten which 
he keeps in timber. No children have been sent 
to this pleasant lionie. 

Mr. Allen carries on general farming and stock- 
raising. He is a Republican in politics and a mem- 
ber of the Masonic Loilge No. 203 at Palo. In 
tliis lodge lie is the Treasurer. The grandfather 
of our subject was Timothy Allen, a Vermont boy 
in the War of 1H12. The beautiful residence in 
which our subject iind his wife reside is a two- 
story brick house whicli cost him $3,700, not count- 
ing his own labor. 






^^ 



EDWARD BARNARD. This gentleman re- 
sides on a farm on section 27, Orange Town- 
' ship, Ionia County. He belongs to a family 
of Scotch origin. His father, Levi Barnard, a na- 
tive of Connecticut, was born about 1779, and com- 
bined with tiic business of a farmer the trades of a 
wagonmaker and shoemaker. His mother, P0II3' 
(Milkes) Barnard, was a native of Rome, Oneida 
County, N. Y., and was of Pennsylvania Dutch 
descent. Her father was a remarkable man phy- 
sically, being a giant in stature and strength, weigh- 
ing three hundred and forty pounds and being 



well-proportioned. He could lift enormous weights 
and accom])lisli prodigious tasks. 

Mr. and Mrs. Levi Barnard were married in 
Rome, N. Y., and from there they emigrated to 
Canada, where for about six years they kept a 
tavern. They then returned to New York, settling 
in Orleans County upon a limbered farm, becoming 
pioneers of that region; they then proceeded to 
improve the farm upon which they lived for six- 
teen years. Their next removal was to Niagara 
County, where they made their home upon a farm 
until their death in 1861. Sixteen children blessed 
their home, only two of whom are now living. 
One daughter. Mrs. Mary Ann Ilorton, still resides 
in Niagara County, N. Y. The parents were mem- 
bers of the JMethodist Episcopal Church, and the 
father was very active in church matters. He was 
also deeply interested in i)olitics, being a Whig in 
the early days, but with many other Whigs joined 
the Republican party upon its formation. At one 
time he held the office of Supervisor, also that of 
Justice of the Peace. 

Edward Barnard was born July 15, 1825, in 
Orleans County, N. Y. At sixteen years of age 
he removed with his parents to Niagara County, 
and there he resided until 1849, when he came to 
Michigan to visit liis brother, Esquire Barnard, who 
was a pioneer settler here. After his return home 
he was united in marriage March 14, 1850, with 
Elizabeth Jane Hostetter, a daughter of Philip and 
Mary (Saddlesarm) Hostetter, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, and on both sides belonging to Pennsylvania 
Dutch families, all being engaged in the business 
of farming, and descendants of very early settlers 
of that State. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. 
Barnard was over one hundred 3 ears old at the 
time of his death, while the family on her paternal 
side were also long lived. Jlr. and Mrs. Hostetter 
were the parents of seven children, four of whom 
are now living. Mrs. Hostetter died in 1855, and 
her husband followed her in 1SC3. Their daughter, 
Mrs. Barnard, was born September 21, 1831, in 
Niagara County, N. Y. 

The newly married couple made their wedding 
trip to Michigan and set up housekeeping in a log 
shanty on section 27, entering at once upon the 
improvement of forty acres of raw land. That 




RESIDENCE OF WASHINGTON CU RF?I E, SEC . 16, EA5T0 N T P.,1 ON lA CO.MICH 




Kt .'^l U t I < 1. 1 ijf L t; 



^rtD.SEC5 22. i 27 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



517 



poverty in youth does not preclude an honest, in- 
dustrious, capable man from acquiring wealth, is 
proved in llie liistory of tliis prosperous farmer. 
They were at the time of their niarri.age very poor 
and to get liere iiad to borrow ><100, upon which 
they paid seven per cent, interest. Only ^'iO re- 
mained in liie family purse when the}' reached their 
new home, and they had to go in debt for the land. 
Besides tliis sum of money tiiey had their own 
sturdy indepcncience, good health, and forty acres 
of encumbered land to begin vvjth. Mr. Barnard 
cleared off thirty acres and cultivated it. To this 
he added eighty acres of raw land, of which he has 
cleared and put under cultivation sixtj'-five acres. 
The early cultivation of land with the pioneers of 
Ionia County, included a general clearance of their 
acreage from stumps and stones. There were no 
settled roads then, and iilonty of Indian neighbors 
and wild animals abounded, but Mr. Barnard had 
a happy faculty of getting along well with the 
Indians. 

Mr. Barnard has always carried on his farming 
actively and has wisely chosen to follow mixed hus- 
bandry. He devotes considerable attention to 
stock-raising and h.os on his farm the Short-horn 
and Devon cattle. After residing on this place for 
three j-ears he removed b.ack to the old home in 
New York, where he remained for two and a half 
j'ears, and then made his permanent home in Michi- 
gan. He now has one hundreil and sixty .acres of 
land, located on sections 22, 27 and 28. His pres- 
ent residence he erected in 1870, at a cost of !j'2,100, 
besides his own labor and supervision. All the 
improvements now on the farm have been placed 
there b}* himself. He is a member of the Patrons 
of Industr}', also of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows and the Masonic fraternity, both at Port- 
land . 

In the early days Mr. Barnard was a Road Over- 
seer, and many of the good roads in the county 
were made by him, and were cut through heavy 
timber. In those days they were glad to get a 
market for their eggs at five cents a dozen and their 
butler at five cents a pound. Mrs. Barnard assisted 
her husband bravely in all his outside work; he 
would sow the wheat and then she followed him to 
drag it in. An ox-team was his only motive power 



and for three years his best vehicle a sled, as be 

was too poor to buy a wagon. This beautiful home 
has never been blessed with ciiildren. Mr. Barnard 
takes an interest in public affairs and has always 
voted the Republican ticket. His judgment is con- 
sidered sound and lie has been chosen sixteen times 
to serve :is juror in both .State and Tnited States 
Courts. His l)rothers, Esquire Levi and James, 
died in this and Berlin Townships. Mr. Barnard 
stands as one of the representative men of Orange 
Township, and is highly esteemed in the community 
which has so long been his home. 

A view of the commodious residence and farm- 
buildings on l\Ir. Barnard's estate ap|)ears elsewhere 
in this volume. 



(|, )»:ASHINGTON Cl'RRIE, a representative 
r A* citizen and prominent pioneer of Ionia 
\^/^ County, resides on section 16, Easton 
Township. He was born in Oneida County, N. Y., 
March 11, 1831, and is the son of William and 
Catherine (Murry) Currie. His father emigi-ated 
from .Scotland to America when a bo}' of seventeen 
years, and his mother was a native of New Y'ork 
State, of Scotch parentage. He lost his father 
when a babe of eighteen months and when only 
five years old his mother was taken from him by 
death. A kindly aunt, Mrs. Margaret Fleming, a 
Scotchwoman, reared the child. When only three 
years old he had been brought by his mother and 
aunt to Lenawee County, Mich., where the mother 
died. 

At the age of seven years our subject accom- 
panied his uncle and aunt to Ionia County. The 
trip here was made by teams to the vicinity of 
.lackson, where they transferred their goods to a 
flat-boat and in this they made the remainder of 
the journey. Mr. Currie vividly recalls the inci- 
dents of J-hat trip, during which the boat ran on to 
a rock, and the kind settlers b}' the river came with 
canoes and assisted them in releasing their boat and 
getting it in deep water. l'|)on reaching this 
county they settled on a farm in Ea3ton Township, 



bin 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



which is now owned by Norman Clark, and lieie 
Mr. Fleming died. 

Tlie rudiments of his cduuation were acquired 
by our subject in the primitive schools of the back- 
woods. His marriage December 10, 1854, united 
him with Alvira Sweet, a daughter of Reuben and 
Hester (Skul) Sweet, who lived near Rochester, 
N. Y. By this union Mr. Currie had one son, 
George AV., who married AlmaSnell. 

Our subject settled on his present farm in the 
spring of 1855 and made his home in a log cabin 
18x28 feet in size. Many years later he removed 
from beneath this humble roof into his present fine 
residence, a view of which is presented on anotiier 
page. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty 
acres in a good state of cultivation, and his com- 
fortable hume r.nd fine farm are a standing mon- 
ument to his enterprise and encrg3'. He and his 
good wife are leading members of society and are 
well and favorably known throughout the com- 
munity wliere they reside. 



^/ AY ROSS. The farmers of Lyons Town- 
ship, Ionia County, have a good represent- 
ative in the gentleman above named, whose 
fine farm on section 4, has been brought to 
its |)resent state by his own efforts, he having cut 
the first stick of timber felled upon it. In subdu- 
ing the land, making improvements upon it and 
raising crops of various kinds Mr. Ross has shown 
a degree of enterprise and an understanding of his 
calling that stamps him as one of the intelligent 
agiiculturists, so many of whom are to be met 
with in the county. In other ways also he may be 
taken as a fair type of the class, his citizenship 
being reliable, his intelligence above the average 
and his private character admirable. 

The birthplace of Mr. Ross was Rensselaer 
County, N. Y., and the date of his arrival upon 
the stage of human events August 21, 1826. His 
father and grandfatlier bore the same name — Joshua 
— and both were born in Rhode Island. The grand- 
father was a sailor and the father a stonemason. 



The latter went to the Empire State and married 
Anna Rounds, who was born in Rensselaer County, 
and there the young couple remained until 18.3G. 
They then went to Yates County and the husband 
turned his attention to farming. Ten j'ears later 
they came to Ionia County, Mich., and establisiied 
themselves on section 5, Lyons Township. They 
took possession of a new farm and had made con- 
siderable imjjrovement upon it before the husband 
was called hence in 1851. The widow died on the 
same farm in 1870. They reared five dauglitcrs 
and four sons, all yet living but one, Moses, who 
died in California. The other brothers and sisters 
of our subject are Anna, now Mrs. Nichols, of 
Colora<lo; Peter, who lives in North Plains Town- 
ship; Jane, wife of Fred Smith, living in Genesee 
County; Mary L., now Mrs. Oris wold, of Ovid, 
Clinton County'; Mrs. Lucelia H. Ludwig, of Ionia 
Count3-; Mrs. Amelia Brown, living in Mecosta 
Count}'; and Nathan W., whose home is in Otisco 
Township, Ionia County. 

Jay Ross is the oldest child of his parents. He 
was ten years old when he left his native place for 
^Veste^n New York and was twenty when he came 
to this State. His education was acquired in the 
district schools of the Empire .State and his knowl- 
edge of farming was largely gained while aiding 
his father on the home place. Immediately after 
his marriage, which took place in the fall of 1850, 
he made his home where he now lives, buying 
forty acres of land for $100. He added to the 
extent of his farm as circumstances warranted and 
now has one hundred and ten acres, most of which 
is under the plow. He raises the crops that are 
adapted to the soil and climate and gives such 
attention as is usual to raising domestic animals, 
making a specialty of neither. His fields are en- 
closed by good fences, the outbuildings are sub- 
stantial and ample for their purposes, and the 
dwelling is comfortable and homelike. 

At the bride's home, in the village of L3'ons, 
September 10, 1850, Mr. Ross was married to Miss 
Julia Nichols, This lady was born in Yates County, 
N. Y., February 3, 1829, her parents being John 
and Julia (McCloud) Nichols. Her father was 
born in Germany and her mother in New York. 
They spent their wedded life in the Empire State 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALI5UM. 



519 



and their mortal remains were laid away side by 
side in Avon, Livingston County. The marriage 
of Mr. and Mrs. Ross has been blest to them by 
tlie birth of live children, whose record is as fol- 
lows: John K., born in 1853, is living in Lyons 
Townsiiip; E. Madora, born in 1855, is the wife 
of W. C. Kly and her home is in Lyons Town- 
ship; Eugene J., born in 185'J, lives in Ionia and 
is janitor of the court house; Lenna M., born in 
1861, is the wife of George Corbin and their home 
is in Grand Rapids; Charles E., born in 186'J, 
still remains with his parents and is his fatlier's 
assistant in managing tlie farm. 

Mr. Ross helped to organize the first school in 
his neighborhood and hired the first teacher in the 
district. In order to increase the attendance and 
so keep ui) the school he sent his eldest son when 
he was but four years old. He has continued his 
interest in educational affairs and has also been 
ready to take a part in other worthy movements. 
His first vote was cast in behalf of Gen. Winfield 
Scott and he gives his aid and influence to the 
Democratic part}'. He is a memljer of llic Patrons 
of Industry. He and liis wife are members of the 
Presl)ylerian Church of Muir, of which he has been 
Trustee. The oldest settler, save one, now living 
in the neighborhood, he is widely known and is 
looked upon as an honor to the community. 



-J— 



f 



ILLIAM BROOKS is one of the men who 
i^yi; are keeping up the reputation of Ionia 
County as an agricultural region of de- 
cided productiveness, equal to any within the 
bour.dsof the State. His farm is favorably located 
on section 36, Orleans Township, anil consists of 
si.xty acres of land, upon which stand the usual 
buildings seen in a flourishing agricultural district 
and over which graze well-fed herds of domestic 
animals. Mr. Brooks gives his attention to general 
farming, as he has done for many 3'ears. 

The paternal graiid|)arents of our subject were 
Caleb and Hannah (Ellis) Brooks, who were bom 
in the Green Mountain State, but during the latter 
years of their lives resided in New York. Caleb 



Brooks entered the Revolutionary array at the age 
of thirteen years and he also fought the British in 
the War of 1812. In 1855 he made a visit to his 
son in Michigan. He died in Antwerp, N. Y., at 
the venerable age of ninety-seven years, and his 
wife died there after having passed her one hun- 
, dredth biithday. 

Our subject is a son of William E. Brooks, who 
was born in Ve/mont, but went to New York dur- 
ing his early life and when part of that State was 
not fully developed. He lived there until 1846, 
then came to Ionia County, this Stale, and made 
his final home in Ronald Township. There he 
took up two hundred and twenty acres of land on 
which he continued the work to which he devoted 
his life — farming. When a boy he had learned the 
butcher's trade but he followed it only a short 
time. His death occurred March 5, 1869. He had 
served as Ilighwaj' Commissioner several terms, 
lie and his wife, who died in 1887, belonged to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Caroline Kent. Her parents were Nathaniel and 
Hannah (Mead) Kent, and her mother was first 
married to Luther Dorwin, who was a sohlier of 
the Revolution and the War of 1812. He fought 
seven years in the first struggle for independence, 
and while cheering at the close wjis mistaken for a 
British soldier and fired upon by his own comrades, 
seven bullets passing through his hat. To Luther 
Dorwin and his wife eleven children were born: 
Stephen, William, Hubby, Zcddock, Amos, Laura, 
Hannah, Nancy, Ruth, Sally and Nabby: all are 
deceased. The family circle to which our subject 
belongs includes .also Caroline, Minerva, Milton, 
Nathaniel, Curtis, Stephen, Er.-istus and Angelo. 

William Brooks, the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Jefferson County, N. Y., Eebruary 21, 
1828, and was nineteen years old when he accora- 
l)anied his parents to this State. He lived in Ron- 
ald Townshij) twenty-five years, then made his 
home in Ionia City for nine years. In 1875 he 
came to Orleans Township, where he has remained, 
steadily pursuing his occupation. In Ronald Town- 
ship he w.as the owner of one hundred acres of land, 
but he solil it upon his removal to the county seat 
and invested his capital in the mercantile business. 



520 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



In company with C. A. Preston and William H. 
Bentley he built the Union Block, in which he h.a<l 
a third interest. 

The marriage of Mr. Brooks to Miss Margaret 
Wicks was solemnized at Smyrna August 12, 1866. 
The bride was a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth 
(Filkins) Wicks, natives of New York, who came 
to Ionia County in 1846. They located in Otiseo 
Township, but after a sojourn of a few years re- 
moved to Orleans Township, where they died at 
the respective ages of seventy-seven and eighty- 
eight years. They were members of the Baptist 
Church. Mr. Wicks was Treasurer of Orleans 
Township for a number of years. He was a black- 
smith by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have two 
children — Willis W. and Marian M. — both residing 
at home. Mr. Brooks has been a member of the 
Patrons of Industry and is a member of the Grange. 
He is a Master Mason, belonging to Ionia Lodge. 
While living in Ronald Township he served as 
Treasurer two years, and in Ionia he held the same 
office and for the same length of time. In politics 
he has always been an adherent of the Republican 
party. Three of his brothers — Stephen, Angelo 
and Erastus— were in the Union army during the 
late war, survived its dangers, and are still living. 

"i|^^^ APOLEON B. RICE is a man who is very 
I j) much respected in the community where he 
]v^!^ resides. This esteem he fully merits by the 
exemplary manner in which he performs the duties 
of citizenship. The public offices which he has 
filled are important and trustworthy, and the great 
length of time which he has held these positions 
speak forcibly of the faithful performance of their 
duties. 

Mr. Rice was born in Ontario County, N. Y., 
February 7, 1829, and is the son of Caleb and Lucy 
(Lathrop) Rice, natives of New York. Caleb Rice 
was a clergyman in the Baptist Church, a man of 
great piety and no doubt one who sowed many 
seeds by the wayside which eventually produced 
golden harvests. In his ministerial career of fifty 
years dMi'ation, this good man, without doubt, gar- 



nered many harvest sheaves of his own sowing, 
as he commenced at the age of nineteen years and 
preached until the time of his death. He came to 
Michigan in 1850 and located in Eaton County, 
where he died February 22, 1860. He was twice 
married; by his first wife he had three children, 
and by the second, seven — three of whom still sur- 
vive: John L., a resident of Geneseo, N. Y. ; Ephi- 
let,, in Eaton County, this State; Napoleon B., our 
subject; Wealth^' D.was the wife of George Sprague, 
and both are deceased. 

Our subject was reared to farm pursuits, alter- 
nating with teaching. His career commenced as a 
teacher in Michigan at the age of nineteen years, 
and his first efforts were in Hillsdale, Washington 
and Eaton Counties. In 1857 he engaged in mill- 
ing [lursuils and continued in this business four 
years. He afterward went onto a farm where he 
remained eleven years, but soon went back to the 
mill where he has been since. Mr. Newman and 
our subject own the mill, whose capacity is one hun- 
dred and seventy-five barrels, and their principal 
shipping point is New York. 

Mr. Rice married Mar}' Newman November 23, 
1857. Three children have blessed this union: 
Effie Amelia, died in August, 1883; Charles C. and 
Hiram Elwin, who are operating as millers. Mr. 
Rice is a member of the Universalist Church, is a 
stanch Democrat and has been Supervisor and 
Assessor about ten years. On account of the great 
integrity which he displays in performing the 
duties of his office he has been re-elected a number 
of times. 



BIJAH RICH has long been numbered 
among the farmers of Ionia Count}', having 
in 1857 cast in his lot with the residents in 
Otiseo Township. He at that time pur- 
chased a farm of eight}- acres, but he has increased 
his possessions and now has one hundred and fifty- 
three acres in the township, two-thirds of which is 
under the plow. In 1888 Mr. Rich bought two 
lots in Belding, on which he has built a fine dwell- 
ing suited to his comfort and that of his family. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



521 



This property is valued at about ^2,000. It will 
thus be seen lUat our subject lias been successful in 
accumulating worldly goods, and that he lias 
demonstrated the fact Ihat farming is a work in 
which men can gain a competence. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Reldon Rich, wlio lived and died in Seneca Count}-, 
N. Y. In his family was a son, Noaii, who mar- 
ried Hannah Foster, daughter of Abijah Foster. 
The couple finallj- came to this State and settled in 
Wayne County. About 1854 they changed their 
residence to Ionia County and Mr. Rich bought 
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Otisco 
T(jwnship, where be remained until death. He 
built the hotel at Smyrna. To him and his wife 
one son and one daughter were born, named re- 
spectively, Abijah and Harriet. 

The birth of Abijah Rich took place March 24, 
1825, at the old home of the family in Seneca 
Count}', N. Y. lie remained with his parents until 
he was seventeen years old when, their home then 
being in this State, he returned to the place of his 
nativity, remaining there until 1850, engaged in 
fanning. He then returned to Michigan and lo- 
(•ate<l in Kent County, where he remained until the 
period before mentioned as the time of his arrival 
in Ionia County. 

When he returned to this State our subject was 
accompanied by a wife with whom he was united 
December 25, 1849. She bore the maiden name of 
Hannah L. Putnam and is one of seven daughters 
born to Thomas and Abigail (Grover) Putnam, her 
sisters being named Sophia, Nanc}', Lucinda, Sarah, 
Orplia and Kmeline. Her parents were natives re- 
s|iectively of Vermont and Connecticut. She was 
carefully reared, and not only instructed in house- 
wifely duties and the ordinary branches of an 
Knglish education, but tauglil the |)rinciples that 
should animate every liuman being. Mr. and Mrs. 
Rich have had five sons and two daughters, named 
lespectively : Josiali R., Byron. Dan, Hattie, Frank 
R. and Lerna and Fred (twins). They have been 
bereft of the earthly companionship of two, .losiah 
and Hattie, but they arc looking forward to a re- 
union with them in the land beyond the tomb. 

Roth Mr. and Mrs. Rich belong to the Methodist 
Ki)iscopal Church and their standing among the 



membership is excellent. Mr. Rich entered the 
Union service February 14, 1805, as a private in 
Company H, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and was 
discharged September 22, after the close of the 
war. He never aspires to oftice but is content to 
discharge the duties of a private citizen and is an 
unfailing supporter of the Republican party. 



BHlffllfDmE 



W OL'IS S. RUELL is the alTable host of the 
I (^ Welch House in Portland, Ionia Count}-, 
I ILavv gufj jg jjjgy ^|jg proprietor and manager of a 
general store in this village. He has been a resident 
of the |)lace a short time only, but already his qual- 
ities are making themselves felt in business circles 
and among the traveling public. As an hotel 
keeper he has had an experience of some years and 
to his new field he brings the tact and courtesy that 
make of every stranger an honored guest and of 
their comforta matter of moment. His years have 
been characterized by energetic pursuit of what- 
ever occupation promised best results in the town 
in which he was located, and a determination to 
rise above tlie simplest needs of humanity. 

The Roclls came from Scotland to America, the 
family being established in Canada by John Roell, 
who had been owner of a glass factory in Aberdeen, 
but after his emigration bought a large tract of 
land on which he resided until bis death in 1836. 
His son, Mathias, was twelve years old when the 
ocean was crossed and when grown he liecame a 
sohlier in the British army, holding the rank of 
Sergeant. He took up the profession of medicine 
and after finishing his studies practiced in Canada. 
He died in the Dominion May 20, 1869; his widow 
now lives in Ogdensburg, N. Y. To this couple 
were born six sons and six daughters, three of the 
number dying in early life and three in mature 
years. John, a resi<lent of Ogdensburg, N. Y., 
died in 1871, and the same year his sister, Mrs. 
Susan Marsh passed away; Frank, a contrac- 
tor and builder, died in Canada August 22, 18H6. 
The living members of the family are Louis S., sub- 
ject of this notice; William M., a sawyer in Mus- 
kegon, this State; Mrs. John Falkner, of Wisconsin ; 



522 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mrs. James Barber, residing in Ogdensburg, N. Y.; 
Mrs. William Petlengill, whose home is in Ft. Cov- 
ington, N. Y.; and Mrs. Catherine Matt, of Spring- 
field, Mass. 

The subject of these paragraphs was born in St. 
Catherine's, Province of Ontario, Canada, March 3, 
1842, and at the early age of eight 3'ears began 
working in a store, continuing his duties here some 
two years. AVhen just entering his teens he went 
to New York alone, and found emplo^'uient on a 
farm, and there he labored until the breaking out 
of the Civil War. "The shot heard around the 
world" had scarcely ceased to echo over the land 
when he enlisted, signing the roll of Company G, 
One Hundred and Twenty-second New York In- 
fantry, August 14, 186L He remained in the ser- 
vice until January 14, 1862, when his ill health 
made a discharge necessar}', he having been 
wounded at Antietam. Much against his wish he 
was obliged to resume the arts of peace, but he 
gave his influence and s^'mpathj' to the Union cause 
and his thoughts often reverted to the flelds of con- 
flict. 

When he left the army Mr. Roell went to Wis- 
consin and thence to Saginaw, this State, where he 
became foreman in a mill and interested in the lum- 
ber industrj'. In this enterprise be has since been 
largely' engaged, and during the flourishing da^'s of 
the region he kept the Webster Hotel. In 1891 he 
removed to Belding, Ionia County, and opened a 
general store which was burnt out and he then 
came to Portland. His occupations here have been 
already mentioned. Besides his stock and personal 
property, Mr. Roell owns a fine farm. 

In .Sennett, N. Y., Noveniber2I, 1859, Mr. Roell 
was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Hewitt, 
an estimable lady who is a native of Canandaigua, 
N. Y., and to whom he and their children owe 
deep gratitude for their home comforts and the de- 
votion of her life. To Mr. and Mrs. Roell eight 
sons and daughters have been born, of whom six 
are living, named respectively. Art C, Herbert, 
William, Louis, Carrie and Matie. The seconcl son 
is now attending the Ypsilanti Business College, 
and Carrie is the wife of Herbert Dodge and lives 
in Morley, this State. 

Art C. Roell was born in Elbridge, N. Y., July 



28, 1862. An occupation to which he devoted his 
time in early life was packing shingles and he after- 
ward learned telegraphy, to which he still gives 
his attention. He has been an operator on tiie line 
of the Detroit, Lansing & Milwaukee Railroad, and 
he is now m.anager of the Michigan postal telegraph 
and cable lines. He also has an important part in 
the control of the Welch House. His wife was 
known in her maidenhood as Miss L. May Head- 
ley, and they have one child, a daughter, Claytie, 
who is the pride of the entire household and the 
wonder of all who hear her elocutionary efforts, 
as she shows a remarkable talent in that line. 

Mr. Roell, subject of this sketch, is a social man, 
and takes an unusual degree of interest in the fra- 
ternal orders. He is connected with Masonr}', Odd 
Fellowship, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
and the Grand Army of the Republic. He claims 
to be a "Democrat to the backbone" and none who 
know him will gainsay this fact. In Montcalm 
County he was Justice of the Peace, with a good 
record as an officer. He and his family are gaining 
friends in their new home and no doubt will soon 
be as popular here as the}' have been elsewhere. 



':^^ 



LFRED R. ISHAM. This gentleman is 
O! one of the well-to-do farmers of Montcalm 
County and is also a member of the firm 
of Cross & Isham, proprietors of the But- 
ternut cheese factory and a general store at Butter- 
nut. There is a fine market for the products of 
tlie factory and its reputation is constantly increas- 
ing, so that the output this year will be much 
larger than ever before. During the last year the 
factor}- produced sixty one thousand eight hundred 
pounds. The farm of Mr. Isham consists of two 
hundred and ten acres, in every part of which 
order and neatness prevail. It bears a complete 
line of farm buildings, including a large and sub- 
stantial barn and one of the finest farm houses to 
be seen in the county. The dwelling was put up 
in 1890, is built of Owasso brick, contains ten large 
rooms and has three cellars. 

The parents of our subject were A. D. and Mar- 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



523 



garet (Whitacre) Ishain, natives of New York and 
\'crn)Oiit resiiectively, and members of the fanning 
community. Tlio)' were living in Ionia Coiintj', 
this State, when their son Alfred was born Septem- 
ber 10, 1840. The lad lived on the home farm 
until the death of his mother, which oc-curred when 
he was eleven j'ears old, and he then went to New 
York and si)ont some four j^ears with relatives in 
Monroe and Ontario Counties. He obtained a good 
business education and after his return to tliis State 
he became well acquainted with agricultural work, 
as he aided his father in clearing land and raising 
crops. He lias three brothers engaged in fanning 
in Montcalm Countj' and two living in ("leveland, 
Ohio — J. I'rank being Vice-President in the firm of 
H. M. Brainerd & Co., and Dr. ,1. S., a physician 
who was graduated from Bellevue College and 
Hospital, New York. 

October It!, 18C2, Mr. Tsham was married to 
Miss Mary L. Carey, wiiose former home was in 
tiie township she has continued to reside in. The 
marriage has been blessed by the birth of two chil- 
dren — .). Frank, born June 23, 1866, and Willie, 
born September 19, 1873. Both sons are at home 
anil Willie does the book-keeping for the firm of 
Cross it Isham. They have been given good edu- 
cations and the parents have taken great interest in 
their progress and in further fitting them for the 
battle of life by instilling into their minds good 
princi|)les of conduct. 

In recalling his early experiences Mr. Isham does 
not forget that along with privation and hardship 
he had many pleasures, and he often says that the 
people in a new settlement are more social and 
friendly than in populous localities. Upon his 
place is a sugar camp of three hundred trees, 
from which sugar and syrup for the use of the 
family are made. When Mr. Isham was making 
the initial improvements on his property he was in 
the habit of chopping and logging during the win- 
ter and whenever his farm work would allow, and 
slowlj' but surely he made room for larger fields 
and better crops. He has held various minor 
olliccs, has served on the School Board, and was 
Township Supervisor one year. The vote he easts 
is a Republican one. 

In the winter of 1864 Mr. Isham entered the 



army as a member of Company E, Twentj'-seventh 
Michigan Infantry, Col. D. M. Fox. He had 
two brothers in the same regiment. He was present 
at the siege of Knoxville, look part in the battles 
of the Wilderness, ('old Harbor and Spoltsylvania 
Court House, and aided in the siege of Petersburg, 
where he witnessed the blowing up of the fort. He 
was present at the surrender of General Lee and 
took part in the Grand Review at Washington, and 
remained in the capital nearly all summer. He 
w.as discharged July 26, 1865, but did not reach 
home until September, as he could not get trans- 
))ortation before. 

LFORD SHIRFS owns the largest body of 
land that is held by one individual in Day 
Township, Montcalm County. It consists 
of thirteen hundred and sixty acres on 
sections 25, 26 and 27, of which three hundred 
and twenty acres are improved. There are three 
dwelling houses and two barns on the place and 
various minor structures, and it is not without or- 
chards and other adornments that add to its 
remunerativeness as well astoits beaut3'. Mr. Shires 
has one hundred and fift}' acres of grain and haj' 
land, and raises good grades of cattle and sheep, 
his flock averaging one hundred head. The tilled 
land is watered by Fish Creek and is fertile and 
adapted for either grain or stock purposes. The 
tract of land he owns was formerly the Grand 
Haven Lumber Company's property. Mr. Shires 
is a partner of Heath & Shcrra.an, the widely-known 
lumber men of this region. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Michael Shires, a native of Germany, who located 
on a farm near Danville, Pa., after his emigration 
and died there. His son William w.as born on the 
farm and took up his father's calling in the same 
county, and he too passed away in the Keystone 
State. William Shires married Pli(cbe Bond, a na- 
tive of the Slate and a life-long resident there. She 
and her husband belonged to the Baptist Church, 
and the latter was a Deacon. They reared five 
children, of whom Alford is next to the eldest. 



524 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIC \L ALBUM. 



Alford Shires was born near Danville, Montour 
County, Pa., September 26, 1849, and grew to man- 
hood on the farm owned by his father. He attended 
the district school and learned useful lessons at 
home, and when his father died he was able to 
carry on the farm to quite good advantage. He 
was about of age when the place came into his 
hands, and he remained upon it until the spring of 
1873, when he came West. Arriving in this State 
he sought employment and found it witli the Cut- 
ler & Savage Lumber Company at Si)ring Lake. He 
began at the bottom of the ladder in the new busi- 
ness, making plank road, and advanced to trim- 
ming the saw, tail sawing, and so on until he 
became head sawyer. For six years he was head 
sawyer and he also learned to hammer the saws. 

In 1883 Mr. Shires came to Day Township and 
bouglit tlie tract of fourteen hundred and forty 
acres, the most of which he now owns. He at once 
located on it and began making improvements, and 
during the winter months worked for the Grand 
Haven Lumber Company, scaling logs, etc., until 
they completed the job tliey were engaged at. He 
has sold off eighty acres, and is rapidly placing the 
rest under cultivation. His fortunes have been 
shared since October 29, 1879, by a true-hearted 
wife whose maiden name was Jennie Heath. She 
is a daughter of Le Roy Heatli, of whom further 
mention is made in the sketch of V. S. Heath, on 
another page in this Album. She is the eldest of 
four children, was born witiiin sight of Rockford, 
111., February 1, 1859, and reared in Ottawa_County, 
Mich. Her education was obtained in the dis- 
trict schools, principally in Spring Lake Townsiiip 
where her years of maidenhood were spent, but 
she has gained culture from sources outside the 
scliool room, and is relined as well. 

The happy marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shires has 
been further blessed to them in the birth of two 
children — Glenn and I'lorence I. Both husband 
and wife belong to the Baptist Churcli at Stanton 
and Mrs. Shires is connected with the Ladies Aid 
Society. Mrs. Sliires is a member of the Odd Fel- 
lows' Lodge at Spring Lake, and always deposits a 
Republican ballot when ihe national issues are be- 
inc considered. Husband and wife are ''given to 
hospitality," dispense their means liberally when 



any worthy movement calls for their sympathy, 
and display such qualilics of mind and heart as 
win the esteem of those who know them. 



<?^)D\VIN R. BANTON. It is thirty years 
{l^ since Mr. Banton settled in this Slate and 
/I' — -^ almost that period has elapsed since he be- 
came a resident of Montcalm County and of that 
part of Bloomer Township where he is now to be 
found. He has a fine farm of two hundred and 
forty acres, all under cultivation or used for pas- 
turage and the minor work connected with farm 
life, except a timber tract of twenty-four acres. 
The woodland contains a fine sugar camp of eight 
hundred trees, but this is rarely worked. The 
buildings that now stand upon the property are 
comfortable and substantial, and include every- 
thing that is needful in carrying on the work to 
which Mr. Banton gives his attention. He is es- 
pecially interested in fine stock and prides himself 
on the good horses and cattle and pure-bred hogs 
on his place. 

Mr. Banton is a son of the Pine Tree State, hav- 
ing been born in La Grange County, Me., June 2, 
183G. His father, Joseph B. Binton, was born in 
Manchester, England, and was a seafaring man dur- 
ing his earlier life. He was captain of a vessel on 
the Atlantic and when he abandoned the sea he be- 
came a farmer. The mother of our subject bore 
the maiden name of Sophronia Ranlet and was born 
in Maine. The son had good schooling until he 
was fourteen years old, but from that time he went 
in winters until he was of age, p.aying his board by 
work — as he began life for himself. His father was 
highly educated and encouraged and aided his son 
in improving his mind. 

In the fall of 1857 young Banton came to this 
State and made his home in Ionia. There he fol- 
lowed various pursuits for a livelihood until No- 
vember, 1864, when he came to Montcalm County 
and set up his home in the midst of the forest. 
He built a log cabin 11x14 feet, in which 
he lived about twelve years. In the mean- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



527 



time lie was working iiard to hew clown the trees 
that surrounded it, remove tiie stumps and fit the 
land for cultivation. He went to Ionia and Hul)- 
bardston for iiis supplies and to sell produce when 
he beyan to raise more than he used, and there he 
was obliged to have his milling done. Mr. lianton 
has paid considerable attention to raising clover 
seed an(1 has threshed as mucli as two hundred 
busliels from thirty acres of land. 

March 1, 18C4, Mr. Banton was married to Miss 
Samantha Holcomb, at that time a resident of 
Ionia County, but a native of New York. She was 
reared in this Slate, became well informe<l, and un- 
derstands liow to make a cozy home and discharge 
the duties she owes to her family and friends. She 
has considerable property in Carson City, owning 
a number of lots there and a handsome residence. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hanton have two children — Ella 
.1., born August 10, 1805, and now the wife of 
George A. Smith, a shingle-maker at Lake View; 
and (Jeorgc ]{.. born Maj' 24, 1873, and now at- 
tending school in Carson City. 

In all public enterprises Mr. Banton is among 
the most conspicuous and active workers in the lo- 
cality in which he lives. He is a man of progres- 
sive ideas, takes an active interest in educational 
matters, and has seen that his own children enjoyed 
as good opportunities as came within his means. 
His daughter taught school in this county three 
terms, and his son is already well informed, though 
still a student. Mr. Banton votes the Republican 
ticket. He has held the various school olllces and 
served as Highway Commissioner. He is a stock- 
holder in the State Bank of Carson City, and has 
been a Director for two j-ears. 

W ORAM) .1. MOSHER. Among the enter- 
11 (^ {'rising farmers of Ionia County is the gen- 
/ll=^. tlenian whose portrait appears on the oppo- 
site page, and whose present estate has been 
brought to a fine condition In' his own efforts. 
When he settled on section 20, Ronald Town- 
ship, in the year 1859, he found a clearing of 
five acres and a log bouse on the tract of land 



he had bought. The first one hundred and sixty 
acres cost him ^2,600, it being covered with heavy 
timber that was considered quite valuable. This 
has been removed and the acreage extended so that 
the estate now consists of two hundred anil 
forty acres, with one hundred and eighty under 
cultivation. The farm buildings include every 
necessary and convenient structure, among them 
being three barns, used respectively for sheep, 
horses and cattle. The largest of these is 36x44 
feet. The family dwelling is a two-story frame, 
the west upright, 18x29 feet, and the east upright 
18x28 feet; a one-stor}- wing extends toward the 
south. There are eight rooms on the first floor 
and nine on the second. 

The family history states that the Mosher fam- 
ily was established in America by three brothers 
who emigrated from England, and that there is a 
large estate in the mother country due to the 
heirs. Two of the brothers mentioned li.ad families 
and from one of these our subject is descended, 
(irandfalher Mosher, whose given name was James, 
was bnrn in New York and followed farming. His 
son William was born and reared in the Empire 
State, learned the trade of a millwright and also 
worked at furniture-making. He spent the latter 
part of his life in farming. In Otsego Count}', 
N. Y., he married Samantha Laurence, who was 
born and reared in New York. In that county 
Mr. Mosher was eng.aged in milling, but upon 
removing to Madison County he turned to farm- 
ing. After a few years he went to St. Lawrence 
County, and in 1830 left that locality for Michi- 
gan. He look a boat at Ogdensburg and after 
landing at Detroit continued his journey with a 
team. 

William Mosher located in Royal Oak Town- 
ship, Oakland County, on an unimproved farm 
and labored for the development of the land until 
December. 1836, when he removed to Clinton 
County. There again he took possession (^f unim- 
proved land and once more took up the woik 
necessary to subdue it. He remained there until 
1845, from which time until his ileath he made his 
home with our subject. He died in June, 1849. 
anil his wife survived until August, 18,i5. Their 
children were Lucy, Laura, Lorand J., Laurence, 



528 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Janson B., Louisa, Lyman D. and Locke V. Those 
now living are onr subject, Lyman D. and Locke V. 

The gentleman whose name introduces this 
sketch was born in Otsego County, N. Y., on the 
Burlington Flats, November 4, 1824. He was about 
eight years old wlien he came to this State and in 
Oakland County he completed his schooling. His 
first studies had been carried on in a log school- 
house in his native State. He remained with his 
parents until his marriage, after which they became 
inmates of his dwelling, and he continued to aid in 
their support as he had previously done. He was 
married in Ionia County in 1848, to Miss Lucretia 
Bovec, a native of New York, who died June 
20, 1868. The union has been blest by the birth 
of five children — William M., Chloe M., Alice S., 
Harriet and George Irving. 

March 23, 1870, Mr. Mosher made a second 
matrimonial alliance, wedding Miss Sarah E. Kel- 
logg. This lady was born in Onondaga County, 
N. Y., July ID, 1829, and was nine years old when 
she left her native place and accompanied her 
parents to Michigan. Her mother, Lydia (Post) 
Kellogg, a native of Vermont, died August 23, 
1839. Her father, .lonalhan Kellogg, who was 
born in Saratoga County, N. Y., breathed his last 
March 9, 1871. 

Mr. Mosher lias done good service to the travel- 
ing public while acting in the capacity of High- 
way Commissioner. He was Postmaster at Albion 
in 1858. He takes an intelligent interest in polit- 
ical questions and since he cast his first vote for 
John Charles Fremont has been identified with the 
Republican party. 



^ILLIAM W. McKUNE, a prominent citi- 
zen of McBride, Montcalm County, is en- 
gaged in the real-estate and insurance 
business. He is also Justice of the Peace and is 
now proprietor of the Cottage Hotel in that vil- 
lage. He bears an honorable record of service for 
his country in the navy during the Civil War, 
and both he and his wife arc highly esteemed 
and beloved in the community. The father of 



our subject, Dr. David W. McKune, was born in 
Orange Count}-, N. Y., of Scotch parentage, his 
father having come to this country in the early 
j'ears of his married life. He settled first in Orange 
County, N. Y., and ten years later he removed to 
McKeau County, Pa., where he did a large business 
in the manufacture of lumber at the headwaters of 
the Allegheny River. Later in life he removed to 
Wood County, W. Va. ; there he resided on a 
large tract of land owned by him until his death, 
at the venerable age of ninety-nine years and eight 
months. 

Dr. McKune was a graduate of medicine in a 
New York college. He practiced in both Pennsyl- 
vania and West Virginia, but mostly in Wood 
County in the latter State. As he was then resid- 
ing over the lines in Rebeldom he was obliged to 
serve as surgeon for a little while in the Rebel army 
but somewhat later he enlisted in the Union .army 
in the Second West Virginia Cavalry. In this he 
served as Surgeon until the close of the war. The 
mother of our subject was Hannah Conklin. She 
was also of Scotch parentage and the daughter of a 
successful lumber manufacturer in Warren County, 
Pa. She died in that State in 1878. 

The subject of this sketch is the second eldest in 
a family of seven children; he was born October 6, 
1848, near Bradford, McKean County, Pa. Here 
he took advantage of the district schools and when 
less than fifteen years of age enlisted in Septena- 
ber, 18G2, in the United States Navy. He was 
placed in the Mississippi squadron on the dispatch 
boat "Victoria" No. 33. He also served for awhile 
on the monitor ''Neosha" and the flag ship "Moose". 
A part of the time he was a coxswain of the gig. 
He was active in the engagements at Nashville, 
Johnson, Ft. Henr3',Ft. Donelson, Franklin Roads, 
and various other naval battles. At the close of 
the war he received an honorable discharge at 
Mound City, III., June 9, I860, and returned to 
Pennsylvania, where this veteran (only eighteen 
years of age) engaged in the lumber business and 
took contracts to furnish ties for the New York & 
Erie Railroad. In those days he furnished from 
fifty thousand to one hundred thousand per year. 

The Western fever now attacked the young man 
and in 1872 he went to Washington County, Neb., 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



52'J 



where lie bought a farm near Blair and farmed it 
until the grasshoppers came and ate up his crops, 
lie then entered once more upon the business of a 
builder and contractor in Blair. Later he went to 
Omaha ami pursued the same line of work for two 
years. He was successful in his business but de- 
cided to go upon a ranch twelve miles north of 
Omaha, which belonged to Dr. Kaufman. Here for 
two years he superintended the ranch and engaged 
in raising fine stock and horses. In 1878 he re- 
turned to Omaha and for two years carried on 
building anrl contracting. He then returned to 
Michigiin and located in McBride, wiiere he has 
done the principal business in building since that 
time. About three years ago he added to his inter- 
ests that of handling real estate and collecting. 
He is also agent for the Phoenix Insurance Com- 
pany at Hartford and manager of the Michigan 
Hell Tele|)hone Compan3-at McBride. Since 1889 
he li'is been proprietor of the Cottage Hotel. 

The cultured and refined lady who |)resides over 
the home of Mr. .Mdvune became his wife on Christ- 
mas Day, 1871, in McKcan Countj-, Pa. Her name 
was Mary H., daughter of lleil Atkins. Her grand- 
faiher was an early settler in that county where he 
was a manufacturer of lumber but removed before 
his death to Chautauqua Count}', N. Y. Her father 
pursued the same line of business and in 18C0 
established a shingle factory at Elk Rapids, Mich., 
which be carried on for eight years, after which he 
returned to Pennsylvania. In 1872 he removed to 
Washington County, Neb., and settled upon a farm 
from which he retired after awhile and resided in 
Omaha until liis<ieath. Mrs. McKune's grandfather 
Foster was one of the early settlers in her native 
county and after him the township of Foster 
Brook was named. He was a very prominent man, 
was a soldier in the War of 18 1 2 and lived to be 
nearly ninety years of age. His daughter, Susan 
(Foster) Atkins, the mother of the wife of our 
subject still resides in Omaha. 

William W. McKune is the second in a family of 
eight children and was born in Bradford Township, 
iMcKean County, Pa., December 25, 1855. He and 
his good wife are the happy parents of three chil- 
dren: Fred who lives at Hot Springs, Ark., and 
Pearl an<l William who reside at home. The sub- 



ject of this sketch helped to incorporate the village 
of McBride, and its citizens have placed him at 
different times in almost every municipal office. 
For four years he was the I'resident of the village 
anil is now .lustice of the Peace. He is Comman- 
der of the McCook Post, No. 94, G. A. R., at Mc- 
Bride. He is an «arnest temperance man and has 
held various responsible offices in the Independent 
Order of Good Templars at McBride and has been 
for three years District Chief Temjjlar. He is the 
Librarian of the Day Township Library and Presi- 
dent of the Farmers' Alliance. He took the cen- 
sus of the township in 18110. His wife is an earnest 
and consistent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
McKune has been most of his life connected with 
the Republican |)arty until 186C when he voted 
and has since voted the Independent ticket. 



-^ 



ILLIAM WALLACK SACK, a prominent 
resident of section 13, Easton Township, 
Ionia County, is a native of Ontario, 
Canada, and was born December 9, 1836. He is a 
son of David Sage, who was born in Ontario, Can- 
ada, March 26, 1806, and whose parents were both 
natives of New York State, his father Allen Sage 
having served in the Revolutionary War when only 
sixteen years of age. The mother of our subject, 
Mary (Hawley) Sage, died March 17, 1884. 

The father of our subject was reared to manhood 
in Canada. He attended the primitive schools of 
his native couiit3',and improved to his best ability 
the log-cabin education of the day. He was trained 
up in the industries of agricultural life and ac- 
quired the sturdy habits of an honest country boy. 
,Inne 17, 1829 he was married to Mary, daughter of 
Daniel anil .Sarah ( Raimond ) Hawley. Her maternal 
ancestors were Scotch and her paternal line was of 
English blood. By their union there were born 
nine children, four of whom are living: William 
W., Daniel, David; and the Rev. Edwy R., a minis- 
ter of the Christian Church. David Sage brought 
his family to Michigan in 1855 and settled on his 
present farm in Ionia County. He h.nd jiurchased 
ninety acres of land at the rale of ^23 per acre. 



530 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



About thirty acres of it was partially cleared. He 
is one of the venerable and time-honored pioneers 
of the township, and is a man of influence in the 
Republican party and the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. His married life with the wife of his 
youth extended over more than half a century and 
was a source of unfailing jo}' and comfort. Mrs. 
Sage was deeply mourned when called away from 
earth by her family, her church and the community. 

Tbelife of William W. Sage since 1S55 wlien he 
came with his father to Ionia County, has been 
j)rineipnlly spent in agricultural pursuits. He was 
married December 22, 1867, to Mary A. Wilson, a 
native of Michigan whose natal day was August 
29, 1848. She is a daughter of Moses and Eliza 
(Goodwill) Wilson. Her father was a native of 
Maine and her mother of Ohio. Her parents came 
witii their family of eight children to Ronald 
Township, Ionia County, in 18G5. They were 
Spiritualists in religion. The father died in Ronald 
Township, August 22, 18H1. 

One daughter, Ida A., brightens the home of 
Mr. and Mrs. Sage. She came to tiiem on Christ- 
mas Day, 1870. Mr. Sage is a Democrat in his 
political views and is wide-awake to the best inter- 
ests of the township. He has served on the Board 
of Review of Easton Township. He and his good 
wife are both active members of society. For years 
he has been tiie delegate from tiie township to vari- 
ous county Democratic conventions. 

The parents of Mrs. Sage wore early settlers in 
Michigan. The mother was but two years old 
when she came to Macomb County, and afterwards 
made her home in St. Clair County. The father 
removed with his parents when three years old to 
the State of Vermont, where he remained until he 
was sixteen years old. He then left home and 
started out for himself and finally drifted to Michi- 
gan, where he met his future wife and started his 
own home life. To this couple were born ten chil- 
dren, eight of whom are living, namely: Alfred, 
Ira, Mary A.; Phoeba, wife of Peleg Biaubelt; 
Eliza, wife of Charles Joslyn; Otis; Loretta, wife of 
John Bailey; Leonora, wife of Coruelius Giiraore. 
The two children who died were Ciiarles the young- 
est, and William who was killed in the Civil War. 
Three brothers of this family served in the army 



at that time. Ira was only sixteen years old when 
he enlisted, and the eldest son, Alfred was also one 
who served his country. 

The subject of this sketch always takes a sincere 
and lively interest, not only in the local politics of 
Easton Township, but in those of Ionia County 
as well. He ranks among the solid voters and 
supporters of the Democratic parly, and keeps 
abreast with the most advanced men in his party. 
The Sage family is truly classed among the typical 
and representative pioneer families of the far- 
famed Grand River Valiej'. Our Album would be 
indeed incomplete without reference to our sub- 
ject and his venerable father, David Sage. 



^^ SCAR P. HENDEE. This lionored veteran 
I )l ^^ ^''^ ''^'^ '*^' '* numbered among the'agri- 
^^f culturists of Ionia County, being the owner 
of a good farm in Portland Township. The prop- 
erty is well improved in every respect, the acreage 
being thoroughly tilled and a full line of necessary 
buildings having been erected upon it, and such 
arrangements made for the raising of vegetables 
and fruit as belong to the estate of one who be- 
lieves in home comfort and sees the value of minor 
products among his crops. Notwithstanding the 
fact that Mr. Ilendee has been deprived of his 
strong right arm, lie has cleared over one hundred 
acres of his farm, which was once heav}' woodland. 

Mr. Hendee was born near Pontiac, this State, 
August 21, 1839, and being the son of a farmer 
his early life was spent in the customary manner, 
his time being divided between farm work and 
study in tiie district school. His parents, W. B. 
and Rosetta Sophi.a (Potter) Hendee, were natives 
of the Green Mountain State, whence they went to 
New York immediately after their marriage. They 
came to Michigan during the early daj's and here 
they spent the remainder of their lives. He of 
whom we write remained under the parental roof 
until after troops were called for to defend the 
life of tlie Nation, when he decided to enter the 
army. 

September 13, 1861, the name of Private O. P. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



531 



Hendec, was placed on the muster roll of Companj' 
I. Kiglilli Michigan Infantry, his enlistment taking 
place in Shiawassee County. He went into camp at 
Detroit, hut almost immediately left for the South, 
joining Geu. Burnsiile's command at Beaufort, S. 
C. He was in the expedition commanded by Gen. 
Sherman, that went lo Hilton Head and received 
the surrender of that post. The first real figiiting 
he took part in was at Port Royal, Jan uarj' J, 18G2. 
He was slightly wounded in an engagement in June, 
but was treated in the regimental hospital, and 
was a partici[)ant in ever}' conflict in which his 
regiment took part, numbering over a score. At 
Williamson Island he was slightly wounded in the 
left shoulder, but only went back to the Division 
hospitid and ere long w.as with the troops again. 
He was promoted to the various offices from Cor- 
poral up to First Lieutenant, for which his com- 
mission dated from the Battle of the Wilderness. 
In the action at Weldon Railroad, August 19, 
18C4, he lost his right arm, or rather received a 
wound from a minie ball that necessitated its 
amputation. He reported back for duty in .lanu- 
ar}' and was promoted to the rank of First Lieu- 
tenant, his commission to date from April 25, 1865. 
He was mustered out of the service in August, with 
his regiment, and returned to the farm which he 
had bought while in the army. 

Lieut. Hendee devoted himself to the improve- 
ment of his proiierty and to the cultivation of its 
soil until October, 1866, when he accepted a com- 
mission as .Second Lieutenant in the Eighteenth 
United States Regulars, and served .as such until 
transferred to the Thirty-sixth as First IJeulenant. 
His duty was lo act as guard to the workmen and 
supply trains on the Union Pacific Railro.ad, then 
in process of construction. While with the regi- 
ment one hundred and eighty-one of its members 
were killed by Indians. He was in the service 
al)out a twelvemonth, but he then resigned and 
returned to his family, which at that time con- 
sisted of a wife and infant daughter. 

Mr. Hendee w.ns marrieil November 26, 1865, to 
Rosa K. Cronkhite, daughter of Abram and Ar- 
zilla Cronkhite. Mrs. Hendee is an intelligent, 
energetic lady with a fine character. Her happy 
union has been blest by the birth of four children — 



Ida M., Lillie M., Ethel and Lee W., none of 
whom have yet left the shelter of the parental roof. 
The eldest daughter was graduated from the Port- 
land High School in the class of 1887 and has since 
been engaged in teaching. For the past two years 
she has been employed in the Portland public 
school, where she is meeting with good success in 
her efforts to impart knowledge. 

For twelve years past Mr. Hendee has served as 
Justice of the Peace and his decisions are generally 
approved of. He belongs to John McGar^' Post, 
G. A. R., at Portland, and is also identified with 
the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically 
he has always been a stanch Republican. He is in 
receipt of a pension of %30 per month as some 
compensation for the loss of his arm on a Southern 
battlefield. Mrs. Ilendce and her daughter Ida 
belong to the Congregational Church at Portland. 
The family have high standing in society' and en- 
joy the friendship of the best people of the county. 



*-^^^ 



E^^ 




R. ROBERT J. IllMPHREV. This name is 
well known in Ionia, Ionia County, which 
city has been the home of its bearer some 
thirty years. During this time he has been 
engaged in the practice of dentistry', in which field 
of work he has an excellent reputation. Having 
studied medicine as well, he has m.ade a specialty of 
the treatment of cancers, and hundreds of those 
terrible tumors have been removed b}- him, his 
treatment being very successful. This one fact 
alone would be sullicient to give him prominence, 
and when it is joined to a knowledge of his other 
aciiuirements and high degree of public si)irit it 
will be understood that he is quite an influential 
citizen. 

The parents of Dr. Humphrey were natives 
respectively of New Jersey and I'ennsylvania and 
the first few years of their wedded life were spent in 
the latter State in Beaver County. The father. 
Harrison Humphrey, was a merchant tailor. He 
died of yellow fever, having gone South when our 
subject was seven years old. The mother, whose 
maidep name was Rachel Johnston, still survive:!. 



532 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The children of the parental family were four in 
number, but two are deceascri. The survivors are 
Joseph L., a resident of Blufifton, Ind., and ho of 
whom we speak. 

In Beaver County, Pa., June 3, 1832, Dr. Hum- 
phrey was born, but during his childhood his par- 
ents removed to the Western Reserve in Ohio. He 
was just entering his teens when he went to Indiana 
and in the Hoosier State he finished his education 
and spent six years as a medical student with Dr. 
Schell at Montpelier. He also took dentistry and 
was associated with Dr. Benedict in practice at 
Meudon, St. Joseph Count^s this Stale. In 1860 
he came to Ionia where his work has been so suc- 
cessful that he has become the owner of an elegant 
properly and made provision for his future needs. 
In 1852 Dr. Humphrey was married to Miss 
Margaret Porter, of Ohio, who had charge of his 
home until 1866, when death claimed her. She 
left three children — Flora E., Emma J. and Will)ur 
E. The son is a dentist and associated with his 
father in business. Emma married W. E. Thomas, 
removed to Oakland, Cal, and there died in March, 
1891. She left a daughter, Maud, and husband. 
The present wife of Dr. Humphrey bore the maiden 
name of Mary E. Hall; their wedded life began in 
1876. 

In iiis i)olitical affiliations Dr. Humphrey is a 
Democrat. He served as Alderman until he de- 
clined to fill the place longer, and he is Chairman 
of the Ionia Board of Health. He belongs to the 
Royal Arcanum and Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows and has passed all the Chairs in the latter 
organization, including encampment, and has been 
District Deputy Grand Master of Lodge No. 175. 



RLANDO J. KNAPP. The prosperity of 
I all cities is due to their dealers, especially 
those who handle the great staples, and it is 
therefore with, pleasure that the publishers of this 
Album present to its readers the histories of the 
business men of Howard City, Montcalm County. 
Among the foremost, both in the magnitude of his 
operations and the standing he has in the commu- 



nity, is the gentleman named above, who keeps a 
full line of staple and fancy groceries and provis- 
ions, and also handles tobacco and cigars. He has 
a wide-spread and extensive trade, buys in large 
quantities and so secures discounts that are shared 
with his patrons. Liberality and careful regard 
for Ihe interests of his customers characterize his 
policy. 

Mr. Knap|) was born in St. Lawrence County, 
N. Y., and is the only surviving child of Isaac P. 
and Margaret (Chase) Knapp, whose family num- 
bered seven sons and daughters. Both lines of 
ancestry were English. The father was a carpen- 
ter and joiner and also a farmer, and the son was 
reared amid rural scenes and influences. He se- 
cured a good education, the schools of the time 
(he having been born January 3, 1838) being such 
as to afford facilities for practical instruction. 
When nineteen years old he went to Indiana, where 
he worked at whatever his hands found to do, 
willing to enter upon any honest employment and 
determined to make his living. 

The continuance of the struggle between the 
nation and the Southern States led Mr. Knapi) to 
enter the army, and August 16. 1862, saw him 
signing the roll and assignment to Company B, 
Twelfth Indiana Infantry. The fourth day after 
he was mustered in he was taking part in a battle 
at Richmond, Ky., and he was so unfortunate as to 
betaken prisoner. He and his comrades in mis- 
fortune were paroled after four days' confinement, 
during which period their rations were a single 
hardtack each day. When released Mr. Knapp 
went to Indianapolis and remained in the parole 
camp about two months, when he was exchanged 
and sent to Cairo, 111. Thence the boys went to 
Memphis and on a campaign to Jackson, Miss., 
but after reaching that point fell back to (irand 
Junction, Tenn. 

There the command went into winter quarters, 
and in the spring marched to Memphis and con- 
tinued by boat to Vicksburg and up the Yazoo 
River to Haines Bluff, where they were in camp 
when Vicksburg was surrendered. They attacked 
Johnston at Black River aud drove him to Jack- 
son, which they captured and destroyed. They 
then returned to Memphis, and thence marched 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



533 



» 



through to Chattanooga and Knoxville with 
Grant's forces, and on to Scottsboro, Ala., whicli 
was their winter quarters. Theensiiiny; si)ring was 
given to the Atlanta campaign, and after the 
capture of the city thej' followed Hood toward 
Nashville, where he was turned over by Gen. Sher- 
man to the care of Gen. Thomas, and the regiment 
made an "about face" for Atlanta and thence 
marched to the sea. 

At Savannah Capt. Perry's company was de- 
tailed as bodyguard to Gen. Logan and a part — 
among them our subject — went by water to Hilton 
Head, at which point the news of President Lin- 
coln's assassination reached them. They next 
went to Newbern, then to Alexandria by water, 
and thence to Washington, D. C, to take part in 
tlie Grand Review. The Twelfth Indiana was the 
first regiment in the line ns it passed headquarters. 
Its members were discharged June 8, 1865, and 
mustered out at Indianapolis. 

After his release from the army duties he had 
faillifully discharged Mr. Knapp visited in the 
Hoosier and Emi)ire States for a time, then gave 
his attention to the work of a traveling salesman 
and later to farming. In 1871 he came to this 
State and engaged in the lumber business at Pier- 
son, but made his home in Howard City. Here he 
opened a grocer^' store in 1880, which was burnt 
out on New Year's Day, 1884. Mr. Knapp 
promptly rebuilt and re-engaged in trade. His 
present well-ordered establishment is a model one, 
equally deserving of praise for its fine assortment 
of goods, its neatness of arrangement and the cor- 
rect methods that are followed in its control. 

Mr. Knapp has been twice married, liis tirst wife 
having been Miss C(jrdelia Kdmunds, of New York 
State. Of this union there were born two children 
— James H. and Alvira II. The i)resent Mrs. 
Knapp was formerly Miss Delight E. Nieliols, and 
the wedding ceremony by which she was united to 
our subject took place in 1809. She is a careful 
housewife, a kind neighbor and an intelligent and 
social lady. 

Mr. Knapp is now serving his third term as 
Township Treasurer, and has a record as Highway 
Commissioner seven years, besides having been a 
member of the village Council. His political alle- 



giance is given to the Republican party. He be- 
longs to the Grand Array of the Republic, and is a 
charter member of Post Xo. 252, known as J. T. 
Jones Post, at Howard City. He has been Post 
Commander and (Quartermaster, and is one of the 
present trustees of the post. He is a member of 
tli(! Free-Will Baptist Church, of which society he 
is a Trustee. He has always taken an active part 
in promoting the best interests of the city and is a 
popular member of society. 

'ill WARREN I'KAKi:. This gentleman, who 
is a resident of Ionia, and whose name is 
well known in this and adjoining counties, 
tnices his paternal ancestry to Connecticut, 
although his father, Russell Peake, was born in St. 
Lawrence County, N. Y. In that county Martha 
Rider also was born, and after growing to woman- 
hoo<l became the wife of Russell I'eake. They 
removed to Ohio in 1832, and in 1855 journeyed 
farther weslwanl and located in Poitland, this State. 
There Mr. I'eako died December 24, ISGl. His 
widow breathed her last in June, 1883, at the a<»e 
of seventy-eight years. To them eleven children 
were born, seven now living, of whom our subject 
is the third in point of age. The others are(Jeorge 
W., a retired farmer of Portland; Jeanette, wife of 
Enoch Rozelle. living in Cherry Vale, Kan.; Sarah, 
wife of S. Doremus, of Lake City, this State; Ade- 
line, wife of Henry Van Sickles, residing in Mc- 
Cord; Jane, widow of Walter McCrum, of Eagle; 
and Royal L., a lun)ber dealer and farmer of Port- 
land. 

The subject ot this brief biographical notice was 
born in Seneca County, Ohio, December 3, 1834, 
and was educated in the district schools and Heidel- 
berg College at Tiffin, Ohio. His father being a 
farmer, he became skilled in farm work, and from 
the age of seventeen to twenty-one years he altoi- 
nated farming and teaching. He then devoted four 
years to pedagogical woik in Ionia County, Mich., 
and from that lime until 1883 he divided his al 
tention between agriculture and teaching. From 
1882 to 1884 he also discharged the duties of To-.v. - 



534 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ship Supervisor, and at various times he was Clerk, 
Justice of the Peace, and School Inspector. In 1884 
he was elected County Treasurer, and held the 
office four years. In 1889 he became Secretary of 
the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of 
Ionia, Eaton and B'U-ry Counties, and has built up 
the business cousiderabi}' since he took hold of it. 

The mental culture of Mr. Peake, and his thor- 
ough understandino; of the risks of the farmers, 
give his words weight concerning the affairs of the 
insurance company, and qualify him to carry on its 
work satisfactorily. They also fit him for other po- 
sitions, and he has been County Drainage Commis- 
sioner since 1889, and is a memlier of the Patrons 
of Industry. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows 
Encampment, Subordinate Lodge and Daughters 
of Rebecca, and is a charter member of the society 
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Port- 
land. He is a member of the City Council, repre- 
senting the First Ward. In politics he is now a 
Democrat, was formerly a Republican, but he voted 
for Abraham Lincoln twice, and for Ulysses S. 
Grant once. He says that he would cheerfully re- 
peat the first, but not the second. 

The marriage of Mr. Peake and Miss Ann E. 
Lyon was solemnized February 24, 1856. The 
family born to them consists of Belle, Clarence W., 
Lyniie L. and Russell A. The two younger chil- 
dren are still at home, but Clarence is farming in 
Danby Township, and Belle is the wife of Edward 
Martin, a farmer of that township. Mr. Peake has 
given his chddren good educations, and he and his 
wife endeavor in evevy way possible to promote 
their welfare, and they also take an interest in the 
good of their neighbors and acquaintances. 



"^^EROME SAGENDORF, one of the earliest 
permanent settlers of Day Township, Mont- 
calm County, is descended on both sides 

from families of (Sierman birth, and inherits 

robust strength and long life. He is a prosperous 
man and has put his place in excellent condition, 
having good buildings and every improvement 
upon it. His enterprise and public spirit as well 



as his character for integrity bring him great in- 
fluence in the community. His father was a native 
of Ulster County, N. Y., and his grandfather lived 
to be nearly one hundred years old. The father was 
a farmer in the town of Woodstock, N. Y., where 
he cleared and improved one hundred and forty 
acres of land and died at the age of eighty-seven 
years. 

The subject of this sketch is the eldest of ten 
children of the parental family. He was horn in 
Woodstock, N. Y., May 4, 1823, and early learned 
the practical details of farm work, alternating them 
with district school life. He has a good memor}', 
and calls to mind many incidents of his early da} s, 
especially the circumstances connected with the 
Anti-Rent War. After he reached his majoril}-, 
he went out for himself and worked a rented farm. 
In May, 1867, he came to Stanton, Mich., and en- 
gaged in various kinds of business until the follow- 
ing spring, when he located on the forty acres of 
land, where he now resides. It was solid timber 
and no roads had been laid out. He hauled lum- 
ber from Stanton to build his house, and had to 
bring all his provisions from that town. In those 
days he paid 89 per hundred weight for flour. In 
the winters he engaged in teaming and logging. 

Before leaving the East, the subject of our sketch 
had taken to himself a wife. Miss Betse^', daughter 
of Daniel Morse, who was born in Schoiiarie County, 
N. Y. She is descended from a family of early 
settlers in that county, and was of English ances- 
try. Her father was well educated, was a teacher 
when young, and in his mature j'ears became l.nnd 
agent for what was known as '"The Elvendorf Pat- 
ent." He was also engaged in farming in Jeffer- 
son Township, and was a prominent man, a Town- 
ship Supervisor and active in the Baptist Church. 
In his declining years he came to Michigan to spend 
them with his children, and died in the family of 
Mr. Sagendorf, October 10, 1890, at the advanced 
age of fourscore and six years. Mrs. Sagendorf 
was one of eight children, and was born in Jeffer- 
son Township, Schoharie County, N. Y., October 1, 
1834. Wlien eleven years old she came with the 
family to Ulster County, where she lived until her 
marriage, which took place February 28, 1856. 

Our subject and his wife were the parents of five 



rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



537 



children: Willard, a farmer in Belvidere Township, 
this county; Ella, Mrs. Ely Kendall, of Bclding 
Township; Cora, who died when a child: Edward, 
a nieeiianic of BeUling; and Louie, who is at home. 
Mr. Sagendorf is an .active helper in all public and 
educational matters, has helped to build all the 
sclioolhouscs in his district, and was for \-ears 
Moderator of the School ]}oard and Townshi)) 
Clerk for one year. He is a charter member of the 
Baptist Church at McBiide, in which he holds the 
responsible position of Trustee. His wife is also 
actively' engaged in church work, being Vice Pres- 
ident of the Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Sagendorf 
is a strong Republican of the bluest degree, and is 
a representative man in his party, being often aji- 
pointed delegate to conventions. 



-^^ 



■S^pWARD MURPHY. The publishers of this 
" iCAi, Ai.BUJi would fail in their 



llW] BiocnAiiiiic 

*'~-^- purpose in 



purpose in presenting to their readers in 

Ionia County outlines of the lives of ber most val- 
ued citizens were they to omit that of Edward 
Murph}' of Lyons Township. The life of this gen- 
tleman does not present any wonderful episodes 
but may well be taken as a model of persistent in- 
dustry, attachment to famil}' and good use of the 
accumulations secured from time to time. Mr. 
Murpbj- w.as born in County Dublin, Ireland, 
December 10, 1821, and was the eldest in a family 
of thirteen children. His parents, James and Maiy 
(Howard) Murphy, spent their entire lives in the 
Emerald Isle. 

The boyhood and youth of Mr. Mur()li3' was 
p.Tssed in his native place, where he worked on a 
farm until some time after he had passed his twen- 
ty-first birthday. The tales he had heard of the 
advantages which accrued to industrious people 
who sought fortune in the New World, led him to 
save in order to make a trial of its resources. He 
crossed to Canada in 1847 and worked there a 
month for $;5 with which to continue his journey 
into the States. He then went to Rochester, N. Y. 
:md found employment in the country near, work- 
ing on a farm by the month. In 1851 he came to 



Michigan, reaching Ionia via the stage from De- 
troit, and here again he became a farm hand, work- 
ing by the month. For the first year his devoted 
wife worked in a private family by the week, and 
they then built a little shanty in Lyons village and 
made it their home. 

Mr. Murphy did whatever his hands found to do 
by which he could maintain himself and wife and 
she managed carefully with their scanty income, so 
that by degrees they were able to Lay aside a little 
fund. They built a much better house and finally 
in 1 865, took possession of the farm that is still 
their home and now is as fine a place as need be. It 
consists of one hundred and forty acres on section 
28 and is a well-regulated farm in evcrj- respect. 
Its fertile and generous fields give little indication 
of the days of hard and wearying toil that were 
spent by Mr. Murphy in cutting down the trees, 
removing the logs and underbrush and breaking 
the soil. There had not been a tree cut on the 
l)lacc when he came here and he had to begin at 
tiie foundation in preparing the land for crops and 
ill making the improvements which he desired. 

The wife of Mr. Murphy was known in her 
maidenhood as Miss JIary A. Randall. She was 
born in Burlington, Vt., October 2, 1831, but 
reared in New York to which she accompanied her 
|)arcuts when she was but six years old. She is the 
eldest of six sons and daughters born to Harmon 
and Esther (Card) Randall, by whom she was care- 
fully- reared and fitted for life's duties. Her niar- 
ri.ige was solemnized April IG, 1855, and lias been 
blest by the birth of two daughters and two sons — 
.lames A., Edwin A., Emma M. and Nellie. Ed- 
win, who is a graduate of the Lansing College, is 
Principal in the school at Muir and was elected 
Count}' Superintendent of Schools June 22, 1891, 
for a term of two ^-eais. Emma is teaching in the 
grammar department in ]\'\vano. 'I'hc younger 
daughter is at home. 

l^Ir. JIurphy's dwelling is a two-story frame 
house, the main bod}' being square, but having an 
"L" which relieves the design of monotony and 
adds to the convenience of the rooms. It is very 
well built and furnished with the most substiintiiil 
and tasteful furniture, and one of its most appre- 
ciated features is an upright piano, from which 



538 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sweet music is drawn by Miss Nellie. Mr. and 
Mrs. Murphy possess the soul of hospitality, and, 
having won their home by hard work, take great 
delight in enjoying it now. They have reason to 
be proud of the place, and they gather under their 
roof many friends who rejoice with them in their 
prosperity and thoroughly appreciate their social 
qualities and agreeable dispositions. 

The first money earned by Mr. Murphy beyond 
that wliich was necessary for his subsistence was 
sent to Ireland to enable a sister to reach America. 
He also sent for a brotlier and a second sister, and 
as long as his aged father and mother lived, a part 
of his earnings were set aside for their support. 
He tlius had heavier expenses than many a young 
man who starts out in life without capital, but 
was determined never to give up so long as he had 
strength to work, and his reward has come in 
financial success as well as in the sense of duiy 
done. Mr. Murphy is a strong Democrat. 

A lithographic view of Mr. Murphy's place is 
presented in connection with this sketch. 

^'USTIN BARBER. The citizens of IIow- 
^^1 ard City, Montcalm County, take a com- 
mendable pride in her business houses and 
in the character of the men who own and 
control them, and every increase in prosperity is 
greeted as an additional credit to the place. Among 
the prominent dealers of tlie city is Mr. Barber, 
who has been selling furniture here for some years 
and more recently added to his stock in trade, 
qucensware, books and stationery. He has a well- 
filled establishment, conducts his affairs in accord- 
ance with the best and most honorable principles of 
finance, and reaps a due reward for his planning 
and labor. 

The Barbers came originally from England, and 
the State of Maine was the former home of the 
family. The father of our subject, Marvin S. Bar- 
ber, was born in New York, and from that State 
came to Michigan, taking up his residence in Hills- 
dale County as one of the first settlers of Litchfield 
Township. There he was married in July 1838, to 



Miss Mary Woods, who was left a widow with four 
children, when our subject was but two years old. 
The other members of the parental family are: 
Charles, who died in Ann Arbor in 1875; George 
E., a grocer in Stanton; and Helen E., wife of 
Lewis W. Wilbur, of Howard City. The mother, 
who is now in this city, was born in Penns3dvania. 

Austin Barber was born in Hillsdale County, 
September 23, 1849, and his boyhood days were 
passed upon a farm. At the age of nineteen years 
he entered the High School in Ann Arbor, and was 
graduated in 1868, after which lie took up a classi- 
cal course in the State University and received the 
degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1872. He turned 
his attention to pedagogy, and so well did he suc- 
ceed as a teacher, and so ripe grew his scholarship 
that his Alma Mater bestowed upon him the degree 
of Master of Arts in 1876. His first position was 
as Principal of the public schools in Ludington in 
1872-73, and from that place he went to Caro, 
Tuscola County, the following year. At tlie latter 
point he remained four j'ears and he then gave up 
the profession and entered upon a business career, 
establishing himself in Howard City. In 1886 he 
increased his stock by the additions before men- 
tioned, and in 1887 he opened a furniture store in 
Stanton, which he still carries on in connection 
witli the one in Howard City. 

On August IG, 1874, the rites of wedlock were 
solemnized between Mr. Barber and Miss Eva M. 
Carpenter, daughter of Russell Carpenter, of Pots- 
dam, N. Y. She was graduated from the State 
Normal School of New York, and became First As- 
sistant in the High School in Caro, this State. She 
is refined as well as educated, and has the tastes that 
fit her for sympathy in the chosen pursuits of her 
husband, and for usefulness in the community. 
The union has been blessed by the birth of two 
children, named respectively, Maude E. and Floyd 
A. 

Mr. Barber has held various positions of local 
trust, especially those that are connected witli edu- 
cational aii'airs. He is a member of tlie village 
Board, is Chairman of the Board of School Inspec- 
tors, and for ten years has been a member of the 
School Board. He votes with the Republican party. 
His religious faith is expressed in the creed of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



539 



Methodist Episcopal Cliurcli, and practiced in his 
daily life. A polished, cultuied gentleman, with 
coiilial manners and a character al)ovc reproach, 
Mr. Barber merits and receives tlie respect and 
goodwill of his associates, and enjoys an enviable 
reputation. He has a marked taste for literature, 
and his leisure moments are given to perusal of the 
works of the best writers of ancient and modern 
times. 



— -^m — 

Ip^DWlN WIIITK. For well-nigh half a cen- 
liN' ''"'•^ '''''* gp"^'enian has been a resident of 
/h^^ Ionia County' and during the greater part 
of this time he has been connected with the affairs 
of Portland Township in such a way as to advance 
its standing among the districts of the State. He 
was born in Genesee County, N. Y., August 11, 
1852, and is of Irish and Dutch ancestry, his 
grandfathers having settled res|)ectively in New 
York and New Jersey. His parents were James 
and Jane (Van Riper) While, who lived in Port- 
land, Mich., from 1842 until death. The father 
was a chairmaker and painter and at the same occu- 
l)ations the son worked until he was twenty j'cars 
c>ld. The date of the father's decease was 18G0 
and that of the mother took place five years later. 
When he abandoned the occupations to which he 
had been reare<l, young White turned his attention 
to farming and for two years worked by the month. 
He then bought thirty acres of land and while 
boarding with his mother and only sister he culti- 
vated the tract. Early in the year 1863 he mar- 
ried, and soon after traded bis land for the property 
on which he now lives, i)aying a difference of 
^1,300. His new estate consisted of seventy-five 
acres on section 19, Portland Township. The 
bride saitl she woubl give her husband eight years 
in which to get a new house, but she extended the 
usual "days of grace" two years, and the handsome 
residence they now occupy well repaid them for 
waiting. The dwelling is conveniently arranged, 
sullicienlly commodious for the wants of the fam- 
ily, and is well furnished and tastefully adorned. 
Other substanti.al buildings have been put up by 
Mr. White, and his property has greatly increased 



in value since he became the owner. He carries 
on general farming, but |).ays much attention to the 
wool industry, in which he has been very success- 
ful, always keeping fine-wool sheep. 

The date of the marriage of Edwin White and 
Emily Morehouse was February 4, 1863. The 
bride, a daughter of Oliver and Susan (Farrand) 
Morehouse, had been for a short time successfully 
engaged in teaching. Of the union four children 
have been born — Nathan, Nellie, Susie and Mary. 
Two died in infancy, Nathan and Nellie; and Susie 
in the dawn of womanhood at the age of seventeen 
years, the date of her demise being December 28, 
1887. Mary attended the district school until 
fourteen years of age, then completed a three years' 
course in the High School at Poitland, and was 
graduated in the class of 1882. This was supple- 
mented by a two years' English course at Ypsilanti, 
where she received a second diploma. Her object 
was to devote herself to teaching and she has .spent 
one year in professional work in Portland and sev- 
eral terms in the district schools near home, but 
owing to the death of her sister, the course of her 
life was greatly changc<l. She has been successful 
as a teacher and given promise of rising to a high 
l)osition in the profession were she to follow it. 
She has devoted some attention to music. 

The parents of Mrs. White were born in New 
York and New Jersey respectivelj', and lived in the 
latter State until 1835. They then came to Wayne 
Count}' Mich., with their family of six children, 
making the journey principally by water. Mr. 
Morehouse was a shoemaker and worked at his 
trade most of his life, his sons doing the princii)al 
part of the farming after tl.ey came to this State. 
He lived to be nearly ninety -two years old, ending 
his days under the roof of our subject, July 9, 
1887. The mother of Mrs. White had died many 
years before, the date of her decease being January 
28, 1855. Mr. Morehouse was a volunteer in the 
W^arof 1812 and was honorably discharged near 
the close of the war and during his later days 
received a pension. 

The family of which Mr. White made one orig- 
inally included three brothers and one sister. Of 
the sister, Mary White, who died in 1862 much 
might be said, as she was a teacher for years and 



540 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



did much good in her calling. She was a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Ciuirch, devoted to its 
interests, and desired to continue lier conlributions 
to its enterprises. She had invested a part of her 
earnings in a sm:dl flock of sheep, and before her 
death she requested her brother Edwin to keep 
them and eacii .year to donate for her to the Miss- 
ionary Society at Portland tiie value Of one fleece. 
Twenty-eight times has tiiis donation been made, 
and though almost three decades iiave passed since 
she was laid to rest, she still lives in her example 
of practical benevolence. 

Mr. White lias lieen a Republican since the Civil 
AVar and is unfaltering in his allegiance to the prin- 
ciples of the party. He has never been an aspirant 
for oflicial honors, being satisfied with the position 
of School Director in which he served for twelve 
years. He has for many years been a Deacon and 
Trustee in the Congregational Churcii at Portland, 
and the entire family, including the aged father- 
in-law, belong to that society. The deceased 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. White was also a mem- 



ber. 



*S»S^>« ■i>!^-«^«*^^^?«^-»'tf!*s- 



j^ OWLAND SOULE is one of the early pio- 
neers of Bushnell Townstiip, Montcalm 
County, and has ever been one of the most 
prominent and useful members of rural 
society in that vicinity ever being active in pro- 
moling the best interests of the township. He was 
born in Albany County, N. Y., December 8, 1815, 
and is the son of Benjamin and Susannah (Norton ) 
Soule, both natives of the same State. The first 
seventeen years of our subject's life were spent in 
New York; after that he went to Susquehanna 
County, Pa., where he resided for three years and 
then with his father returned to the State of New 
York. He was only seven years old when deprived 
of a mother's care and he had almost no educa- 
tional advantages. By his own efforts he has nc- 
quired enough learning to attend properly to his 
business. 

When his mother died the little boy went to live 
with his uncle, Benjamin Norton, of New York, 
and renaained there until he ^as seventeen years 



old working on a farm. At the age of twenty 
years his father removed on a farm in Ontario 
Count}'. His marriage took place, June 6, 1839. 
He was then united to Harriet Conklin of Broome 
County, N. Y., who was born in 1820, the daugh- 
ter of Lawrence Conklin, a New York farmer and 
Samantlia (Heath) Conklin. Jlr. Conklin lived to 
the good old age of ninety years. 

Mr. and Mrs, Soule have had four children, 
Edward H., born July 11, 1840; Susannah, June 
22, 1842; Charles W., March 1,1855; Cerester, 
August 22, 1858. This last son died July 4, 1874, 
at the age of sixteen years. Mr. Soule came to 
Jlichigan in 1846 and settled first in Lenawee 
County. Afterward he left his farm there and in 
the fall of 1854 came to Buehnell Township. He 
cut his own road through woods to the place where 
he deeideil to settle and built a little log cabin. He 
at one time had two hundre<l acres but has now 
given away to his children all but eighty acres. 
They lived well in those d.ays and had an abun- 
dance of venison and wild game, and wild berries. 
He early stocked his farm with good stock and had 
at that time four head of cows, besides horses and 
hogs. They cleared off a little i)atch of grouml 
and soon had good crops. The first season he made 
one thousand' pounds of maple sugar. He lived in 
friendly relations with the Indians and had no dis- 
turbance from them. Three or four years after 
their coming they established a schoolhonse on 
their place. In this rude building they held de- 
lightful religious services and attended to the nec- 
essary business of the school district. 

-^ -^^^ ^ 

TEPHEN L. ELLSWORTH was born in 
Steuben County, N. Y., May 7, 1839, being 
the son of Arthur and Phebe (Smith) Ells- 
worth. His earl}' life was spent in obscu- 
rity upon the farm of his father, and he obtained 
only such scraps of an education as could be picked 
up in the primitive schools of his childhood. He 
resided with his parents, working on the old farm 
until he was about eighteen years old, when he be- 
gan the battle of life for himself. He remained in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



541 



New York some four or five years, anil then moved 
to Kalamazoo County, Mich., and engaged in farm- 
ing. After residinfi; here for some time lie re- 
moved to Alcona County, Mich., and there entered 
uiKjn the work of running a sawmill about ten 
years. 

The next change in the life of our subject, and 
a permanent one, w.as to make a home in Montcalm 
County, where he still resides upon his highly cul- 
tivated farm of eighty rich and productive acres. 
Besides his pursuits of agriculture, he has also been 
engaged to a limited extent in lumbering. 

On the ;>tli of October, 1871, Mr. EUswortii en-. 
tered the state of matrimony, and joined hands for 
life with Kniina Mills, of Lucas County, Ohio. To 
them have been given three children: Bernice, 
born January f), 1873; Jennie, January 16, 1881 ; 
and Sada, Soplember 23, 1 887. Miss Bernice is now 
a successful school teacher in her native county, 
having taught two terms in Belvidere Township. 
Mrs. Kllswortli is an earnest and devoted Christian 
in corainunion with the Baptist Church, and Mr. 
Kilswurth's political views are strongly in the Pro- 
hibition line. He has held several responsible 
oflices in the county, having served .as Constable 
for two terms, and afterward being appointed on 
the Board of Review. Upon the exjiiration of his 
office he was elected to succeed himself in this posi- 
tion, and he is now filling the third term. 

^p^xOHMAN CLAHK, a prominent farmer and 
I jjj stock-raiser of Easton Township, has been 
m.-ife connected with the interests of Ionia County 
since the spring of 1864. His first purchase of real 
estate was small, as he was at that time working at 
a trade, but after some years he connecteil farming 
with his other work, and added to his land. He 
now has one hundred acres on sections 9 and 10, 
which, with the improvements that have been made 
upon it and the productiveness to which it ha? 
been brought, makes one of the finest farms in llio 
township. 

The parents of our subject were Harding and 
Olive (Tucker) Clark, natives of Cheshire County, 



N. H., and for many years residents in St. Law- 
rence County, N. Y. Of the children born to them 
the survivors are Norman, James and Warren, the 
second of whom lives in New York, and the thir<l 
in Iowa. The oldest is our subject, who was horn 
in the Empire SUate. January 29, 1823. His father 
carried on both blacksmithing and farming, and at 
an early age the son began to work at both occu- 
pations. He attended the common school and 
worked off and on at farming until he was eighteen 
years old, when he gave his attention entirely to the 
forge. He mastered the bl.icksmith's trade, anil for 
fort^' years was steadily engaged in the shop. 

When twenty-four years old Mr. Clark went to 
County Leeds, Province of Ontario, where he re- 
mained many years following his trade with great 
energy. There he was married in 18.52, to Pamelia 
Chamberlain, who lived to help him establish a 
home in this St.ate and see his affairs placed on a 
solid basis. .She p.assed away in June, 1877, 
mourned by a family to whom she had been de- 
voted, and the neighbors and friends who li.ad wit- 
nessed her deeds of kindness. Her children were 
si.K in number, three living, namely: Warren, in 
Isabella County: Wdkison.at home; and Lucy, wife 
of George Percival, in Grand Porks County, N. 
Dak. The deceased are Amy, Elma and Ezr.a. The 
first-named was the wife of William Blewcr, and 
the mother of little Ina Luc}' Blewer, now five years 
old, whose childish graces enliven the home of our 
subject. 

When Mr. Clark came to Ionia County, he came 
alone and after deciding upon a location sent for 
his family. He bought an acre of ground, built a 
house, barn and shop, and for years worked at his 
trade exclusively. As circumstances warranted, lie 
increased his real estate and turned his attention 
somewhat toward agriculture until he finally aban- 
doned the forge. It affords his friends pleasure to 
know that he has succeeded in life, and he is fre- 
quently pointed out as one of the examples worthy 
of imitation by the rising generation. 

After the death of his wife, Mr. Clark remained a 
widower until June 28, 1882, when he was married 
to Celia E. Jones. This lady was born in Washte- 
naw County. April 1, 1841, and is one of seven chil- 
dren making ui) the family of William A. and Eliza- 



542 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



beth (Skidmore) Jones. She has two sisters living: 
Alice, wife of Henry Burr, of Isabella County; 
and Helen M., wife of Zerah Burr, in Washtenaw 
Countj'. Her father was one of the early settlers 
of this State, going there in 1833, and settling on 
a farm which was his home until deaih. To Mrs. 
Celia Clark one daughter has been born, Julia, now 
deceased. 

In his political views Mr. Clark is a Republican. 
He favors progress and advancement, and he and 
his wife as active members of society, aid in bring- 
ing about desirable results. He has served as School 
Treasurer, but has not otherwise been in public life. 
He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal 
Churcl), in which he holds the office of Steward. In 
general intelligence he will compare favorably with 
any except the most liigiil}' educated, and his stand- 
ing in the community is most excellent. 



*,ILLIAM HARDING, of Montcalm County, 
was born in Cambridgeshire, England, 
WW October 25, 1822, and is the son of Will- 
iam and Susan (Spencer) Harding, both of English 
birth. He lived with his parents until at the age 
of fourteen years he was bound out as an appren- 
tice to learn the painter's trade in London. He 
was under obligation to stay with his master until 
his term of apprenticeship expired. Once lie at- 
tempted to escape on a vessel but was arrested and 
carried back. 

When twenty-one years old our subject sailed for 
America and joined his father's family at Cleve- 
land, Ohio, where they had moved shortly before. 
He began working at his trade and remained in 
Cleveland for sixteen years. He put in the first 
work in stained glass ever done in a church in that 
city, and was often sent to Ciiic.agoand other large 
cities to do fine work in his line. November 15, 
1846 he chose as his life partner Emeline Goble, 
whose brother's life is sketched in this work. They 
have been blessed by the birth of ten children, as 
follows: Lydia R., born August 12, 1847; Anna 
M., February 21, 1849 (died in infancy); Mary, 



born June 7, 1850; Susie, March 17, 1852; Lucinda, 
November 27, 1854; Emma J., August 17, 1857; 
Clara, November 13, 1859 (died July 12, 1887); 
Flora, born April 12, 1863; Josephine, December 
17, 1865; Willie, February 14, 1875. All the sur- 
viving children except Willie are married. 

The subject of this sketch came to Montcalm 
County and settled ou his present liomestead in 
Sidney Township, in Decemlier, 1862. He has it 
nearl}' all cleared and nicely improved. He was 
in the army about one year, serving as Coramissarj' 
in Camp Cleveland. When he came to this county 
he endured many hardships before being really 
established comfortably in his new home. He often 
carried seventy-five pounds of provisions from 
Greenville to his home, a distance of ten miles, as 
he had no horse. 

Mr. Harding cut .ill the roads through the woods 
around his place. He built his present residence 
out of timber taken off his own farm and has a 
I)eautiful home. He is a naturalized citizen of the 
United States, having taken out his papers October 
7, 1852. He has served his fellow-citizens in the 
office of Justice of the Peace four years and also a 
School Director. He was brought u]) in the Church 
of England and is a believer in its doctrines and 
form of worship. He has a precious heirloom in 
the form of a candlestick which he believes to be 
the oldest in the United Slates. It was made in 
Rhode Island eighty years before the Revolutionary 
War and has been handed down from generation 
to generation. It will next go to the eldest daugh- 
ter when Mrs. Harding shall be called awaj' from 
this world. 

s^EORGE MATHISON is a prominent farmer 
of Home Township, Montcalm County, and 
a descendant of an ancient and honorable 
family of Denmark. His father, Mathias Hansen, 
was born in Laaland, Denmark in 1795, where the 
grandfather was a farmer and served in the Danish 
army at tlie siege of Copenhagen in the War of 
1801, when Gen. Nelson and tlie English navy were 
bombarding the Danish capital. The paternal 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



543 



great-grandparents of our subject came from the 
mainland to the coast of Jutland, and were fishers 
near Aalberg. They settled in Laaland about 
1650. 

The father of our subject served in the Danish 
army under King Frederick VI. Wiien twcnty- 
Dve years of age he was appointed Sheriff of 
Skjoaing County, Laaland, which office he held for 
thirty successive years. He was also engaged in 
farming, and owned land of about thirty acres near 
Maribo. He was a Lutlicran in religion and a 
well educated and exceedingly well-informed man. 
His wife, Maria Jenson, w.as born in Laaland in 
1805, and was the daughter of Jens Hansen, wlio 
was a native of Copenhagen and a shoemaker by 
trade. 

The mother of George died in 1888. Tiie fatiier 
was twice married. The first family of children 
numbered five, three of whom grew to maturity. 
Hans was in the Schleswig-Holstein War from 1848 
to 1851, and is now a farmer in Laaland. Tlie 
suljjecl's sister Mar3' also lives at the old home. 
The second marriage resulted in thirteen children, 
three only of whom grew to manhood: Cliristian, 
also eng.iged in tlie Schleswig-Holstein War of 
1864 and now on the police force of Copenhagen; 
Wilhelm emigrated to this country and is a florist 
of New York City; George is the youngest of the 
surviving children. 

Tlie subject of this sketch w.is born near Maribo, 
Laaland, Denmark, January 14, 1848. After his 
father's deatli, which occurred when he was about 
sixteen years old he concluded to come to America 
and see if he could not improve his prospects for 
life. He took a steamer to England and from 
Liverpool took passage in the spring of 1864, mak- 
ing an eleven-day trip to Quebec. Tlience he came 
directl3' to Chicago, where he arrived a stranger in 
a strange city. He went to Osiikosh, Wis., and 
spent a year there working on a farm; then to the 
pine woods near Stevens Point. During the sum- 
mers he worked in a sawmill at Oshkosh. In 1868 
he went to Leavenworth, Kan., and wag for three 
years in the Government's employ, hauling sup- 
plies to the frontier. It took about three months 
to make a trip to and from the fort. He lived 
most of the time on buffalo meat and hardtack. 



In 1871 he began to work on the railroad at Har- 
risville, Mo., then at Sedalia, Mo., and after that 
took work in the lead mines in Coopei County. 

In the fall of 1876 George Mathison returned 
East and settled in Clinton County, Ohio, but the 
ne.Tt spring he came to Michigan and entered the 
employ of S. H. Baird, at Cedar Spring, Kent 
County. Here he worked in the shingle and lum- 
ber factory in that place until Mr. Baird removed 
to Home Township, when he came with him and 
continued work there and at Big Kapids. The last 
six or seven years he was with this employer he 
occupied the responsible position of foreman of 
the logging department. In 1888 he located on 
section 27, of Home Township, on land which he 
bad purchased in 1881. He has sixty-five acres of 
excellent land upon which he has put all necessary 
improvements, house, barns ami outbuildings. 
Here lie has engaged in general farming and stock- 
raising. 

Wliile he was working in Missouri our subject 
entered into a life union with Miss Fannie Myers. 
The mnrriiige took place in Ple.isant Hill, Mo., Feb- 
ruary 10, 1872. Mrs. Mathison is of (5erman 
descent. Her father was a farmer in Nicholas 
County, Ky., where he died some years ago. The 
grandfather of Mrs. Mathison, Abraham M3er3, 
was one of the very first settlers in Nicholas 
County, Kj'., making his home among hostile 
Indians with whom he was in warfare. He was a 
soldier in the War of 1812. The wife of our sub- 
ject was left an orphan by the death of both parents 
while she was still a young girl, after which she 
was dependent upon herself. She early learnf<i 
the fine art of a Kentucky cook and easily paid 
her own way by self-respecting labor. She met 
her future husband while in charge of the culinary 
department of the hotel at Pleasant Hill. 

Three children — Annie, Clinton and Henry — 
have come to the home of the Mathisons. -Air. 
Mathison professes the faith anil practice of the 
Lutheran Church, while his wife is a member of 
the Congregational Church at Kdmore. He is 
active in political matters and belongs to the Re- 
publican paity. He is .School Assessor, and a mem- 
ber of the Knights of the Maccabees at Edmore, 
and President of the Home Loflge of the Patrons 



544 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Industry. His early training and a justifiable 
pride in his honorable ancestry have given him a 
taste for reading especially in the line of history, 
his information in this line being of more tiian 
ordinar3r value. 

. cxro - 



' RA W. BARLOW was born in Avon, Living- 
ston County, N. Y., December 25, 1826, and is 
a son of Obed and Abigail (Whaley) Barlow. 
His father was a native of Massachusetts and his 
mother of Rhode Island. She was a descendant of 
John Whaley, one of the famous regicides who fled 
to this countrj' after the death of Charles I. Ira 
remaineii at his father's home until he was twenty 
years of age and then entered the army and served 
during the Mexican War. After being in the army 
about one year he returned home on account of 
sickness. As his father removed to Wayne Countj', 
Mich., when the child was only eight years old, his 
education has been quite limited. During his 
childhood he never attended a free school nor saw 
a blackboard. His own children have never at- 
tended a free school. At one time he went to a 
winter school four and a half miles from home and 
had to follow an Indian trail to find his way back 
and forth. 

The subject of our sketch removed to Indiana and 
was for four j'ears engaged in boating there. On 
July 3, 1851, he was united in marriage with Ann 
Mcintosh, of New York, by whom he had three chil- 
dren: Milo, born June 25, 1852, who has married 
Ella Varnormon ; Jennett, Mrs. Carter, born No- 
vember 11, 1855; Grande D., May 16, 1858. He 
finally settled on a farm on one hundred and sixty 
acres in Montcalm County. This he obtained on a 
warrant from the Government for services ren- 
dered in the Mexican War. This is the present home 
of the famil}'; when he took it up it was a dense 
forest with no roads. He had to cut a wagon road 
four miles into the woods in order to get to his 
land. 

Mr. Barlow helped to organize Sidney Township 
in 1857 and attended the first town meeting. He 
was then elected Supervisor and held the office for 
seven years. He has also served the township in 



the capacities of Pathmaster and School Director. 
His first year on the new home was one of trial and 
disaster. His first crop was cut down in August, 
by heavy frost, and forest fires destroyed the hay 
which he had put up for a winter's supply for his 
stock. This destitution caused him to lose his 
yoke of oxen and his milch cow during the winter, 
and the wolves were so plentiful and so bold that 
they carried off the carcass of an ox and dragged 
it forty rods away in one night over piles of logs 
five feet high. Game was then so plentiful that it 
it became a pest and at one time Mr. Barlow killed 
nine hundred squirrels in one field of wheat to 
prevent them from destroying his grain. One of 
his neighbors, a Chippewa, killed ninety-seven 
bears in one fall, and deer were so common as to 
excite but little attention. Our subject's career in 
Montcalm County has been that of an intelligent, 
upright and progressive man, regarding the rights 
of his neighbors and helping forward all good 
causes. 



• I I g 'sgg^^^H-S-. 



(■il SALTER H. BLUMBERG. The present 
\/\/// i*J"'" Clerk of Douglass Township, Mont- 
*J^^ calm County, is a native of this State, hav- 
ing been born in Wayne County, May 5, 1850, at 
a point about twelve miles southwest of the city of 
Detroit. He is the son of Michel and Almina 
(Hyde) Blumberg. His parents were natives of 
New York and emigrated from there about the 
year 1832. When our subject was a little child of 
scarcely two years his father removed to Ingham 
County and resided there as a farmer until the boy 
was fourteen years old. Walter at that time left 
the p.arental roof and began the battle of life for 
himself. He lived about two years with a sister 
who was married to a Mr. Lewis and after that went 
to reside with his brother, Charles W. Here he re- 
mained until he decided to take to himself a wife 
and establish a home of his own. 

The marriage of Walter Blumberg with Olive 
Brayman, took place July 3, 1877, in Oakland 
County. Their union has been blessed by three 
children — Addie E., born June 28, 1878; Emma 







•a 



7^/A^^-^ 




^--^^-H^^^^.^^^^^- 





ar^^'- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



547 



K., September 11, 1880;; and Cornelius Piinery, 
June 2), 1885. These cliildren are nil living and 
in their vigorous and happy young lives are a 
source of unfailing comfort to their parents. 

Although deprived of good opi)ortunilies of 
learning in his youth, the subject of this sketch has 
ahv.ays taken a keen interest in educational affairs. 
He is dclermiiie<1 that his children and tlie chil- 
dren of his neighbors shall have the best that is to 
ho obtained in this direction, and he is rejoiced that 
his children have been able to profit bj- belter 
opportunities than he had in the primitive schools of 
Michigan. He and his wife are both active and 
earnest professors of religion in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

Tliis gentleman has held the otiicc of Constable 
for two terms in this precinct and is now serving 
his second terra in the olfice of Town Clerk. His 
political convictions and efforts are with the Pro- 
hibition party. 



t-^^^^-f 



Tt^l-I-'AIl I'liATT. In traveling through 
|l^ Ionia County the passing stranger sees 
'_'-^ many fine farms and observes with pleasure 
the evidences of prosperity and good taste on every 
hand. One of the tracts which present this ap- 
pearance is situated on section 21, Ionia Township, 
and is justly considered one of the best farms in 
the count}'. It is owned and oi)erated by Mr. 
I'ratt, whose portrait is presented on the ojjposite 
page. Since he took up his residence in this county 
he has proved a worthy addition to its citizenship 
and has greatly assisted in its agricultural develop- 
ment, as he is a man of active brain, possesses clear 
judgment, and is enterprising and capable. 

Mr. I'ratt is descended from sturdy Ivcvolulion- 
ary ancestry. His father, Jacob I'ratt, who was 
born in Massachusetts in 1781, was a soldier in tl e 
War of 1812 and followed the callings of a farmer 
ami mechanic. His mother, whose maiden name 
was Hachael Anderson, was born in Massachusetts 
about 1787. and w.as a daughter of William Ander- 
son of Massachusetts, who served all through the 



Revolutionary War, and surviving the dangers of 
that stormy period lived to the venerable age of 
ninety six years. Jacob I'ratt and his wife were 
married in Massachusetts and emigrated first to 
Madison County, and then to Erie County, N. Y., 
where they made their home until 1836. They 
then removed to Ashtabula County, Ohio, and so- 
journed there for two or three years. In 1839 
they came to Michigan and located first in Oakland 
County, then in Saranac where they completed 
their lives, he dying in 1819 and she following him 
in 1852. He was a Class-Leader in the Jlethodist 
Episcopal Church of which they were both uiem- 
bers, and in connection with which they did much 
praiseworthy work. He was an earnest devoted 
man and his is a precious memoiy to his descend- 
ants. 

Mr. and Mrs. .lacob I'ratt were the parents of 
twelve children, seven of whom are now living at 
quite an advanced age. The youngest of these is 
sixty -one years of age and the eldest, seventy-seven 
years old. The subject of this sketch was born 
November 20, 1819, in Erie County, N. Y. He re- 
ceived a common-school education and then leav- 
ing home at seventeen years of age went to 
Ashtabula County, Ohio. In 1837 he came to 
Michigan, where in Oakland Count}' lie learned of 
his older brother the trade of a millwright. Here 
he remained until 1841, then settled in L3ons, 
Ionia County, and witii his brother Aaron built the 
first gristmill there on the old McKelvey farm. 
Selling out to his brother in 184C he went to 
Saranac, Ionia County, and built the gristmill which 
now stands at that point. He operated that mill 
for about twenty-five years and then selling out re- 
moved to Chicigo where he remained for a year. 

In 1872 the subject of this sketch started out in 
a new direction, going to Silver City, New Mexico, 
and engageil in the building of quartz mills and 
other ajiplianccs for the mining industries. Here 
misfortune overtook him and he lo-st much of the 
property he hail gaiiicil during his prosperous 3'ears 
in Michigan. He resided at Chetopa, Ivan., for a 
year, then returning to Michigan settled upon his 
present farm, and patiently went to work to regain 
his financial standing, in which he h.is been success- 
ful. His farm is in a good condition both as to 



548 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



land and buildings. One hundred and twenty-four 
acres are contained in it, of wliicli ninety-five are 
under the plow. 

Mr. Pratt was united in marriage in 1842 witli 
Celestine Stevens, wbo died December 29, 1865, 
having been Uie motlier of six ciiildren, three of 
whom are now living, namely: Adelaide, Mrs. 
Mason W. Stoddard, of Clinton County, wl\o is 
the mother of three children; Ida, Mrs. Cliarles 
Jones, of Grand Rapids, tlie mother of two chil- 
dren ; Filnora, Mrs. Levi Fellows of Ottawa County. 
His second marriage was witli Helen A. Marble, a 
daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Spinning) Mar- 
ble. This event took place February 23, 18G7. 
Mr. Marble was a native of Pennsylvania and his 
wife of New .Tersey. Twenty-five years ago they 
emic^rated from the State of New York to Elkiiart, 
Ind. Mrs. Marble died in 1873 at Silver City, New 
Mexico. Her husband departed this life in Janu- 
ary, 1891. Tliey were the parents of nine children, 
eight of whom arc still living. 

Mrs. Pratt was born October 11, 1845, iu Cayuga 
County, N. Y. She and her husband have no chil- 
dren. They are both members of the Episcopal 
Church in which he has been an officer for some 
time. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
Blue Lodge in which he has been Master. At 
Saranac he was a member of the School Board. He 
has been Townshii) Treasurer of Austin Township 
and Hio'hway Commissioner for three years, and is 
now Justice of the Peace here. He is wide-awake 
in regard to political matters, and casts his vote 
with the Democratic party. 

Mathew G. Pratt, brother of Elijah, has been 
recently visiting him. He was born May 30, 1824, 
in Erie County, N. Y., and came West with his 
father's family in 1844, soon after which he started 
out for himself. His home is in Gratiot County, 
where he has pursued the vocation of a mechanic. 
In 1845 he married Sarah M. Wood, of Fond du 
Lac County, Wis. She died in 1856, leaving two 
children. He again married in 1858 Augusta Hig- 
gins, who died leaving no children. His marriage 
with Mary Venable of Sidney, Iowa, took place in 
1872, and at her death in 1874 she left no children. 
He again married in 1882 Eraeline Coleman who 
has one child — Charles Ernest, about eight years 



old (1891.) When he lived in Sidney, Iowa, he 
fitted out a train of emigrants to cross the plains. 
The Indians captured the entire train and killed all 
the people except one woman who w.as kept in cap- 
tivity for six months and finally was released. 

^,,^4 .^^. ,T^^ 



^=^ILMAN J. WRIGHT. This honored eiti- 
(II ,— -, zen of Montcalm County is closely con- 
^^i|l nected with the business interests of Home 
Township as a farmer and mechanic. He owns and 
occupies a tract of eighty acres on sections 19 and 
30, and also carries on a wagon and repair shop in 
Edmore. lie has held every township office except 
that of Treasurer, is prominent among the old sol- 
diers, and influential and active in church work. 
When he came to the township he bought out a 
homesteader's claim that was watered by Stony 
Creek, and set to work to make the improvements 
that he thought proper for a well-regulated farm. 
Ho now has a complete line of farm buildings, has 
the land under excellent tillage, and derives a sat- 
isfactory income from the sale of the stock and 
crops he raises. 

Mr. Wright belongs to an old Connecticut fam- 
ily, but he is a native of the Buckeye State. He 
was born in Pittsfield, Lorain County, May 1, 1844, 
and spent his infancy and childhood there and in 
Carlyle Township. In 1850 his parents removed 
to this State, traveling with a team and wagon 
according to the primitive fashion. A tract of one 
hundred and sixty acres in Kalamazoo County was 
bought and located upon and various improve- 
ments made, the son aiding in the work necessary 
as far as his youthful strength would permit. He 
had but limited school privileges, only attending 
one winter, Init studied at home and gained con- 
siderable practical knowledge. In 1860 he returned 
to his native State and worked out nearly two 
j'cars. 

The war-cloud had settled over the country and 
young Wright was filled with a patriotic desire to 
enter the service of the country. Young as he was 
he enlisted in January, 1862, and was enrolled in 
Company B, One Hundred and Twonty-eighth Ohio 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



549 



Infantry. He was mustered in at Johnson's Island, 
nliere lie acted as guard over prisoners until his term 
of service expired when he was mustered out and 
honorably discharged in April, 18G;j. lie returned 
to Oliio, but came at once to this State and took 
charge of his father's old farm, which lie carried 
on some months. He then went again to his native 
State and for a year and a half gave his attention 
exclusively to w.agon-making, then combined willi 
that trade the work of a carpenter and joiner. In 
August, 1872, he bought his present location and 
moved onto the place the next year. He gave his 
attention to farming until the summer of 1890, 
when he was requested to open a wagon and rejjair 
shop, which he did. 

The marriage of Mr. Wright and Miss L^ydia L. 
Park was solemnized in Sandusky, Ohio, in August, 
1804. The bride was born in Preston, Chenango 
County, N. Y. The union has been blessed bj' the 
birth of three children, naniel^-: Minnie E., de- 
ceased; Willard J. and Charles G. Mrs. Wright 
has been an efficient helpmate and a devoted 
mother and the good opinion that is held of her 
by her neighbors is indicative of her kindliness 
and social nature. 

The first frame barn built in Home Township was 
put up 1)3' Mr. Wright upon his farm and there the 
first mowing machine was used in the township. 
He has been School Director fifteen years in suc- 
cession and served for a long lime as Township 
Clerk and Justice of the Peace. He is now Senior 
\' ice- Commander of the Grand Army Post, and 
has been Commander. Politically he is a Republi- 
can and his service has been given to the party as 
a delegate to county conventions. His religious 
membershiii is in the Congregational Church and 
he holds the offices of Deacon and Trustee; he is 
Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday-school and 
Superintendent of a mission school. His private 
diaracter is unimpeachable, his reputation in busi- 
ness circles enviable, and he exerts an infiuence on 
the side of right and progress that is felt through- 
out the neighborhood. 

Josiah Wright, grandfather of our subject, spent 
his entire life in Connecticut, where he carried on 
the occupation of a farmer and fisherman. His 
son Jonathan was born near Saybrook, and in his 



early life settled in Lorain County, Ohio, where he 
was engaged in teaching and later in farming. He 
came to this State in 18.')0, but his health became 
so poor that he went back to his native State and 
died there when his son Gilraan J. was twelve years 
old. His wife bore the maiden name of Miranda 
Cochran and was born in Londonderry, Vt., Septem- 
ber 10, 1813. She is a daughter of David Cochran, 
who w.as born in Vermont and was of Irish paren- 
tage. That gentleman was one of the early settlers 
in Lorain County, Ohio, an<l there his daughter 
was married to Jonathan Wright. On the death 
of her husband she was left with two children, our 
subject being the elder. The other was Charles 
II., who is now living in Itah and is an engineer 
on the Central Pacific Railroad ; he entered the 
army when quite young, enlisting in 18G3 in the 
One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Infantry 
and served until the close of the war. Mrs. Wright 
has for j-ears ma<(e her home with her son Gilraan, 
and is now seventy-five years of age. 

EOKGE E. ]U-:A1)I,E is chissed among the 
fanners of Ionia County and is operating a 
tract of one hundred and twent}' -eight acres 
on section 6, Lyons Township. All is under cul- 
tivation but fifteen acres which is covered with 
limber. Mr. Beadle is doing well in general farm- 
ing, has the place well stocked and raises crops that 
never fall below the average in quality or quantity. 
The properly on which he makes his home and 
which he is so successfully operating, belongs to 
his father, who is living upon a smaller farm in 
Ronald Township, to which our subject holds the 
title. The pl.ace which is owned by George Beadic 
contains sixteen acres and has good buildings upon 
it. 

Mr. Beadle is the son of Wilburand Chloe (Kox) 
Beadle, who were natives of New York ami who 
came to this Slate many years ago. They were 
married in Ealon County and eslablislied their 
home in Benton Township, on land that was bare 
of improvements when they look possession. After 
a time Ihc}- changed their location to another sec- 



550 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tion in the same township and thence came to Ionia 
County in 1865. Here they occupied the tract 
that is now the home of the son and from it they 
removed to his farm in Ronald Townsliip. They 
have three living children — George, Ilattie and 
Edie, and lost one in infancy. 

The gentleman with whose name these para- 
graphs is introduced was horn in Eaton Counl^s 
September 21, 1848. His first educational privi- 
leges were had in that county and he afterward 
went to school in Ionia County. He assisted his 
father from year to year and became thoroughly 
conversant with the management of a farm before 
he left home, which he did when twenty-one years 
old. He was married in 1876 to Miss Martha 
Thompson who was born in Wayne County, New 
York, December 1847, and came to this State when 
a child six years old. Her parents were Sylvanus 
and Ora (Barney) Thompson, both of whom were 
born in the Green Mountain State. Immediately 
after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Beadle took up 
their residence on his father's farm, sixty acres of 
which was then under improvement. 

Mr. Beadle is a man of much intelligence, kee|>- 
ing himself well informed regarding the world's 
work and making quite a study of the issues of the 
day. He is a believer in and a supporter of the 
principles of the Republican party. The only local 
office he has held is that of Pathmaster. lie is a 
member of the Christian Church and is connected 
with the congregation in Ronald Townsliip that is 
known as the Union Church. He and his wife have 
a pleasant circle of acquaintances, to whom their 
doors are always hospitably open. 



<jf|OSEPH ROASCH. In every section of the 
United States the native of Germany has 
been making his way to competence and 
honor, displaying the sturdy enterprise, 
honesty and industry that have resulted in bring- 
ing his native land in the front rank among nations. 
Ionia County is not without her representatives of 
this nationality, and foremost among them is the 
gentleman above named, who has been living in 



Keene Township for more than thirty years. He 
has been a potent factor in the development of the 
agricultural resources of the county and has at- 
tained to a substantial footing among the property 
owners of the township. His farm is only of me- 
dium size, but is well tilled and improved, and is 
the source of an income adequate for his wants. 

In the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, Mr. 
Roasch was born on Christmas Day, 1829. His 
parents were George and Clara (Fischer) Roasch, 
who were born in the Fatherland and spent their 
lives there. They reared their son in accordance 
with the customs of the countrj^ giving him a 
practical education in the schools that are kept by 
the government, and teaching him industrious 
habits and a knowledge of farm work. After he 
had grown to manhood he made up his mind that a 
broader field for the exercise of his talents would 
be afforded in America, and bidding adieu to the 
land of his birth, he embarked at Havre on a sail- 
ing vessel and seven weeks later lauded in New 
York City. He had about $10 when he set foot 
upon American soil, but in lieu of large capital 
he had an abundant supply of energy, determina- 
tion and mother wit. He was economical and when 
employment was secured the way was oi)ened to a 
competence. 

Mr. Roasch went to Canada, where he worked as 
a farm hand and on railwaj' construction a few 
months, but in the fall he made his way to Ionia 
County, this State, which has since been his home. 
Keene Township has been the scene of his labors 
from that time, but for several years he worked as 
a farm hand, before he was able to establish himself 
on land of his own. When he bought property it 
was in the uncleared sections and he was obliged 
to wield the ax, do logging and breaking, and 
other work which is necessary in reclaiming the 
timber lands of America. Before he left his own 
country he served five j'ears in the German army, 
in accordance with the law of the land. 

Mr. Roasch was married May 30, 1867, to Rosan- 
nah Take}', a native of New York, and a daughter 
of Jacob and Catherine (Geurmsey) Takey, natives 
of Germany. They married in this country and 
both died at their home near Utica, N. Y. The 
union has been blessed by the birth of five children, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



551 



whose names are George, Frederick, Soplironiai 
Clmiles and C'Inni. Both liiisb.iiul and wife belong 
U> llie Catholic Cliurcii, and their cliikiren are l)e- 
iiii^ carefully instructed in the tenets of the mother 
chinch. Mr. Roasch has been School Treasurer for 
fifteen years and the confidence thus reposed in 
him is a strong proof of the o[)inioii his neighbors 
have of his honest^'. The vote he casts is a Dem- 
ocratic one. In his business relations he has the 
full confidence of those with whom he deals, and in 
social circles he is well regarded as one of the en- 
terprising, intelligent and genial men of the neigh- 
borhood. 



HI K. LE VALLEY is the son of llolden Le Val- 
ley, a native of Pennsylvania, and Irene (Ful- 
ler) Le Vallej', who was born in Vermont. 
Thej' were married in Herkimer County, N. Y., 
December 2G, 1810. The parents of Mrs. Le Valley 
emigrated from Vermont into New York State at a 
very early day, and coming to Michigan in 1814, 
settled in Oakland County, being thus among the 
very earliest pioneers. The parents of our subject 
lived in Orleans County, N. Y., where the father 
died .June 9, 1823, and the mother a month earlier. 
Thej' were the parents of six children, three of 
whom arc now living: Ara, born in 1814; Eri, 
in 181G;and our subject Iri, May T), 1818, in Or- 
leans County, N. Y. 

Left an ori)lian when only five 3'ears of .age, Iri 
Le V^alley was taken by his uncle Christopher Le 
A'alley to his home. Here he remained until he was 
ten years old when he went to live with Mr. .1. 
Waldo, on the Mohawk River. He remained with 
this family until he reached his majority when he 
received from them according to the custom of the 
day, ^100. He then went to work by the month 
for Isaac Malleson, near Utica, Oneida Count}-, 
N. Y., bargaining for |il2 per month. He worked 
seven months and received the sum of ^S. He then 
went to Mr. Willis, who was building the Black 
River Canal, and engaged to furnish sand for 
six locks of this canal. He had worked here six 
weeks, when one day while working in a sand baid\ 



it caved in and he was buried up to his neck. The 
pressure broke his breast bone. By a herculean 
effort he extricated himself and cleared the sand 
from his wagon and team. He kept on working 
for a few da3*s when he fell into convulsions. This 
was his last work for fourteen months. When he 
was able to work agam his money was all gone and 
he was in debt $40 to the doctor. His health was 
not fully restored but he worked at doing chores 
to supi)ort himself. For several years he had oc- 
casional relapses and suffered very much. He 
worked along thus for about two j'ears and came 
in the fall of 1844 to see his brother, who had set- 
tled in Michigan. When our subject had looked 
about 111 the new State he concluded that he would 
try his hand at clearing land and took fort^' acres 
of land from Thomas Marsh. He began work upon 
a little tree six inches in diameter. He fainted 
away from this slight exertion, but his determina- 
tion was stronger than his physical frame. When 
he recovered consciousness he went to Ionia got 
some strong linen and had some slays made into 
which he buckled himself tightl}' and went back to 
his work. He kept at the chopping, notwithstan<l- 
ing pain and suffering, and April 1, 1845, he had 
his forty acres paid for. He then bought another 
forty acres and paid for it also by chopping. Still 
he has never since that lime seen a day which was 
not a day of suffering to him. His farm has one 
of the best springs in Michigan. 

Mr. Le Valle}' made a home on his new farm and 
worked out for the neighbors. In those days he 
received fifty cents a day for haying and did two 
and a half days work for a new shirt. Three days 
wages in harvest bought a pounil of tobacco. He 
put up a shanty in 184fi and in 1847 this brave 
man look to himself a wife. Miss Eliza A. Craw- 
ford, of Seneca County, N. Y. When they were 
cozily settled in their little shanty he had his wife, 
an ax and five shillings. In those days he had the 
oiilion of fifty cents a day or a bushel of wheat as 
wages in harvest limes. lie always took wheal and 
while living upon it cleared off his own land. He 
has chopped and cleared one liundred an<l ninety- 
five acres of heavy timber, many oaks on his land 
measuring five feel through. He .sold his first 
forty acres for 1200. His i)resenl residence was 



552 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



built in 1863, at the cost of $1,500. His wife, wlio 
was born February 10, 1822, died April 4, 1874. 
Tiiey were the parents of two children — Irene Eme- 
line, and Nancy Keziali. Botli died in infancy. 
Ilis second marital union was witli Miss Lana 
Crawfor(), a sister of liis former wife. Tliis event 
tooli place April 20, 1876. Tliey are both of them 
members of the Ionia Presbyterian Church to 
which he h.as belonged for about tweiitj'-five j'ears. 
They have always been earnest Sunday-school 
workers. In the early days lie used to hold Sunday- 
school in his old log shanty. His first church con- 
nection was with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
but later he became a Presbyterian. He took care 
of his mother-in-law for years before her death. He 
has always been active in promoting the educa- 
tional interests of the community, and has been a 
Director or Moderator of the School Board for 
twenty-live years. When the church was built 
near his home he gave an acre and a half of land 
for II and subscribed $50 in money or sixty days 
work. He served four years as Trustee, Treasurer, 
and on the Building Committee and when collec- 
tions ran short he paid out of his own pocket the 
current expenses, of which he received the thanks 
of the church. 

Mr. Le Valley has always been one of the most 
prominent men in Orange Township. He was one 
of its organizers and gave it its name. He served 
the township faithfully, clearing out roads and 
building bridges as Highway Commissioner. For 
live years lie was Township Treasurer, and Col- 
lector and during his long term of service 
of twenty-six years as Justice of the Peace 
he 'has united sixty -seven couples in the bonds 
of matrimony. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics and cast his first Presidential vote for William 
Henry Harrison and his last for Benjamin Harrison. 
In local elections he votes for the best man irre- 
spective of party. He has always been an ardent 
worker in the temperance cause and in this diiec- 
tiou has done heroic work. His wife's sympathies 
and activities are with him in this work. He now 
has one hundred and thirteen and one-half acres of 
land, nearly all of which is improved and all this 
done by his own hand. He raises cattle and sheep 
of good grades. Last year he raised sixty-five 



lambs and in September he sold fifty of them for 
$3.25 per head. 

When our subject came here in 1844 there were 
no means of transportation between this point and 
Detroit, except by team or on foot. The villages 
of Portland and Lyons then brought all their goods 
from Detroit by team. On his way, traveling by 
foot, he stopped at what is now Howell, to hear a 
speech at a Democratic mass meeting. There were 
thirty delegates, a band and forty ladies dressed in 
white, all carried on six sets of wheels, drawn by 
twenty yokes of oxen led by a bull weighing 
twenty-two hundred |)0unds. He had a poke on 
covered with ribbons as were also the yokes of the 
oxen. They traveled through the country in this 
style. After hearing the speech and seeing the dis- 
play the young man proceeded on his way. 



■^/OHN E. MORRISON. Among the best 
citizens of our country are those ilescended 
from Scotch ancestry. With them they 
have brought to their new home the char- 
acteristics of prudence and frugality, of uncom- 
promising integrity and persevering industry. Of 
this stock was the fatlier of our subject, John E. 
Morrison, Sr., a native of New York State and a 
farmer. The original emigrants from Scotland 
were three brothers who came to America at an 
earl}' day, settling in different parts of the United 
States. The branch to which these Morrisons be- 
longed settled in New York State. The mother of 
our subject was Eliza (McKelvey) Morrison, a na- 
tive of Rochester, N. Y. Her family came to 
Ionia County about 1834. 

John E. Morrison, Sr., was born in 1815, and 
came to Michigan when twenty-one years of age. 
In 1833 he settled in Berlin Township on section 
25, a fraction of Easton Township, now attached 
to Berlin. He took up one hundred and sixty 
acres of Government land, all raw, and had to cut 
his way throuy^h the timber in order to drive to 
his farm. His brave wife rode an Indian pony, 
carrying two children in her arms. They removed 
from Oakland County, Mich., where he had set- 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



553 



tied in 1830 and married, to this new home, 
being ten days on the road. He was at this time 
in delicate health and very mucli reduced in cir- 
ciiinstanccs, but proceeded to luiild a log house 
and clear off his farm, one hundred acres of which 
lie improved. His wife died in 1881, an<l he fol- 
lowed her in 1884. Of their eleven children four 
arc now living: Joseph, who lived in Arkansas, 
died April 22, 1891; Almira, Mrs. S. Shaw, also in 
the same State; our subject; Susan, Mrs. M. G. 
Allen, who lives in Ronald Township; Anna, Mrs. 
B. F. Beardsle}', who lives in Stanton. The father 
took a [)rominent part in public affairs, being in 
the early days a Whig, and joining the Repub- 
lican party soon after its formation. He also took 
an active interest in schools and was for nianj' 
years School Inspector. He was also Township 
Clerk, Supervisor, and in 1838 Justice of the 
Peace. In this last capacity he united many- 
couples in marriage. For a long while the Indians 
were close neighbors, and the squaws used to he the 
onl}' domestic help which this good mother could 
secure to help her through the hard work of wash- 
ing and other extra jobs. When the organization 
of Berlin Township in 1838 was effected he was 
made Moderator of the first township meeting, and 
was also the first Township Clerk and Inspector. 
In 1812 he was made Supervisor. 

Our subject was horn February 25, 1811, in 
Berlin Township, and grew up among the Intlians 
and the wild scenes of frontier life, for his father 
being the first white settler in what is now Berlin 
Township, had no near neighbors among the whites 
except Oliver Arnold. His first schooling was in 
his own house, where a subscription school was 
established. His worthy parents were ambitious 
fur the best things for their children and gave 
them the best education that could be secured in 
this way. I'litil he was twenty-seven years of age 
he remained at home, but then began for himself. 

John K. Morrison, our subject, married Novem- 
ber 1, 1868, Mrs. Mary (Sessions) Ilendryx, a na- 
tive of Ionia City, and an adopted child of Amasa 
Sessions, who originally settled ui)on this farm. 
This early settler and his valuable wife were 
among the earliest and have always been one of 
the foremost families of Ionia County. Having 



no children of their own, they took the little 
orphan to their hearts and home and brought her 
up to be one of the best educated and most benev- 
olent women in the county. Mr. Sessions settled 
here in 1838, and remained until 1870 when he 
retired from active work, removing to Ionia. His 
wife departed this life in 1873, and he followed 
her in 1886. She was a member of the Christian 
Church and Mr. Sessions held many responsible 
positions of trust in his community, being in 1842 
one of the School Inspectors, and for a number of 
years Justice of the Peace and Supervisor of Ber- 
lin Township. He belonged to the old Whig 
party, and later joined the Republican ranks. Both 
Mr. Sessions antl .Mr. Morrison have borne the 
best records as men of purely temperate lives. 
Mrs. Morrison was born January 2, 1845. Besides 
the district school education which she could re- 
ceive on the farm, her adopted parents sent her to 
lonin to receive the advantages of the graded 
schools there, and later to Utica, N. Y., for further 
privileges. She afterward taught school in Berlin 
Township until her marriage with George W. 
Hendryx, by whom siic had one child — Ma3', born 
April 30, 18GG. 

Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are the parents of three 
children — Nellie, born August 30, 1870; Amasa, 
July 17, 1872; .and John E., December 21, 1874. 
The}^ were all students at the Ionia public schools 
and Amasa is now attending a business college at 
Ionia. Miss May and Miss Nellie are both excel- 
lent performers on the melodeon. Mr. and Mrs. 
Morrison are warmly interested in the Grange, she 
being a lecturer in the same. For six years Mr. 
Morrison has been a Director of the local schools 
and Road Overseer, and has taken an active [lart 
in politics, voting the Republican ticket. 

Mr. Morrison started empty-handed, but his 
push, perseverance and haid work have made him 
successful to a marked degree. He now owns throe 
hundred and fort3--two acres of land, over three 
hundred acres of which is cleared. He devotes 
himself mostly to the raising and feeding of slock, 
making a specialty of sheep raising. He keeps tin- 
fine wool Spanish-Merinoes, of which he has three 
hundred and fifty head. He has followed this 
line of work for over twenty years. His laine 



554 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



barns have often needed and have received addi- 
tions to shelter the fine stock in which he takes a 
great pride. Nothing of an inferior grade is al- 
lowed on his farm and among cattle the Durhanis 
are his favorites. He has not neglected the cul- 
ture of fruit, having an orchard of ten acres. 



)ERNARU IIACKETT, the Supervisor of 
Orange Township, Ionia County, is one of 
[»!))) II; tiie old pioneers of the county. He was 
born in 1838, his father being Patrick Hack- 
ett, a native of County Leitrim, Ireland, and a 
farmer by occupation. His mother was Mary 
(Stanton) Ilackett, a native of the same county. 
They were married in the Emerald Isle, and resided 
there until 1840, when they migrated to America, 
and came directly to Michigan, settling in Orange 
Township on section 31, on an unbroken farm lo- 
cated by an uncle of our subject, Barney Hackett, 
in 1836. Although the farm was unbroken, a log 
cabin had been built on the place. His first work 
on the eighty acres was to clear off the timber. 
There were but three families within two miles of 
his cabin. Indians and wild animals abounded, 
especially wolves, bears and deer. He added to his 
farm, and in time gave his son forty acres of it. 
He busied himself in improving his land and also 
took an active interest in establishing schools, and 
was for years a member of the School Board. In 
polities he was a Democrat. Both parents were 
members of the Roman Catholic Church. The fa- 
ther died in 1861 ; the mother is still living at the 
advanced age of eighty-eight years. They were 
the parents of seven children, four of whom are 
now living. 

Our subject was born in Count}' Leitrim, Ireland, 
and was two years old when the family came to 
Jlichigan. The opportunities for schooling in that 
early day were extremely limited, but this boy had 
the privilege of attending school in one of the first 
log schoolhouses in Orange Township. This school- 
house was roughly put together, but as the history 
of our country has abundantly proved, a log school- 
house and a bright teacher give a boy an excellent 



start in life. His first teacher was Caroline Bur- 
gess, from Lyons. School was in session three 
months each year, and the teacher was paid by rate 
bills. He remained at home until he was twenty- 
eight years of age. In the meantime his father had 
died and he chose to care for his mother. He built 
a house for her and helped to get the old home in 
good condition before he started out for himself. 

Bernard Hackett married December 27, 1866, 
Miss Alice Butler, a daughter of Edward and Nancy 
(Corcoran) Butler, both natives of Ireland, and 
members of the Catliolic Church. They had come 
to America and settled for several years at Roches- 
ter, N. Y., but emigrated to Michigan in 1840, find- 
ing a home in Berlin Township, Ionia County, on 
a new farm. Mr. Butler cleared off and improved 
this land, and while industriously employed upon 
his farm, took an active interest in having all local 
matters started aright. He was a Democrat in pol- 
itics, and soon became a member of the School 
Board. He died in the year 1872; his wife survives 
him, and still resides ujjon the old homestead, al- 
though about eighty-three years old. This couple 
became the parents of eleven children, eight of 
whom are now living, namely: Thomas, Mary (Mrs. 
Elbert), Kate (Mrs. Hackett), Edward, Jane (Mrs. 
Otis), John, Alice (Mrs. Hackett), Sarah (Mrs. 
Mathews). 

Mrs. Hackett was born in 1844 in Berlin Town- 
ship, and led the free and happy life of a pioneer 
child. Upon her marriage to the subject of this 
sketch, she came with him to their present home, a 
farm of ninety acres on section 30, Orange Town- 
ship. The farm has been gradually enlarged, and 
now comprises one hundred acres, seventy of which 
are improved and cultivated. Mr. Hackett has 
built his residence and barns, and has also placed 
upon his farm all the other improvements which 
appear there. He carries on mixed farming, rais- 
ing grain and stock. He and his good wife have 
become the parents of three children: George E., 
born January 20, 1868; Eugene A., May 31, 1869; 
Frederick B., June 30, 1872. To these children 
they have given a district school education, and 
have brought them up in the Roman Catholic faith. 
Mr. Hackett's conliiiuous residence in this township 
for fifty-one years has made him well known to all 







J^ ^/^C<:ri-eyH^r2-,^i-<_^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



557 



the citizens in his township. He is a political fac- 
tor in local Democratic affairs. He has been a lueni- 
berof the School Board, and was elected Supervisor 
of Orange Township four j'ears ago, which otiice 
he still continues to hold. His friends have ([uite 
frcqucntlj' made him a delegate to both county and 
district conventions. He is a member of the l*ii- 
tronsof Industry, and has done the work of a High- 
way Commissioner. 



-^ 



^pfiLBERT V. MOREHOUSE is termed the 

( @//J| l historian of Portland. This title he de- 
,'// w serves by virtue of his keeping records of 
'QyJ old settlers, statistics indicative of his 
country's progress, copies of speeches when deliv- 
ered before old settlers' gatherings, and tiie inter- 
est he takes in various branches of literature. This 
talent is not the chief of his abilities; he is also a 
line mechanic, always seeking industriously to im- 
prove the powers bestowed upon him b}' a kind 
Providence. His religious and social duties are 
performed conscientiously. 

Livingston, Essex County, Is'. J., was the birth- 
place of Mr. Morehouse and his natal day was 
.January 13, 1818. He was the son of David W. 
and Nancy (Earrand) Morehouse. He is of Puri- 
tan descent and the sixth lineal descendant of the 
lirst Morehouse who lived in America. His father 
died Eebruary 10, 1873, at Portland, Jlich., in his 
eighty-sixth year. His mother died the 3-ear fol- 
lowing. Albert F. was educated in the common 
schools of his native Slate. Evincing a marked 
talent for mechanics he learned the carpenter and 
joiner's trade, which he carried on successfully in 
Newark, N. J., Troy, N. Y., New Orleans, La., and 
Portland, Mich. 

To Portland Mr. Morehouse came on Jlay 24, 
1843, and has since been identified with itsgrowlli. 
He has not worked at his trade since 1865. In 
1853 he was elected .Supervisor of his township, 
re elected in 1854 and again in 18G2. He has 
been Justice of the Peace for three terms. He was 
Township Clerk several terms and has alw.ay3 iden- 
tified himself with the educational interests of his 



village, having held the office of School Director 
more than twenty years. In 1863-64 he held the 
position of Sergeant-at-Arms in the House of 
Representatives of the Slate. In local literary 
circles he is an active member, being President of 
the Portland Library and Literary Association. 

In 1835 Mr. Morehouse was converted in New- 
ark, N. J., from which time he has been a consis- 
tent member and during much of that time au 
ollicer in the church. He has been Deacon in the 
Baptist Church of Portland since Juno 15, 1865, 
and was Clerk of the church in 1879. At the 
semi centennial celebration of the church in June, 
1890, he was selected to deliver the historical ad- 
dress, and occupied the hour allotted to him in a 
manner highly praised by the large audience. He 
is Secretary of Portland Lodge, No. 31 , P'. <fe A. M., 
and it has been publicly stated that he is one of the 
most efficient ollicers of the fraternity in Michigan. 
Mr. Morehouse was married to Sarah C. Freeman, 
a descendant of Anneke Jans, and they have a fam- 
ily of five sons and four daughters. Of the for- 
mer the eldest served in the Tenth Michigan Cav- 
alry until the close of the war. The second son, 
Lewis Ciiss Morehouse, is a Baptist minister in 
Winchester, III. With the exception of one son 
who died when eight years of age all the children 
are living. 

Mr. Morehouse is cng.aged in business of a mis- 
cellaneous character, including duties devolving 
upon him as Notary Public, Conveyancer of Deeds, 
Claim Agent, etc. Few men have been called 
upon to write more wills than he; few arc better 
or more favorablj' known. At an early age he was 
called from Ihe vocation he had chosen to attend 
to the interests of the community where he resides. 
Although not cducateil in the law his reaily appre 
elation of its rules and the principles of govern- 
ment insured his success. His religious views 
have formed his code of action, and his integrity 
and fidelity have held the confidence of the people. 
His executive ability in the settlement of estates 
is constantly called into requisition. 

In common with other pioneers of Michigan Mr. 
Morehouse passed through some thrilling exper- 
iences, among them an encounter with a hear when 
on his way to his home one mile from the village. 



558 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



A short distance from him was bruin, apparently 
as much astonished as he at the unexpected meet- 
ing. Mr. Morehouse l<ppt his eye fixed upon 
bruin until tlie latter changed his course and 
passed by a few i-ods away from him. Since tliat 
early day many changes have been made. The 
forests are all felled and the hands of pioneers 
have changed the face of nature. When Mr. More- 
house bouglit and moved on the eigiity-acre farm 
he yet owns adjoining the corporate limits of the 
yillage the wilderness was unbroken and no roads 
had been made. It was not unusual to see deer 
and wild turkeys near the house, while the whole 
country was in almost its primeval condition. As 
might be expected Mr. Morehouse is a member of 
the Michigan Slate Pioneer and Historical Society 
and the Vice-President representing Ids county. 

In June, 1877, after an absence of a third 
of a century, Mr. Morehouse revisited the home 
of his childhood in New Jersey, and on tlie 
occasion of the celebration of the Fourth of July 
of that year he was an invited and honored guest 
in the procession and occupied a prominent seat on 
the platform. He is now comfortably living in 
the enjoyment of a hard-earned competency and 
maintaining the respect of his large circle of friends, 
who will be pleased to notice iiis portrait on another 
page of this volume. 



\fl'UDSON BUTTOLPH occupies :i pleasantly- 
located farm on section 9, Olisco Townshii), 
and has other farm lands within Ionia 
County. He is prominently connected witli 
the agricultural affairs of the neighborhood, and 
has considerable influence in all matters that per- 
tain to the welfare of the community'. As a farmer 
he is industrious and thorough-going, ready to 
adopt a practical idea, yet never giving up the old 
plans without due consideration of the new. His 
farm is supplied with tlie necessary outbuildings 
and a good farmhouse, and is stocked with domes- 
tic animals that are kept in good condition and 
always find a ready sale. 

The parents of Judson Buttolph were the Rev. 



John and Sarah (Douglas) Buttolph, natives re- 
spectively of New York and Massachusetts. Their 
marriage touk jilace in the Empire State August 
27, 1816, and to them were born six children, 
namely: Sylva A. and Henry D., deceased; John 
G., whose home is near Pontiac; James W., liv- 
ing near Pompeii; Judson, our subject; and 
Sarah Maria, a resident of Pontiac. The deceased 
son was a Baptist minister and was the second of 
that denomination located at Ionia. The father 
was engaged in the ministry of the Baptist Church 
in the Empire State until June, 1826, when lie 
removed to Michigan, selecting Troy, Oakland 
County, as the place of his residence. He took up 
two hundred and ten acres of Government land, 
upon which he built a log house; he did not live 
long enough to improve it, but died three months 
after his arrival, October 1. 

The eyes of Judson Buttolph opened to the 
light June 27, 1825, in Dutchess County, N. Y., 
and he was an infant when brought to this State, 
From his father's estate he received forty -three and 
a half acres of land, on which he began farming 
when of age. In 1849 he came to Ionia County 
and bought two farms in Otisco Township, the 
one of eighty and the other of fifty acres. He also 
purchased one hundred and thirty-two acres near 
Smyrna. After going to Olisco Township and 
working there for a time Mr. Buttolph went onto 
his mother-in-law's farm, but in 187G he removed 
to his present home. The property on which he 
lives consists of forty-eight acres and his present 
possessions elsewhere are a fifty-acre tract, a sixty 
and a seventy. 

Mr. Buttolph was marrieil October 6, 1851, to 
Miss Lydia Alger. The union has been blest by 
the bii th of seven children, of whom Sarah, James, 
Jennie and Henry are living. Three are de- 
ceased. The youngest child is at home; James is 
in Spencer, Kent County, and the daughters live 
in Otisco Township. 

Mr. Buttolph has served as Sciiool Inspector and 
is now discharging the duties of Justice of the 
Peace for his third term. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican. He and his wife belong to the Baptist 
C'liiircli. They enjo3' the friendship of a goodly 
circle of acquaintances and keep up with the times 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



559 



in tlieir knowledge of passing events that are of 
general interest and in tiieir association in projects 
tliat promise to advance the common welfare. Mr. 
Biittolph was fortunate in receiving more than a 
common-school education, having been privileged 
to attend school in Romeo and Kalamazoo, and a 
manual training school in Aslitabula County. 
Ohio. 



^^EORGE DINSMORK is one of the large 
ill (— _ landowners of Portland Township, Ionia 
^^iiiijl County, and finils abundant occupation in 
looking after the work of his estate. He pursues 
general farming but pays rather more attention to 
the cultivation of wheat and the raising of sheep 
than to any other part of the work. His landed 
estate aggregates three hundred and twenty-one 
acres, which is divided into three farms and sup- 
plied with good sets of buildings, ample machin- 
ery and first-class stock. A native of the township, 
Mr. Dinsmorc is as thoroughly identified with' its 
interests .as any man can be, and he is old enough 
to realize much of the hardship which pertains to 
pioneer life and to vividly recall scenes of quite 
primitive times. 

William Dinsraore, father of our subject, was 
born in Massachusetts and went from that State to 
New York, where he married Jane Berry. In the 
fall of 1836, when their oldest child, Mary, now 
the wife of Sylvester Jenkins w.as an infant, Mr. 
and Mrs. Dinsmore came to this State, journeying 
with an ox-team. They settled on the site of Port- 
land, building a shanty on what is now Jamus 
Street, in which they lived several years and which 
was the birthplace of our subject. Mr. Dinsmorc 
bought a fractional seventy-six acres on section 31, 
which he proceeded to improve while working at 
his trade of shoemaking whenever he could get 
work, which was by no means often. The hard- 
ships of those times were heavy, even at the best, 
and the Dinsmores suffered some misfortunes that 
did not befall every pioneer family. They had two 
cows to which the straw from the beds had been 
fed, as the winter w.as a hard one and fodder scarce, 



and they seemed destined to die unless they could 
subsist on the tender shoots of trees. Spring was 
almost at hand and a hand was sent out to cut 
some trees for them, but being careless he felled a 
tree on one of the cows. This catastrophe, hard to 
be.ar at any time, was iloubly disheartening then, 
and caused Mr. Dinsmore to cry like a child. 

The market for commodities raised here was at 
Detroit, one hundred and eight miles distant, and 
when the ro.ads were at their best and no bad luck 
happened, the journey consumed about ten days. 
For the first wheat Mr. Dinsmore procured for seed 
he paid ^2 per bushel, but for the crop raised 
therefrom he received but two shillings per bushel. 
Several 3'ears after his arrival here, while serving 
as Treasurer of the township, the public money, 
^50 was stolen while the family was absent from the 
house. To re[)lace such a sum was very difficult 
ill those days, but Mr. Dinsmore did so. At the 
first opportunity the township voted the sum back 
to him. He .acted as Supervisor si.x years; he died 
in 1!S73 and his widow survived until 1877. Their 
iiu)rtal remains were deposited side by side in the 
cemetery at Portland, near where they spent so 
many years of toil and experienced so much of 
life's joy and sorrow. They reared live children, 
four of wliom are still living, namely: Mary, 
George, John and Alice. The last named is the 
wife of Oscar Jenkins, of Portland. Their son 
William was a soldier in the Twenty-seventh Mich- 
igan Infantry, and died in a hospital in New York 
Harbor, from a wound received at the Battle of the 
Wilderness. 

The natal d.ay of George Dinsmorc was April 
15, 1838, and the experiences of his bo3'hood were 
similar to those of other lads in frontier seltlc- 
ments. All the schooling he obtained was that of 
the district schools and generally consisted of but 
three months in the winter, the summers being 
spent in haril work on the farm. In his earlv life 
he worked at the shoemaker's bench, but farming 
has been his chief occupation, and in later 3'c.ars 
his attention has been given entirely thereto. He 
is a thorough-going farmer, observant of natural 
phenomena and the result of various inetho<ls of 
fertilization and cultivation, and reaps a due re- 
nard for bis industry and zeal. 



560 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Wlien not yet of age Mr. Dinsmore took to 
hirasc4f a wife, being inarried December 29, 1858, 
to Miss Helen M. Scott. This lady was born No- 
vember 16, 1839, in Barry, Orleans County, N. Y., 
and lived there until two years old. Her parents 
then removed to Ontario County, but after a 
sojourn of four years went to St. Louis, Mo., 
whence about eighteen months later, liiey returned 
to New York. The daughter was fifteen years old 
when they came to Lenawee Count}', this State, 
and a j'ear later settled in Portland. 

Mrs. Dinsmore continued her studies in the se- 
lect schools of Portland and when sixteen years of 
age began teaching. She pursued the profession 
but two terms ere abandoning it to preside over a 
well-kept home. She is a judicious manager of 
household affairs and iier dwelling contains many 
evidences of her taste, being adorned with useful 
and ornamental articles of her handiwork. She 
has a decided love for flowers and cares for quite a 
conservatory. Music is one of the favorite recrea- 
tions of the family, one of the sons presiding at 
the organ, while the rest join in vocal strains. As 
singers in the cburcli they have been useful and 
prominent for years, Mrs. Dinsmore's aged father 
assisting with the bass viol. 'J'he living children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore are two in number — 
Albert and Adelbert, who were born June 18, 
1868. For the past two years Albert has been 
clerking in a hardware store but Adelbert sticks to 
the farm. Flora, the first-born and only daughter, 
died in 1861 when still a child. 

Justin Scott, father of Mr. Dinsmore, was born 
August 4, 1815, in Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y. 
He is of Scotch descent but many generations back. 
His grandfather, David Scott, fought during the 
Revolution and was a close companion of Ethan 
Allen, with whom he entered the service and was 
associated until the close of the war. The two 
were once captured by the British and together 
they escaped. Justin Scott, Sr., grandfather of 
Mrs. Dinsmore, was a prominent man in his com- 
munity and for many years a Collector and Con- 
stable. He had fifteen children, of whom Justin, 
Jr., was the eleventh. The latter was reared to 
farming but learned the trade of a car|)enter and 
joiner and worked at the same for many years. He 



was married February 22, 1839, in Newark, Wayne 
County, N. Y., to Nancy Ann, daughter of Adoni- 
jah and Phebe (Brown) Church, who were of 
Dutch ancestry. Mrs. Scott died in Portland April 
13, 1879, and since her decease her bereaved hus- 
band has resided with his daughter, Mrs. Dinsmore. 
In politics Mr. Dinsmore has always been an 
unfaltering Republican and is proud of the fact 
that his first vote, in 1860, was cast for Abraham 
Lincoln. That he enjoys the confidence of the 
community is shown by the fact that he has served 
two years as Township Treasurer and is now filling 
his fourth term as Supervisor. He and his wife 
liave been identified with the Universalist Ciiurch 
at Portland for the last fifteen years, and have al- 
ways enjoyed the respect of their associates. 



E^^ 



T; SAAC IIARWOOD. Aniong the early settlers 
I of Ionia County was Luke Harwood, the father 
/li of our subject. He was one of the orators at 
the famous celebration of the Fourth of Jul}-, 
which took place forty- three years ago, in the grove 
near what was then the Coon school house. He was 
not only a favorite orator, but a heartily applauded 
singer on that occasion. Luke Harwood was born 
in Wethersfield, Vt., April 6, 1797. Like many 
another sturdy farmer of the Green Mountain 
State, he took some active part in the War of 1812, 
and started to help at the battle of Plattsburg, but 
it was over before he had completed his journey. 
He traces his ancestry back to James Harwood, of 
Knglish birth, who came to this country and mar- 
ried Lydia Barrett, at Chelmsford, Mass., in April, 
1678, and died August 1, 1719. They had six 
children. Their son James, from whom this line 
descended had four children, one of whom was 
also named James. He was the father of five chil- 
dren, his son Archibald being the grandfather of 
our subject. Archibald Harwood was in the Rev- 
olutionary army in 1778, though 011I3' sixteen j-ears 
of age. He was one of the unhappy ones who 
were sold to the British by the traitor Arnold. He 
was a carpenter and millwright by trade and built 
the first mills at Eden, Vt., in 1802. He removed 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



561 



to Franklin Count}', N. Y., but returned to Eden 
before his death, which occurred in 1837. He had 
eleven children, one of them being Luke of wiioin 
we have spoken. 

Luke Ilnrwood married Lucinda Leavitt in 1820. 
She was born August 30, 1796. They lived in 
Franklin County, N. Y. until 1832, when they 
removed lo Wayne Count}', Mich., and in 1836 
located u[)on sections 13 and 24, Berlin Township, 
than Cass Township. In 1839 he removed his fam- 
ily to tiie farm where lie died April 16, 1863. His 
wife survived him until .Se|)tember 26, 1870. At 
first lie located only eiglity acres but afterwards 
added to it until he hail two liundred acres all wild 
land. Upon tliis lie did a splendid work, clearing 
nearly one hundred and twenty acres, improving 
it, and putting ujion it two barns, a log house, and 
later a frame house. He was a hard-working man, 
industrious and persevering through severe poverty. 
His first home was a split log sliant}', 14x16 feet, 
with basswood walls and floor. The fireplace had 
clay bottom and stone back. The house was cov- 
ered with bark. Not a nail was in the house, 
neither for window or for doors; wooden hinges 
hung them and wooden latches fastened them. He 
aftepvards enlarged this first shant}', covering it 
with split basswood boughs, and stulHng the ends 
with moss. When he began housekeeping in this 
primeval palace, he took account of stock and found 
lie had one-half barrel of pork, one barrel of flour, 
a two-year-old heifer and fifty cents in money. 
This was during the last year of the Black Hawk 
War, and the first 3'ear of Asiatic cholera in 
Detroit. 

This brave and patriotic couple were the parents 
of eight chililrcn, six of whom are still living. 
Mrs. Luke Ilarwood was a Presbyterian. Mr. Har- 
wood took an active interest in politics, being a 
.lacksonian Democrat. He took part in the first 
town meeting held here, which covered the area, 
not only of Berlin Township, but also half of 
Orange, half of Odessa, part of Boston, and that 
part of Easton which lies south of the river, with 
a. part of Ionia. This tremendous town cast forty- 
two votes. Luke Harwood was an active friend of 
schools, lie! ping to organize ami keep them up and 
h."is been freciucutly on the School Board, as well as 



Supervisor of Berlin Township, Justice of the 
Peace and Highway Commissioner. He was one of 
the first Associate Judges, to which position he was 
appointed early in the '40s. His political influ- 
ence was pronounced, as be was the marked oppon- 
ent of Alonzo Sessions, and the leader of the 
Democracy' in this township. The first murder case 
in this county was tried before him and Judge 
Brown. 

Isaac Harwood was the oldest child of this house- 
hold, born March 6, 1821, in Franklin County, 
N. Y. He came to Michigan with his father when 
a little lad of eleven years. He went to school in 
the old rude log schoolhouse and when only thir- 
teen years of age began hauling wood, hay and 
coal, to and from Detroit with an ox-team. For 
seven years he continued this work for his father 
and when he re.ached his majority began work for 
himself. His first inde|jendent job was to cut 
down a big o.ik tree, thereby earning fifty cents. 
He then split it into rails at fifty cents per hundred. 
He worked by the month for two summers and 
bought forty acres of lauil from his father for $100. 
He cleared ofif a small portion of this land, then 
traded it for forty acres in the township of Orleans 
on section 18. This was all wild land with neigh- 
bors two miles away. He lived there ten years ancl 
cleared it all ofif, then bought forty acres more, set 
out a fine orchard, fenced his farm and put up a 
house, all the work of his own hands. He sold 
this farm for 1600 and bought eighty acres of un- 
improved land on section 12, Berlin Townshi|). He 
lived on this farm for ten j-ears, cleared ofif forty 
acres of heavy limber and put up a frame house 
and a barn 32x44 feet. He cut and hauled four- 
foot wood from that farm to Ionia, the coMest days 
he has ever seen in Michigan, for twelve shillings 
(|il..50) per cord, in trade. He sold out here for 
$2,700 and bought again his present farm of eighty 
acres, a log bouse and thirty acres of improved 
land, yet full of stumps and stones. This is on 
section 9, of Berlin Township. He now has sev- 
enty acres of it under cultivation and built liis 
residence at a cost of 11,200, besides his own labor, 
some twenty years ago. He still carries on his 
farm work vigorously at seventy j'ears of age. He 
has been an indefatigable worker; among other jobs 



562 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



which be has undertaken he helped clear out 
Maple River in winter time, logged five acres on 
the Boon farm, also eight acres on the farm now 
owned by George Benedict, and made many miles 
of roads, both turnpikes and crossways. In Orleans 
Township he ran a breaking team for three years, 
agreeing to break forty-five acres as payment for 
the outfit. He completed this and also thirt3' acres 
for himself and did thirty acres as jobs for neigh- 
bors besides. When he sold that team he bought 
his second forty acres. He broke up fifty acres 
for Deacon William Babcock on the farm wliere 
Maj. Kelsey now lives. 

Isaac Harwood married December 8, 1842, Mrs. 
Sarah Eddy, a daughter of Abram and Cynthia 
(Phillips) Eddy, Vermont people who came to 
Michigan in 1840, and settled on section 3, Berlin 
Township, Ionia County. The original house, now 
fort3'-five years old is still standing, with the same 
substantial roof which was placed upon it, and under 
which our subject was united in marriage to the 
woman of his choice. Mr. Eddy was born August 
27, 1789 and died February 6, 1875. His wife was 
born April 16, 1790 and died February 6, 1877. 
Of their twelve children five survive them. Mrs. 
Harwood the eighth child was born November 6, 
1822, in Niagara County. N. Y. Of the ten chil- 
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Harwood six are now living: 
Lyman L., who married Carrillii Loveland, lives on 
section 2, and has four children; Cynthia is the 
wife of Amon Otis, of whom see sketch; Riley 
with his wife, Loana (Adgate) Harwood and their 
four children, live in Orange Township; S. Ru- 
hama lives in Berlin Township with her husband, 
Washington Coe and their three children ; Hannorah, 
wife of Chester Adgate lives in Ionia and has five 
chihJrcn; Abram married to Esther Johnson lives 
in Oakdale near Grand Rapids, and has two chil- 
dren; Leavitt A. married Phena Adgate and had 
two children. He died November 13, 1884. Three 
other children died j'oun'g. This worthy couple, 
now far advanced in years, affiliate with the Chris- 
tian faith and in church work, as in all other con- 
nections, are valued aids in the progress and 
prosperity of their community. They live alone 
on the old homestead and carry on the farm. 

Mr. Harwood has been a member of the School 



Board for many years, also Highway Commissioner. 
He gave the school district a site for the first school- 
house built in Orleans Township. He has taken 
an active interest in politics voting the Democratic 
ticket all his life. He is now reaping the reward 
of patient and persistent industry and a determina- 
tion to do the work of life in the most thorough 
and conscientious manner. When opening up his 
Orleans Township farm he and his hired man had 
no roof over their heads, but slept at night under 
the wagon box upon straw; doing their own cook- 
ing with the exception of the bread which Mrs. 
Daniel Hoyt made for them. They thus broke up 
eleven acres in two weeks. He has never shrunk 
from hard work. He made over fifty thousand 
shingles, living and shaving them at night, while 
his faithful wife at his side would with one hand, 
pack the shingles for him and with the other rock 
the cradle. 



^j OHN S. WILSON. A place of honor among 
the farmers and stockmen of Montcalm 
County, is occupied by Mr. Wilson, who 
v^^ owns a valuable tract of land on section 20, 
Home Township. It consists of one hundred and 
eighteen acres, two-thirds of which is in the cor- 
porate limits of the town of Edmore. Mr. Wilson 
is the next to the oldest settler in the place and is 
thoroughly posted regarding the growth thereof, 
although his residence has not been continuous 
from the days when he helped to plat the town. 
He has a pleasant dwelling, his land is supplied 
with all needful outbuildings and the work of gen- 
eral farming goes on satisfactorily. The principal 
attention of the owner is given to the raising of 
cereals and hay, and the land being watered bj' a 
small stream is well adapted for either purpose. 
Besides the farm and its improvements Mr. Wilson 
has a store building and three town lots. 

Before sketching his own life it mtiy be of in- 
terest to give some facts regarding the progenitors 
of Mr. Wilson and the surroundings of his bo}'- 
hood. His father, Alexander Wilson, was born in 
New Hampshire, but was an early settler in Ohio 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



563 



and engaged in fanning in Medina County. After 
tlie war broke out he made arrangements to enter 
tlie service and in December, 18G3, he became a 
member of Battery F, First Oliio ArtilhM-y. At 
Nashvilic, Tenn., he was wounded in the left hand 
and thigli, an(J lie spent man}' long months in the 
hospital. He was finally discharged in July, liSGo, 
and baily crippled made his home henceforth witii 
a sister in ' Elkhart, Ind., where he died in 1888. 
His wife had lost trace of him and had after some 
years become the wife of another, and their only 
son, our subject, was reared by the stepfather. 
Mr. Wilson was a soldier in the Mexican War as 
well as in the Civil War. 

The mother of our subject was formerly Lucy 
A. R(!ttig, whose father came to America in 1840 
and settled in Henry County, Ohio. The daugli- 
ter was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, but 
was only five years old when brought .across the 
water. Slie grew to womanhood in Ohio, and there 
began lier wedded life. She married for her sec- 
ond husband Eilwin B. Moore, after whom the 
town of Ivlraore was named. He was born in 
Medina County, Ohio, and reared to farming 
there. In addition to operating land he teamed to 
Cleveland. In I860 he came to this State, and 
making his home in Stanton, teamed between that 
point and Ionia, hauling shingles and bringing back 
supplies for the grocers in Stanton. After about 
three years he formed a partnership with N. Shep- 
herd and started a stage line and mail route be- 
tween the two towns. This he sold out four years 
later and then went into the real-estate business, 
handling pine lands. 

The firm was successful in the land trade, but 
their connection was dissolved in 1878, and that 
spring Mr. Moore came to the site of Edniore. He 
had previously bought seven hundred and sixty 
acres of land here and he jilatted the town, that 
was named by the Assistant .Sui)erintendent of the 
Detroit, Lansing it Michigan Railroad, Kdmore. 
Mr. Moore was in the employ of that road, buy- 
ing lands, and secured the right of way between 
Kdmore and Big Rapids. Thus he had a good 
idea where a station would be likely to be estab- 
lished and knew where to lay out a town. He 
made the new place his home until the spring of 



1883, put up the first buildings, h.andled real estate 
and was, in fact, the father of the municipality. 

Mr. Moore removed from Kdmore to Detroit, 
and lived rather a retireil life there for two years, 
but dealing somewhat in lands, then went to Arkan- 
sas and bought a large tract near Carlyle, Lonoke 
County, and began ranching. He was fencing and 
ditching the ranch and had made a good begin- 
ning with his work when he was killed by the 
accidental discharge of his gun. He and his wife 
were on their way to town and he had his gun 
ready for game. He was carrying it outside the 
phaeton when the horses shied and the hammer 
struck the axle, causing a premature discharge and 
sending the shot into the leg of Mr. Moore almost 
from the knee to the hip. He lived two days, 
breathing his last February 15, 188C, at the age of 
fifty-five 3'cars. His widow, who was neaily fran- 
tic when she saw him stricken down by her side, 
now lives in Detroit with the first child of the 
union — M. li. Moore. 

The gentleman whose name introduces this 
sketch was born near Saville, Medina County. 
Ohio, October 23, 18.')5, and was ten years old 
when he left that neighborhooil for this State. He 
was educated chielly in the school at Stanton and 
laid aside his books when sixteen years old to give 
his attention to staging. He drove the stage an/1 
carried the mail between Stanton and Millbrook, 
Mt. Pleasant, Kim Hall and S^'duey Center, and 
was on the road every day for several years. He 
came to Kdmore and helped plat the town, driving 
all the stakes and aiding in making the clearing. 
In 1883 Mr. Wilson went to Detroit to look after 
the interests of his stepfather in that place, and 
three years later established himself permanently 
in Kdmore, becoming the possessor of the land 
before described. His tlwelling is a well-built and 
pleasant one, having the finest location in the 
town, and is tastefidly furnished and supplied with 
the good things of life. 

The marriage of Mr. Wilson and Miss Hoxie D. 
Rice was solemnized at the bride's home in West- 
field, Ohio, .'September 1, 188.5. Mrs. Wilson is a 
granddaughter of Samuel Rice, a native of Penn- 
sylvania and an early settler in Medina County, 
Ohio. He w.as a soldier in the War of 1812. His 



564 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



son A. A. was seven years old when the removal 
was made, and he still lives in the Buckeye State. 
A. A. Rice married Sally Moore, who was born in 
Westfield and is a daughter of William B. Moore, 
a Pennsylvanian by birth and an Ohio farmer. 
She is a sister of Edwin B. Moore, the stepfather 
of our subject. Her religious home is in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Rice there were born two ciiildren, but the only 
one now living is Mrs. Wilson. Her education was 
completed in the High School at Saville, and she 
is well read and efficient in domestic affairs. 

Mr. Wilson had an excellent opportunity to 
learn business principles and methods under the 
guidance of his stepfather, and by managing af- 
fairs for him gained practical experience. He has 
made much of liis advantages and is a good finan- 
cier and thrifty manager. As a citizen he is held 
in good repute, and as a neighbor and friend he is 
a desirable member of the community. Mrs. Wil- 
son is equally well liked and tlicir home is often 
the scene of friendly gatherings. 



■■^3;p-~* 



|R^EV. WILLIAM J. WILSON. Whatever 
Li^ opinions one may hold of denominational 
t!i W\ tenets or Christian pri nciples, none will deny 
that the work of the ministry is one that 
calls forth eyer3' good quality and the full strength 
of the inind. To succeed in pastoral work and 
bring in new members, particularly where other 
congregations are ahead}' well established, shows 
ability of a liigh order and sincerity of purpose 
that is sure of its reward in the esteem of all who 
witness it. It is, therefore, speaking well for the 
Rev. Mr. Wilson to say that he has been instru- 
mental in increasing the membership of the Edmore 
Methodist Eiiiscopal charge and that at McBride 
of which he has had oversight since September, 
1889. 

The city of Boston, Mass., is the birthplace of the 
Rev. Mr. Wilson and his natal day was Februar}' 
13, 1866. He was left an orphan when but three 
years old and was cared for in the Orphans' Home 



of his native city. In 1871 he was adopted by John 
Wilson of Centerville, Mich., and he owes to his 
foster father excellent training and good educa- 
tional opportunities. Mr. Wilson was born in Ire- 
land and emigrated to America in 1857, making 
his home in St. Joseph County, this State, where he 
became an industrious citizen. Possessed of a kind 
heart and sterling qualities, he was also a sincere 
Christian and instilled into the minds of his young 
charge the true principles that should govern life. 

Our subject attended the graded school in Cen- 
terville and having completed the High School 
course was graduated in 1885. His studies were 
not confined to the schoolroom, but having early in 
life felt called to the ministry he has devoted much 
attention to theology and dogmatics. He was con- 
verted when twelve years old and from that time 
was an active participant in Sunday-school and 
church work, and soon began to look forward to 
entering upon the ministry. Soon after his grad- 
uation he began preaching and in 1886 when 
twenty years old he was duly licensed and entered 
upon his first charge at Mattawan. 

The Methodist Episcopal Class was organized at 
Edmore November 8, 1880, by the Rev. B. J. 
Miller with a membership of twenty-six. For some 
time i)rior to the erection of the house of worship, 
now occupied by the congregation, meetings were 
held in the Congregational Church, but in 188G the 
Rev. D. C. Reihl saw his charge settled in their own 
church home. He had worked hard to accomplish 
the purpose, and pastor and people rejoiced greatly 
when they were able to dedicate their own church. 
The Methodist Pipiscopal charge has now the 
largest active membership of the churches in Ed- 
more. The McBride class was organized about 
five years before the one in Edmore. 

As before mentioned, the Rev. Mr. Wilson has 
made a study of theology and having become duly 
fitted for ordination as a deacon he was tlius hon- 
ored at the Michigan Annual Conference at Muske- 
gon September 14, 1890, by Bishop E. G. Andrews. 
Mr. Wilson is a hard worker, an earnest student, 
and an eloquent speaker, and has the straightfor- 
ward, cordial manner that prepossesses strangers in 
his favor. He has a deep sense of the obligations 
imposed upon him bj- his high calling and without 




'(f'WIttJi 




ENOCH BROWN 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIGAL ALBUM. 



567 



being over scrupulous is careful to order liis life in 
accordance with the faith he lias proffsscd. lie was 
very instrumental in organizing the Kpworth 
League in Kdniore, and is I'lcsidcntof llie Society, 
and also of the Montcalm County Sunday-school 
Association. He belongs to Kdmore Lodge, F. ik 
A. M. His friends arc many, not only among liis 
congregation but throughout the community and 
his cultured mind and conversational powers 
make him a vainalile addition to any social galli- 
erinir. 



'' ' ^^ 



E^^ 



V^slNOCII BROWN. This aged man h.as been 
lU] a resident of Ionia County some forty 3'ears, 
/ ^'--^ and during the entire period has resided on 
section C, Otisco Township. He is widely known, 
particularly among the farmers and business men 
with whom that class has dealings, and has an ex- 
cellent reputation as an enterprising and progres- 
sive farmer and a Ihoroughlj' honorable business 
man. He was born in Cliiltendcn County, Vt., in 
the year 1810, and came lo Michigan when a 
young man twent^'-six j-ears old. His first loca- 
tion was in Detroit, whence lie went to Macomb 
County, and from there to Troy, Oakland County-, 
in which he lived until 1851. At that date he 
came to Ionia County and settled where he has 
since resided, his original purchase here being of 
eighty acres. He has since added one hundred acres 
and now has one hundred and fifty under cultiva- 
tion. He lias put up good buildings and has a 
well-regulated estate. 

The father of our subject was Sinifin Brown, a 
native of Connecticut and a farmer by occupation. 
In the Green Mountain Stale he was married to 
Lucinn Peters and tlicy reared a family of ten 
children, six sons and four daughters, named re- 
spectively: Aaron, Luther, Knoch, Kli, Hiram, 
Henry, Charlotte, Kliza, Melissa and Lucy. The 
father came to this State, sojourned for a time, and 
then went to Indiana where he remained with a 
son until his death. 

The wedded life of Enocli Brown and Betsey A. 
Burgess began in 1810, their weclding rites being 



solemnized in Macomb County. Mrs. Brown is a 
daughter of Kzra and Sally (Loomig) Burgess, 
natives of Canada, who gave her the best eiUica- 
lional privdeges that the neighborhoofl affordeil 
and carefully instilled within her raind the princi- 
ples of right conduct. She is a sincere Christian, 
belonging to the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brown are the parents of the following children: 
Lucy, George, Marshall, Howard, Sarah, Joscphus, 
Kdward, Sidney, Wellington, Libby and Annie. 

Prior to the war Mr. Brown was a Democrat, but 
he has since been a sturdy Republican. His first 
Presidential vote was for Gen. Jackson, but in 
1810 his favored candidate was AVilliara Henry 
Harrison, and he is one of the comparatively small 
number who lived to vote for the grandson of that 
renowned general. 

The reader's attention is directed to a litho- 
graphic portrait of Mr. Brown, presented on another 
page. 



-^^ 



jkA OSES FURNEY. Among many worthy 
and patriotic citizens of our country have 
been a huge number who have come to the 
United States from our neighboring coun- 
try of Canada. They are almost universally from 
a class of self-respecting, industrious and progres- 
sive people and are a credit alike to their native 
and adoptcfl homes. Our subject, Moses Furney, 
belongs to this class being a native of Cirnada. His 
natal day was November IS, 1841. His parents 
Abrain and Elizabeth (Buava) Furney are of Cana- 
dian-French descent. The father was engaged in 
farming and teaming in Canada and removed lo 
Franklin County, N. Y., and died in Oswego 
County, about 1857. The mother of our subjuct 
died in 18C8. Both were devout members of Ihe 
Catholic Church and brought up their children in 
this faith. Of the nine born to them, six are now 
living: Abram, Anthon}-, Julius, Peter, Moses and 
Sophia, who is the wife of .Austin M:irlin and re- 
sides in Fulton, N. Y. 

Moses Furney came with his |)arents to New 
York, at the early age of six months. He resided 
with them until their rieatli, after his father's 



568 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



death taking care of his mother. la the fall of 
1861 he obtained her consent to his enlistment in 
the service of his adopted country. He joined the 
First New York Light Artillery, Battery G, and 
served nearly four years, during which time he 
took part in the battles of Cliancellorsville, Antic- 
tam, Gettysburg, ftlalvern Hill, Fredericksburg, the 
Wilderness, the siege of Yorktown, and the battles 
of Manassas Junction, and Petersburg. lie served 
with great credit to himself and besides these large 
battles took part in numerous skirmishes. He re- 
ceived his honorable discharge at Klniira, N. Y., in 
June 1865. 

After being released from the army, the subject 
of this sketch gladly returned to his mother's home 
in Oswego County, N. Y., and worked .at various 
occupations for some time. During the last three 
years of his sojourn in New York State, he plied 
the business of a barber. In 1880, he came to 
Ionia County, Mich., and located at Clarksville. 
Here for eight years he did double service. Dur- 
ing the day he worked at carpentering, and ran a 
barber shop, niglits and Sundays. He finally sold 
out his shop and devoted himself entirely to the 
carpenter's and painter's trades. He afterward de- 
termined that he had had enough of outdoor labors 
and in 1889 he opened a furniture store with a fine 
stock of furniture, wall paper, curtains, etc. His 
political preferences are with the Democratic party 
and he is an active member of the Grand Army of 
the Republic. His marriage in October, 1865, with 
Angeline Robarg, has been a happy one and this 
worthy and esteemed couple have been blessed 
with three children — Mary, Moses and George. 



^ AMES B. DeLONG, a successful merchant 
of Lake View, Montcalm County, and a 
cousin of the Hon. Charles DeLong, who 
was United States Minister to Japan under 
Grant's administration, was born in Oxford 
County, Canada, September 26, 1838. He is a 
son of Gordon and Marietta (Moses) DeLong, 
natives of Dutchess County, N. Y. They were 
married in Canada and made that their home until 



the time of the McKenzie rebellion, when they 
removed to Adrian, Mich., arriving there in 1838. 
Here the mother died soon afterward. Although 
engaged in the business of farming in Canada the 
father entered upon manufacturing in Adrian. 
He invested his means in property around Lansing 
about the time the capitol was being built there. 
He also owned large tr.acts of pine lands. 

In 1849 Gordon DeLong crossed the plains to 
California during the gold excitement, and after 
some time located permanently in Mariposa, C'al., 
and remained there until his death which occurred 
at Fresno City in 1877. He followed mining suc- 
cessfully for many years and was a man of large 
means. His last days were spent on a stock ranch. 
He w.as a Republican in politics and his church 
relations were with the Methodist Episcopal de- 
nomination. He married in California a lady who 
bore the name of Clapsaddle. There were no 
children by this marriage. By his first marriage 
he had five children, namely: Wilmuth, Louis, 
James B., Charles and Ann E. 

When twelve years of age James DeLong went 
from Adrian, Mich, to Winfield, Iowa, and clerked 
in a store for two years for David Harper, an old 
resident of Adrian. After leaving Winfield he 
remained in Iowa two years and then drove a team 
across the plains to Albuquerque, N. M., and also 
to Santa Fe. He then followed freighting from 
points on the Missouri River to forts on the fron- 
tier. After eight j'ears of this work he went into 
the employ of the United States Government as 
wagonmaster, having charge of freights over the 
same line of roads. Two years later he went to 
Canada and from there to New York, and sailed 
for California via Panama. In Southern Califor- 
nia he engaged in lumbering for eleven months, 
making his home at Mariposa, where his father 
lived. He returned to Michigan by w.ay of water, 
but a year later returned to Mariposa and the next 
season started out on horseback, crossing the 
Sierra Nevada Mountains to Carson City, and 
thence to Lake Tahoe, Nev., where he operated a 
sawmill engine for one year. He then bought a 
third interest in and took command of a steamer, 
"Governor Blasdel," on Lake Tahoe, which he 
operated for three years. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



569 



Ilavitjg sold out bis interest in the "Governor 
Blasilel," Mr. DeLong' entered the service of tlio 
Bank of California located at Carson City, lie 
had ciiarge of what was known as the mountain 
division, and was a general overseer to that con- 
cern at Carson City. After holding that position 
one year he came back East by rail, but a few 
months later returned to California and engaged 
in the real-estate business at San Diego. He re- 
mained liiere only a few raontlis, just long enough 
to lose 88,000 and returned East, visiting Canada 
and Adrian, Mich. He made a Hying trip to tlie 
.Soutii American countries on board the steamer 
"Amazon." He spent a little while after tliis in 
San Francisco, and tiien returning to INIichigan 
began clerking for Silas Dildine, of Ionia, Mich. 
Here he remained for eight years and then went 
into the lumber business at Hamilton, Ohio, man- 
aging a yard for F"argo & Hudson, of New York. 
Three months later he returned to Ionia, Mich., 
and then went to Kansas prospecting. After re- 
turning ho engageil in the mercantile bu.siness in 
Iiinia, in which he continued about three months. 
lie then took up tiie same line of work in Lake 
\ievv in July, 1878, where he has continued in llie 
business to this day. He at one time look a trip 
to .lapan with his cousin who was United States 
Minister to that court. He is a Republican, but 
has never dabbled in politics. He is connecteil 
with the Free and Accepted Masons and also the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen. 

The marriage of Mr. DeLong November 11, 
1881, with Miss Orissa W. Dildine, of Easton, 
Ionia County, Mich., was an event of great impor- 
tance in his life, and one which has proved a 
blessing from that day to this. Mrs. DeLong is a 
lady of unusual ability and good judgment, and 
one whose graces of manner and charming mind 
make her a delightful companion. She was born 
in Easton September 12, 1849. and is a daughter of 
William and Catherine (Reynolds) Dildine, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania and New York State re- 
spectively. Mr. Dildine was a lumberman in New 
York State and he came West with Lis family by 
tram, landing in Ionia in 1843. Here be followed 
farming and ended his days March 4, 188lt, on the 
same farm (known as Dildinc's Corners) where he 



first settled when he came to Michigan. He lived 
to complete a well-rounded-out four-score years. 
His wife is still living at the age of seventy-one 
years. This worthy couple had four children, 
namely: Jane L., Mrs. DeLong, William Jr. and 
James. Mrs. DeLong's mother had had two chil- 
dren by a previous marriage. No children have 
come to cheer the home of Mr. and Mrs. DeLong. 
Among tiio Western adventures of Mr. DeLong 
was his intercourse with the Sioux Indians. He 
traded for three years among them and kept a 
station for two years on the |)lains. 

LAYTON KIMBERLY, who is numbered 
among the young farmers of Ionia County, 
lives on the parental homestead on section 
5. Otisco Township. lie is a grandson of Silas 
Kimberly, who vvas born in Massachusetts, but came 
to Michigan when an old man and died in this 
State in 1816. The father of our subject was Silas 
Kimberly, Jr., who wiis born in Asnlield, Mass., in 
1814, and was a lad of fourteen years when he came 
to this State. He lived with his brother in Web- 
ster, Washtenaw County, until 1840, when he mar- 
ried and established a home of his own. In Ma}-, 
1842, he located in Ionia Count}' on the homestead 
three and a half miles from the town of Belding. 
Here he died February 20, 1889. He was Town- 
ship Treasurer two terms, and while in the old B.a}- 
State was a militia captain. In poliiics he was a 
Republican and in religion a Congregalionalist. 

The wife of Silas Kimberly, Jr., and mother of 
our subject was born in Andierst, Mas»., in 1822, 
and bore the maiden name of Lydia C. Goodale. 
Her parents were Levi P. and Harriet (Church) 
Goodale, natives of the same town as herself. 
Their family included besides Mrs. Kimberly, Har- 
riet, Norman C, Elijah, Levi and Frederick W. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Silas Kimberly, are 
Ilattie M., now residing in Chicago; George E., 
deceased: Clara E., a resident of Ionia Count}-; 
Minnie A. and Esmond L., <leceased ; Clayton, 
whose name introduces these paragraphs; and 
Norman F., whose honie is in IJclding. George 



570 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



entered the Union army in February, 1865, in 
Company H, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and died 
October 4, of tlie same year, at Cliatlanooga, Tenn. 
The eyes of Clayton Kimberly opened to the 
light February 20, 1858, on the farm on wiiich he 
lias continued to make his liorae. He is a young 
man of intelligence who received a good education 
in his youth and has increased his knowledge Ijy 
judicious reading and an ol)servation of the man- 
ners of men. He is a Republican in his political 
views and deposits his ballot with great regularity. 
Remaining as he has done on tlie farm, lie ably 
assisted liis father until the demise of the latter and 
now carries on the work for which he is well fitted 
by taste and training. He is now taking the best 
of care of his motlier, wlio sllll resides on the home 
farm. 

i)HOMAS E. SMITH. Among the residents 
of Ionia County Mr. Smitli has met with 
s^ fair success in business affairs; he has been 
identified with the affairs of Ionia Township, that 
county, for a number of years and is the posses- 
sor of a valuable tract of improved land here, com- 
prising one hundred and five acres on section 3, 
and eighteen acres on section 30. His residence 
in the county dates back more than a score of years 
and during the greater part of this time lie was ac- 
tively engaged in agricultural pursuits. His father 
was a farmer and he became thoroughly conver- 
sant with the work in his early life, and using his 
knowledge with energy and zeal he reaped a due 
reward for his labors. 

The parents of our subject were Sylvester and 
Frances (Vartie) Smith, natives of New York and 
the latter of English parentage. Two of the 
brothers of Sylvester Smith were soldiers in the 
War of 1812. The parents came to Michigan in 
1848 and established themselves at Battle Creek, 
but in 1864 changed their residence to Ionia 
County, where they remained until called hence. 
The father died in 1868 and the mother in 1880. 
They were members of the Baptist Ciiurch and Mr. 
Smith was prominent in its work until his health 



failed; he held the office of Deacon. He was a 

Democrat, stanch and true. While living in Cal- 
houn County he served as Highway Commissioner 
and Justice of the Peace. Of the seven children 
that comprised the family of Mr. and Mrs. Sylves- 
ter Smith three are now living. Great pains were 
taken by their parents to give them good educa- 
tions and thoroughly equip them for the battle of 
life. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Seneca, Ontario County, N. Y., May 13,1828, 
and remained there nntil he was nineteen j^ears of 
ago. After completing the course of study in the 
common schools be attended an academy three 
terms. He came with his parents to this Stale and 
remained under their roof until he was in his 
twenty-fourth year, when he took possession of an 
eightj'-acre farm in Calhoun County. He began 
his financial career at the bottom of the ladder, 
but steadily pursued his way upward. After op- 
crating liis farm a few years, he sold it and moved 
into Battle Creek, where he made liig home four 
years. He resumed farming then, and continued 
to reside in Calhoun County several years longer. 
He then came to Ionia County and until 1872 re- 
sided upon section 14, Ionia Township. He then 
bought the farm on section 3, he now owns, and 
occupied it until 1883, when poor health caused 
him to abandon farm work and he removed to 
Ionia City. He sojourned there until 1888, then 
came to his present home in South Ionia, on sec- 
tion 30. 

In 1854 Mr. Smitli was married to Mrs. Helen 
Biertry, a daughter of John Grodavant, of Cal- 
houn County. That lady died in 1859, and in 
1863 our subject contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance. His bride on this occasion was Mrs. 
Gertrude Ward, a sister of his former wife. This 
marriage was blest by the birth of a daughter, 
Clara, who is now living in Ionia Township on a 
farm, being the wife of John Scheurer; she is the 
mother of one child. In 188G death .again entered 
Mr. Smith's home and deprived him of his compan- 
ion. In October, 1887, he was again married, hav- 
ing won the hand of Mrs. Cynthia Wells, widow of 
J. R. Wells and a d.aughter of Daniel and Susan 
(Price) Davis. Her parents are of Welsh descent 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



571 



and natives of Ohio and Pennsylrania respectively. 
Tbey died in the Buckeye State a number of years 
ago, and are now represented by ten living 
cliildren. 

Mrs. Smith was born in Huron County, Ohio, 
October 27, 1835, and in her native State acquired 
a good education in the district schools. In 1855 
she became the wife of J. R. Wells, of this State. 
He was a mechanic and a resident of Ionia, and 
was a brother of William A. Wells, a well-known 
citizen of Eaton Count3^ Mr. Wells w.is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episco|)al Church, in the faith 
of which he entered the valley of the shadow of 
death in 1887. He was the father of i>ne child, 
now deceased. 

The political faith of Mr. Smith is ilecided and 
his practice cori-espondingly earnest; he never fails 
to deposit a Democratic b.illot. He has served his 
fellow-citizens as Superintendent of the Poor, and 
w.is .Supervisor of Ionia Township three terms, in- 
cluding the years 1874, 187fi and 1877. He was 
at one time a member of the Grange and he is 
friendly to temperance ami other moral move- 
ments. I'"or forty years he has been connected 
with School Boards and for an equal length of time 
he has been a Sunday-school worker, laboring in 
the capacity of teacher or Superintendent. He is a 
Trustee and Deacon of the Bajjtist Church and his 
wife is identified with the same religious body. 



^^g\ IIARLES W. LUNG, a farmer on section 
(ll n "^i f^''*"o6 Township, Ionia Count}', is the 
^^-^ son of Warren Lung, a ship carpenter an<l 
farmer, born July 15, 1792, in Harrington, Litch- 
field County, Conn. His motlier's maiden name 
was Cynthia Brown who was born February' 20, 
1803. The family of Mrs. Lung were among 
those who suffered in the tragic episode of the 
mass.acre of Wj'oniing. Her grandfather, Thomas 
Brown was a cripple and the father of twenty-one 
children. His wife Patience Brown escaiied from 
the fort at the time of the massacre with six of her 
children, among whom was Daniel, Mrs. Lung's 
grandfather, then about eight years old. She was 



not able to save all of her children and two of them, 
Thomas, Jr.. and John were killed in the massacre. 
Thomas, the father, became separated from the 
family and was captured by the Indians who, how- 
ever, suffered him to escape in consequence of his 
being a cripple. 

After Gen. Sullivan's e.\pc<lition against the 
Indians in 1779 Tiiomas Brown returned with the 
remnant of his family to the Wyoming Valley, and 
his son Daniel a few years later settled in Wyalu- 
sing, where his granddaughter Cynthia was born. 
Her grandfather is said to have been the last sur- 
vivor of the Wyoming massacre. He was a plain, 
practical, tem|)erate man, having many friends and 
no enemies, and died March 3, 18.J9, aged eighty- 
four years, five months and twenty-six d,ays,with the 
assurance of a blessed immortalit}'. 

The parents of our subject were married Janu- 
ary 10, 1822 and settled in .Susquehannah County, 
Pa. Theie his father died November 11, 1845. 
He had owned and o[ierated a sawmill besides his 
farm and working at his trade. A few years later 
his widow was united in marriage with Simeon A. 
BoUcs. After his death in 1880 she went to reside 
with a granddaughter, and is now at the age of 
eighty-eight years, completing a well filled life. 
Mr. and Mrs. Warren Lung were the parents of 
seven children, four of whom are now living: 
(ieorgc W. was born May 1 1, 1824 and now resides 
in Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Jesse, born June 5, 1837, prac- 
ticed medicine in Brooklyn, New York.; Charles 
W., our subject; Eleanora, born Eebruary 26, 1844, 
is the wife of .lames Bevans, of Decatur, III. The 
mother of our subject was a member of the Bap- 
tist Church and his father an. adherent of the I'ni- 
versalist faith and a strict moralist. He w.as a 
strong Abolitionist and w.os one of the ''ollicials'' 
in the "underground railroad" in the exciting anti- 
slavery d.nys, before the war. He was in all points 
a conscientious and honorable man, being even at 
an earl)' day a total abstainer from all ardent 
liquors. 

Charles W. Lung was born November 13, 1839. 
in Hush Township, Susquehannah County, I'a. 
His father's death when he wiis only six years 
old deprived him of some advanl.ages, chief among 
which was a liberal education. He began forhini. 



572 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



self at the earl3' age of nine years, working upon a 
farm most of the time. When the Civil War 
broke out lie was early insiiired with patriotic flevo- 
tion and on September 6, 1861, lie joined Company 
D, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Infantry. His regiment 
was under Gen. Sherman and Admiral Dupont at 
tlie siege of Hilton Head, S. C. Just before the 
siege a part of his regiment was on the steamer 
"Winfield Scott," and in rounding Cape Hatteras 
in a storm they were nearly lost, on account of the 
unseaworthiness of the ship. 

Our brave young soldier took part in the battles 
of Poncataigo, S. C, the second battle of Bull Run, 
Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericks- 
burg, Jackson, (Miss.), the siege of Knoxville, and 
the battle of White Sulphur Springs. At the close 
of his first term of service he took thirty days for 
a visit home and re-enlisted for three years, or 
during the war. In his second term of service he 
saw the smoke of battle at Annapolis, (Md.), in the 
Wilderness, at Cold Harbor, and in various skir- 
mishes. He went on through this campaign with 
Grant until the siege of Petersburg began. He was 
at that time taken down with iuflammatorj' rheuma- 
tism, and was confined in the hospital for a short 
time on David's Island, in New York Harbor. He 
went home on crutches for a thirty days' furlough 
and returning to Philadelphia was sent to the hos- 
pital at Haddington. Finding that he did not 
recover his health his friends arranged to have him 
transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps in which 
he did guard duty until discharged in August, 
1865. For more than a year after his return home 
he had to walk on crutches. After purchasing one 
hundred acres of lanrl in Rush Township and work- 
ing it for one season he sold it and came West. 

Mr. Lung came to Michigan and in the spring 
of 1868 bought the farm where he now lives. He 
married Ellen, a daughter of the Rev. William and 
Hannah (Wheelock) Frear, a descendant of an 
ancient and honorable Huguenot fami'}'. The ear- 
liest ancestor of whom the Frears have knowledge 
was the possessor of a large vineyard near the city 
of Lyons, on the River Rhone. He embraced the 
creed of the Huguenots and drew upon himself the 
violent persecution of the Romish Church. In the 
early part of the seventeenth century, emissaries of 



the Church of Rome invaded his peaceful home to 
confiscate his possessions and to drag him if possi- 
ble before a tribunal. Having received a friendly 
warning, he concealed himself, wife and son under 
an empty wine cask in the cellar. His enemies 
passed through the cellar, rolling out the full casks 
of wine and thumping on the empty ones to see if 
they contained liquor. He and his dear ones escaped 
detection and floating on a raft down the river 
took voyage on a vessel for New York, where they 
arrived in 1621-22. His son Alexander was the 
father of Hugo, whose eldest son, E. Hugo, married 
into the Jans family who are noted as the Trinity 
Church claimants. A sou, Abraham, came to W^'o- 
ming Valley and married Mrs. Sarah Mitcliell. 
These were the parents of the Rev. William Frear 
and the grand|)arents of Mrs. Lung. 

Mrs. Lung was tiie youngest of twelve children 
and was born December 13, 1844. She received an 
excellent education. Mr. and Mrs. Lung came to 
Michigan after their marriage and made their home 
in Lyons for one year, but his health prevented his 
being active and hn went back to the East and 
helped his brother in New York City during tiie 
summer of 1869, in the commission business. In 
the spring of 1870 he returned West and com- 
menced work upon his present farm. His wife was 
taken from him January 17, 1881. They were the 
parents of four children — Jesse B., born in August, 
1869, was drowned June 19, 1888, to the great 
grief of all his friends; Ruth, born May 29, 1871, 
is the wife of George Moriee, living in North Plains 
Township; Cyril, born October 13, 1872; William 
Warren, boru October 3, 1874. The younger chil- 
dren are now attending school at Lyons. 

Our subject's second marriage which took place 
January 19, 1882, uniterl him with Ruth Frear, a 
sister of his former wife, a highly educated lady who 
had received her schooling in Pennsylvania and 
had also tauglit there for some twelve years. 

Mr. Lung's farm was solid woods when he took it, 
most of it now being improved. He has fine barns 
and outbuildings besides his handsome residence, 
has also set out orchards and small fruits and carries 
on mixed farming successfully. He is a Trustee 
and liljcral supporter of the Baptist Church of 
which he and his family are members. He is a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



573 



member of Blue Lodge, Masonic order at L3'ons, 
also of llie M. W. Dresser Post, No. 100, G. A. R. 
at Lyons, in which he is now Post Commander. He 
lias been Master of the Grange for three years in 
Orange Township. He is a strong temperance man 
and votes the straight Republican ticket, being 
interested in politics. He takes an active part in 
all educational matters and has been a member of 
the School Board. 



HARLES H. l''ORD, who resides on a farm 
on section 13, Ronald Townslii|), Ionia 
County, is a Canadian by birth and first 
saw the light April 15, 1844. His father, Henry 
Ford, a native of Englanil, came to Canada when 
only seven years of age. He was in the British 
army for some time and after that came to the 
United .States, locating first in Ohio and afterward 
iu Michigan, near Detroit. In 1888 he made his 
home in Ronahl Townslii|), Ionia County. His 
mother was Mary Grondau before her marriage 
and w.as a native of Canada, where she met and 
became the wife of the father of our subject. This 
worth}' couple both died in Michigan and were 
buried side by side in the North Plains Cemetery. 
The parents of our subject were blessed by the 
birth of twelve children, ten of whom still sur- 
vive,: Asa, Betsey, Mary Jaue, Adeline, Caroline, 
Melinda, Kmma, Lillie, Albert and our subject. 
The last named was only seven years old when he 
came with his |)arent3 to Ohio, and he did not 
attend school until he came to Michigan at the 
age of eight and one-half years. Here lie went to 
school in Wa3'ne County and was ten years old 
when the family removed to Ionia County. He 
did not leave home until he was about twenty-live 
years old ns he fouixl plenty of work to do in 
assisting his father and running a threshing-ma- 
chine each fall. He was married in 1872 to Sarah 
Devol, a native of Michigan, boru fourteen miles 
east of Detroit. She was the mother of two chil- 
dren — Eva May. who died in early childhood; and 
Lenna B., who resides at home with her father- 



These children were bereaved of their mother in 
1H80, and she was laid to rest in the North Plains 
Cemetery. 

In his early married life Mr. Ford rented a farm 
in North Plains Township and worked it one year. 
He then rented a place from Mr. Whitmore, where 
Mr. Iloople now lives, and the next year took a 
farm of George lleydlauff. which he worked for 
two years and then rented a farm of Mr. Orth in 
Ronald Township, which he worked for three 
years. The farm which he bought after this in 
North Plains was disposed of three years later for 
the one where he now resides. He has one hun- 
dred and fifty-three acres under excellent cultiva- 
tion with a fine barn and other improvements, his 
house, which was built in 1887 costing *1,400. He 
is doing a fine farming business and has an excel- 
lent lot of stock. His political convictions are 
with the Republican party and in his religious life 
he is connected with the Disciples Church. 



■^^ 



E ^-1-: « 



^EORGK HOLLAND and his household are 
^-, among the nutst intelligent and highly edu- 
cated families in Sidney Township, Mont- 
calm Count}'. Our subject was born in Alden, 
N. Y., March 29, 1854, and is the son of George 
and Sarah (Rodgers) Holland. His mother was a 
Canadian and his father was born in Mndston, 
Kent County, England, March 18, 1816. George 
Holland, Sr., had many educational ail vantages 
and was always earnest and active in securing the 
same for his children. He had seen much of the 
world, and ins[)ired his son with an ambition to 
see something of it o\itsidc his home. The father 
was emploj'cd in early life by the great London 
firm of Taylor, Lord & Son, and was sent as book- 
keeper to the Cape of Good Hope. There he took 
charge of a trading-post for that firm. He spent 
seven years at the Capo, but when the Kiifllr War 
broke out he shipped his possessions and followed 
them to Toronto, Canada. 

At the age of six years young George was taken 
by his parents to Warren, Erie County, Pa., and 
there remained until the year 18Ga. when his 



574 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



fatlier came to Sli.eridan, Montcalm County, Mich. 
Here lie purchased a claim of four hundred acres 
and moved the family thereon, our subject thus 
becoming a pioneer of tliis county. At the age 
of fifteen years the boy left home and began for 
himself, going into the woods and engaging in log- 
ging and lumbering. The sisters and brother of 
our subject are as follows: Charles H., whose 
sketch is written in this book, from Douglas Town- 
ship; Sarah J., born September II, 1849; Eliza- 
beth, February 25, 1851; Frances M., September 
3, 1852. Two of these sisters were engaged in 
teaching. 

George Hollanr? was married November 12, 
1876, to Anna E. Compton, of Portland, Mich. 
They had one child, which they lost in its infancy. 
Our subject has spent much of his life traveling 
in this and foreign lands. He has visited over 
thirtj'-five Slates in the Union and has traveled in 
England, Ireland, Wales and Fiance. He spent 
much time in London. 

He of whom we write came to the place he 
now occu()ies in 1879, and began at once to 
clear of timber the soil on which he was to make 
his home. He has one hundred and eighty acres 
of land, eighty of which is cleared, and altogether 
it is one of the finest, if not the finest improved 
farm in the county. He has a handsome and sub- 
stantial brick residence, two stories high and con- 
taining twelve rooms. He has fine barns and out- 
buildings. He and his wife are earnest and con- 
sistent members of the Congregational Church. 
He is an influential member of the School Board 
and hohls the office of Justice of the Peace. 



^^ 



^^I'NDREW J. HALE has been a resident of 
LM Ionia County about twenty-five years and 
// li during the greater part of that time has 
been engaged in agriculture in Orleans 
Township. A few ^-ears since he turned his atten- 
tion to the sale of general merchandise in the 
town of Orleans, where he is still located. He 
carries a stock of .about *3,000, carefully selected 
in regard to the wants of the denizens in the vil- 



lage and the adjacent territory. Mr. Hale is the 
owner of a valuable estate, consisting of two hun- 
dred and fift\--threc acres, upon which stands a 
complete line of substantial farm buildings. 

The father of our subject was Luther Hale, who 
was liorn in Pennsylvania, but spent the greater 
part of his life in New York. He came to this 
State in 1880 to spend the remainder of his days 
with his children and died in Sanilac June 13, 
1888. His life-work was farming. He was mar- 
ried in New York to Laura Dutcher, a daughter of 
Seneca Dutcher and a native of Massachusetts. She 
is still living at the ripe age of seventy-five years, 
and her home is in Saginaw, this State. The chil- 
dren born to the worthy couple are two in num- 
ber — Henry and Andrew. 

The gentleman whose life it is our puriiose to 
outline was born in Trenton, N. Y., June 2, 1839, 
and remained at home until he was about fifteen 
years of age. He then went to work on a farm 
by the month and continued his labors until he 
had *300, then entered Carey Collegiate Semi- 
iiaiy, where he studied for three years. In the 
meantime he spent his vacations in teaching, and 
after the period mentioned he went to Olean where 
he attended a school a year. When his studies 
were completed young Hale came to this State 
and found employment in the lumber camps in 
St. Clair County for a year. He then went back 
to his native State and during the ensuing two 
years devoted the winters to teaching. 

October 2, 1862, Mr. Hale was married to Mary 
J. Haughton. a daughter of Dimick Haughton. of 
New York. For three years after their marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Hale remained in the Empire State, 
then journeyed westward and established their 
home in Ionia County, Mich. They took posses- 
sion of a sixty-acre farm in Orleans Township and 
the husband devoted himself to its improvement 
and cultivation, and until 1885 was also engaged 
in buying, breeding and shipping stock. He then 
began buying and shipping fruit, having an evap- 
orator, by means of which he enlarged his work 
and built up a successful trade. In the meantime 
he increased his landed estate to its present extent 
an placed il in first-class condition. Since he en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits he has given his busi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



577 



nes3 the close attention that be formerly bestowed 
upon other interests, and liis finuncinl affairs are 
managed with prudence and tad. 

The substantial foundation u|)on which the af- 
fairs of Mr. Hale now rest lias not been without 
decided effort and his experience has not alw.a3's 
been favorable. When he came to this State his 
capital consisted of a team and w.agon, with which 
he drove from Detroit to Orleans. He had been 
here but a year and a half when he was burned 
out and lost his entire possessions except the land, 
which was not yet the source of an excessive in- 
come. He had previously been drained of iiis 
cash by his hiring a substitute when drafted 
into the army. Whatever misfortune befell him 
made liim the more determined, and success event- 
ually crowned iiis efforts. 

Mr. Hale has always been a Republican. He has 
served acceptably as Highway anil Drainage Com- 
missioners and for a number of years was Township 
Superintendent of Schools. His education, experi- 
ence as a teaciior, and interest in the rising genera- 
tion especially qualified him for a prominent posi- 
tion in educational affairs. Ho and his wife have 
made many friends since they came hitiier, and 
their children — Elmer B., Perry F. and ()ie B. — 
have their own places in society. 



\1|0SEPII C. NOBLE, one of the progressive 
farmers and stockmen of Ionia Count}', is 
the gentleman whose portrait is showu on 
!^7/' the opposite page, and who is pleasantly 
located on section 16, Otisco Township. His prop- 
erty here consists of one hundred and seventy 
acres of well-developed land, upon which may be 
seen a comfortable farmhouse and such oulliuild- 
ings as are made necessary by the work carried 
on upon the estate. In former years Mr. Noble 
was a breeder of Ilolstein cattle, but at present his 
chief attention in stock-raising is given to Oxford 
Down and Shropshire Down sheep. Mr. Noble 
was reared to farming and in his youth he became 
well acquainted with all that is necessary to make 
the calling a successful one, and it is his constant 



aim to increase his facilities for work and to place 
upon the market crops and stock of a high grade. 

Ooing back three generations in the paternal 
line we come to Medad Noble, of Revolutionary 
fame, who also fought in the second struggle for 
release from British tyranny. The next in direct 
line of descent was Levi Noble, a native of Bland- 
ford, Mass., who made an early settlement in New 
York. There he married Aurclia Steele and reared 
six children, the eldest of whom was Horace, 
father of our sul)ject. Levi Noble was first a 
^Vhig and then a Republican in politics. He was 
a Master Mason, and he and his wife belonged to 
the Methodist Ei)iscopal Church. 

Horace Noble was born in Richmond, Ontario 
County, N. Y., and when a j'oung man worked on 
a farm. He came to this State in 1844, a short 
lime after his marriage, and established his home 
in Hillsdale Count}'. Thence be removed to Indi- 
ana, anil from that State returned to New York. 
In 185.'5 he again came to Michigan, and from that 
time until his decease, March 27, 18!»0, he resided 
in Otisco Township, Ionia County. At the time 
of his death he owned one hundred and seventy 
acres of gooil land. He was a member of the 
Grange. In his earlier years he was a Republican, 
but he died a Democrat. He was married in 
Naples, N. Y., June 20, 1844, to Martha, daughter 
of Ilezekiah and Hannah (Clayson) Roberts. Mr. 
Roberts was born in 1791, and his wife in 1792; 
he died in Arkansas in 1873, and she passed away 
in 1859. Mr. Roberts was a cabinet-maker and also 
a farmer. His family consisteil of six children, 
she who became Mrs. Noble being tlie lifth in 
order of birth. 

The subject of this biographical notice is the 
only surviving member of his father's family, 
which once made a happy band of three. He was 
born in Iloneoye, Ontario Count}', N. Y., Decem- 
ber 31, 1850, and w.as a child of some three years 
when his life in Michigan began. After complet- 
ing the course of s'.mly in the common schools he 
spent one year in the High .School in (Jreenvilh-, 
thus becoming quite well educated in all practical 
branches. For a twelvemonth he was in the em- 
ploy of Emerson Peck, a storekeeper in that town, 
but with that exception he has devoted himself Ig 



578 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



agricultural work. He remained under the parental 
roof until he was twentj'-five years of age. 

Some months after leaving the [larental home 
Mr. Noble was married to Miss Jennie Buttolph in 
Portland, February 20, 1877. The parents of the 
bride were Jndson and Lydia (Alger) Buttoiph, 
natives of New York and Canada respectively, 
who are represented elsewhere in this Album. Mrs. 
Noble is a well-informed and well-bred lady, a 
strong believer in the faith of the Baptist Church 
and an esteemed member of society. Mr. Noble 
belongs to the Republican party. He has been 
Secretary of the Grange for six years and has 
served the citizens of the township as Overseer of 
Highways. 

DAM S. TURNBULL. a prominent resi- 
dent on section 24, Koene Township, Ionia 
Count}', is a native of Monroe County, N. 
Y., wliere he was born September 24, 1823. 
His father. Robert, was a native of England, and 
his mother Helen (Reid) Turnbull, was born in 
Scotland. About 1825, our subject went with his 
parents to reside in Waterloo County, Ontario, 
Canada. His parents who were early settlers there, 
both died in the same county Four of their eight 
children are now surviving: Adam S., James, Isa- 
bella (the widow McDonald); Mary (the wife of 
Charles Macomb). Both parents were members of 
the United Presbyterian Church, in wiiich tlioy 
ever found a field of usefulness. 

Our subject has been a lifelong farmer, having 
spent his boyhood on the old home farm in On- 
tario, dividing his lime between the common sciiools 
and the home farm. He had to walk three miles 
back and forth to school, and had scant advantages 
when there, but it has been his life-long aim to 
make himself intelligent. His marriage took place 
in Ontario, October 18, 1854. He was then united 
with Jane Laing, who was born in Monroe County, 
N. Y. May 1, 1835. She is a daughter of Walter 
and Jane (Renwiek) Laing. Her father was of 
Scotch birth, and her mother an Englishwoman. 
When seven years old she removed with her par- 



ents to Brant County, Ontario, where botli father 
and mother died. Her parents had four children, 
three of whom are living: Mary, wife of J. T. Ren- 
wick; Walter; and Mrs. Turnbull. 

In the spring of 1855, the season succeeding 
their marriage, the young couple migrated to Mich- 
igan. They resided in Kent County for a number 
of j'cars, and came to Ionia County in the fall of 
1864. Mr. Turnbull is the happy possessor of a 
finely improved farm of seventy acres. He has ac- 
cumulated a handsome property, and in his life 
work has been ably seconded by his devoted wife, 
whose good judgment and sound sense have been a 
tower of strength to him continually. They are 
both warm-hearted Christians, and find their church 
home in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The 
Republican party finds in him a warm adherent and 
strong supporter. He is a man well-informed on 
matters of public interest, and ever wide-awake to 
the promotion of movements for the welfare of 
the community. 

In the prime of life Mr. and Mrs. Turiib\ill are 
enjoying the fruits of a life well-spent. Our sub- 
ject has been successful in life. He is a good and 
judicious financier, possessed of excellent business 
qualifications and executive ability, and commands 
the respect of the business community. Having 
been an exhaustive reader, he has become well-in- 
formed on topics of general interest. We are 
pleased to represent him in this Album, among the 
raanj' prosperous citizens of Ionia County, and we 
predict for him as great success in the future as he 
has had in the past. 



^ILLIAM PATTERSON. The boy pio- 
neers of Michigan look back in manhood 
upon numberless hardships encountered 
and privations endured, but their retrospection is 
tinged with a romantic light. The hunting and 
fishing of those days, the expeditions and adven- 
tures were dear to the boyish heart, and bring a 
smile to the face of the mature man. Our subject, 
who is a citizen of Sheridan, Montcalm County, 
passed through such experiences. He was born in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



579 



Trumbull County, Ohio, June 11, 1842, and is the 
son of Thomas and Mary (Anderson) Patterson. 
His early life was spent at home witii his i)arenls, 
and his educational advantages were meager in- 
deed. His father was a molder by trade. Wlien 
ten years of age, William came with the family lu 
Michigan. 

The Patterson family made their home for one 
year in Ionia County, where the father engaged in 
molding, and in March, 1854, they came to Jlont- 
calra County, and settled three miles from Sheri- 
dan, on section 24, Fairplains Township. Here in 
the wilderness thej' cleared and improved a new 
farm. Many hard times were endured during tlie 
ensuing year, and not seldom food was scarce. 
There were no roads through the woods, nothing 
but Indian trails to guide the traveler. A farm of 
fort}' acres was made out of tiiis forest land. Here 
the family remained. 

In 1«66 William Patterson came to the place he 
now owns in the suburbs of .Slicridan, and took a 
small lot, this he gradually increased until he now 
has a comfortable farm of sixty-nine acres, all well- 
improved, where he resides. lie also has forty-three 
acres on section 3,5, in Sidney Township. lu the early 
dayslie often made shingles and hauled them to Ionia 
andGreeuville,selling them for ¥l athousand. When 
they had raiseil their first crop of corn they were 
puzzled how they could make it available for food, 
as there was no mill within reach, but the father im- 
provised a mill out of two logs, and with this they 
ground their meal, and sweeter johnny cake was 
never eaten. 

On August 19, 1862, Eliza Skells, a daughter of 
SiKjncer Skells of this county, became the wife of 
our subject. To them have been given four chil- 
dren, as follows: William S., born February 8, 
1861; Cassie, July 7, 187G; Ina, March 20, 1870; 
Ray, August 22, 1885. All these children are liv- 
ing at home with their parents, and they have all 
received a good education. 

When William Patterson came to this place there 
was no town here, and it was several years before 
any railroad came through. His vocation for the 
first twelve years was lumbering and milling, but 
since that time he has been engaged exclusivi'ly in 
farming. He is a Democrat in politics, and h.is 



filled with honor to himself and advantage to his 
constituents the oHices of Constable, Town Mar- 
shal, Highway Commissioner and President of the 
village of Sheridan. 



TEWAUD TOWNSEND has a fine farm on 
section 32, Ionia Township, Ionia County. 
His father, Charles Townsend, a native of 
Connecticut, was also a farmer, and was 
born in 1800. The family is one of the old New 
England families, the grandfather of Steward be- 
ing Charles Townsend, a native of Connecticut, 
and a miller by trade. His wife, Margaret, was 
born in Germany. Their son, Charles was one of 
the early pioneers of Monroe County, N. Y., 
where he died at the age of eighty-four years. His 
wife followed him at the same age. She was Laura 
Goodenough, a native of Connecticut. Her par- 
ents were Aaron and Patty Goodenough, he being 
a native of Vermont and she of Connecticut. Af- 
ter marriage they made their home first in Monroe 
County, N. Y., and later in Niagara County, where 
they remained until their death, both living to the 
advanced age of ninety-two years. 

The parents of Steward Townsend resided in 
Monroe County, N. Y., until 1845. At that time 
his father came West to look up a location for a 
new home, which he found in the fall of 1846, and 
removed his family to section 5, Orange Town- 
ship. He secured forty acres of wild land and 
timber. Here he made his permanent home and 
proceeded to imi)rove it. He first built a log 
shanty, and afterward a log house, wherein was 
established a happy home. He added twenty acres 
to the original farm and before his death had im- 
proved it all. When he came here Indians were 
living all through this region and there were 
plenty of wild animals. He died in 1866, his wife 
having preceded him two years to the other 
world. They were the parents of fifteen children, 
nine daughters and six sons, ten of whom are now 
living. 

Our subject was horn April 18, 1828, in Monroe 
County, N. Y. Although he was eighteen years of 



580 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



age when he came to Michigan, he took his first 
schooling here, in the first school organized in this 
region. Later he went back to New York and at- 
ten<led school there for one winter. He began work- 
ing for himself at seventeen years of age, although 
later he assisted his parents for a season. When he 
arrived in Michigan his sole pecuniary fortune was 
twenty-five cents. During his visit to New York 
when he was nineteen years old, he worked on a 
farm wlien not at school. After a year spent there 
our subject returned to Michigan and bought the 
first forty acres of land he ever owned. It was lo- 
cated in Orange Township, on section 4, where Al- 
fred Stanton now lives. He pre-empted this land 
which was then all unimproved and sold it with 
another forty acres for forty acres on his present 
farm, giving a bonus of $110. He proceeded to 
improve this new farm and added to it from time 
to time. He now owns one hundred and seventy- 
seven acres there and forty acres in Orange Town- 
ship. 

Our subject was united in marriage January 4, 
1851, with Miss Eliza Tuttle, a daughter of Nelson 
and Sophia (Pangborn) Tuttle. (See sketch of 
William Adgatc for history of Nelson Tuttle). 
Mrs. Stevvard Townsend was born December 14, 
1833, at Palmyra, Ohio. After her marriage she 
and lier husband moveil into a log house upon his 
farm and began improving the place. He has with 
his own hand put the whole of his farm under the 
plow. In 18G9 he built his present residence, hav- 
ing erected a barn three years before, and all im- 
provements having been made b}' himself. He 
carries on mixed farming, his stock being all of 
good grades. This couple are the parents of six 
children. The eldest, Andrew, born December 
21, 1851, was married to Annie Scribner. Tiiey 
live in Orange Township and have a family of five 
children. The second son, Nelson, was born RLarch 
16, 1855. He is now a widower. Henr3' was born 
July 16, 1857, and married ¥A\a. Tubbs, with whom 
he lives in Sebewa Township; they have throe 
children. Emory was born November 19, 1863; 
Ed S., March 19, 1865; and their only daughter, 
Martha Ella, November 17,1867. They gave to 
all these children a good education. An<]rew 
t-aught school for sis years j Ed S. and Emery have 



been students at a business college. The former is 
now a stock buyer. Miss Martha is a good musi- 
cian and m.akes her talents in this direction of great 
service to the church. She is also an artist in 
colors, showing great ingenuity and taste. Mrs. 
Townsend is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Emery is well-known as a member of 
the Masonic Order. Andrew, who has alwa^'s 
taken an interest in [lolitics and belongs to the 
Democratic party, has been for some time a mem- 
ber of the School Board. lid S. and Emery are 
both Prohibitionists, the former taking great inter- 
est in politics. 

When this family emigrated Michigan was then 
in the Far West and transportation was very diff- 
erent from our present rapid transit. They were 
transported from their old home in Monroe County-, 
N. Y., by the Erie Canal to Bufl'alo, and thence by 
boat over the lake to Detroit. There they took 
passage in "prairie schooners" and drawn by a yoke 
uf oxen reached their new home. Mr. Townsend 
soon went back to Farmington and moved his uncle 
Wilkinson by the same yoke of oxen. Many hard- 
ships were experienced by these early settlers. 
Money was scarce and they had to encounter severe 
trials but bravely struggled through them all. After 
his marriage oursubject worked by the d.ay at crad- 
ling at six shillings (seventy-five cents), mowed 
for five shillings (sixty. two and one-half cents), 
and chopped wood in June from dajiight to dark 
for fifty cents. For some time he cho|)pcd wood 
for Benjamin Ilarter. He had 1o travel three miles 
each way and work at the rate of two shillings 
(Iwentj'-five cents) per cord, one shilling of which 
he received in groceries the other in money. After 
the day's work he used to go down to the Grand 
River bottoms and find an old white cow, whom he 
employed as a pilot. He knew that she would find 
her way home in the darkness and holding her by 
the tail he followed in hor wake. Ilavingarrived 
at home he was prepared with a good appetite to 
devour his supper of johnny cake, potatoes and 
pork. Occasionally he indulged in a little butter. 
He then did his night chores in order to feel 
ready for bed. Up in the morning before daylight 
he chopped a little wood for the use of his wife and 
was off to his work again. The first tax he eyey 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



581 



paid amounted to $1. His last one was IIOO. He 
has his liooie free from debt, ail as tlie result of liis 
own labor, besides having given to his children 
over 18,000. There was no bridge over Grand 
River when he came to this county and none be- 
tween here and Grand Rapids. He had to draw 
himself across the river by a chain. 

Mr. Townsend's life in Ionia County is an exem- 
plification of what will result from hard and 
conscientious labor. His sons and daughters are 
worthy of the honest pride which he feels in their 
character and work. His fine farm and excellent 
buildings, show plainly' the hard work which lie 
put upon them. 



/^^' ONT VERNON OLMSTKAI) is one of the 
old timers in Orange Township, Ionia 
County, and has held for many years the 
responsible position of Town.ship Super- 
visor. Ele is one of the very few now living who 
came here early in the '30s, and his conversation is 
delightfully full of reramiscences of the early days 
among Indians and wild animals, and tales of the 
hunts in jjioneer times. His father, Lewis 01m- 
stead, was born in Norwalk, Conn., Jlay 10, 1771. 
He was a merchant in his day but in old .age retired 
from business. He belonged to the Volunteer 
Reserve Force in Vermont in the days of the 
Indian wars but was not called out. He was the 
son of Jesse Olmstead who was born in Connecti- 
cut in 1750. The mother of our subject was Han- 
nah (Hurlbut) Olmstead, born in Connecticut in 
177G. El)enezer Gilbert, a brotiier to Mont Vernon 
Olmstend's paternal grandmother, was a soldier in 
the Revolutionary War, and his great-grandnephew 
has now the powder horn worn by this hero when 
he was killed in battle. The horn bears the dale 
and inscription of that fatal day; Harlem Heights, 
November 9, 1776. The parents of our subject 
married in Vermont and resided there, the father 
being a merchant in the town of Richmond. In 
1812 he kept a grocery and provision store in Bur- 
lingluii, Vt., at the time the American arm}- was 



there. He later sold out his business and located 
on a farm in his native State, and ended his days 
there in 1814, his wife having preceded him ten 
years before. Of their ten children, all are now 
deceased except our subject. 

Mont Vernon Olmstead was brought up accord- 
ing to strict religious principles, his mother being a 
Methodist and his father one of the old-school 
Presbyterians. His father was a prominent man 
in his locality, being .active in politics as a stanch 
Whig. Our subject was born August 4, 1816, in 
Burlington Townslii|), Vt. Having received a com- 
mon-school education, he remained at home until 
just before reaching his majority', and besides as- 
sisting his father worked out by the month and took 
jobs upon neighboring farms. Upon coming to 
Michigan alone in 1836, he worked on a farm at 
l..yons for two years for James W. Tabor. Then 
buying a piece of land all unimproved in oak open- 
ings, he settled upon it in 1843. He improved 
forty acres of it and built a log house and log 
barn. In 1850 he traded it to Thomas Dewey for 
his i)rescnt farm. He has since lived here on sec- 
tion 1, having taken this farm when about thirty 
acres were cleared and the present buildings were 
upon it. He now has eighty acres, having deeded 
his other farm of one hundred and sixty acres to 
his two sons. When he reached Lyons, Mich., he 
had just twenty-five cents in his pocket. This he 
gave to an Indian to put him across Grand River. 
He therefore entered Lyons entirely unincumbered 
by personal wealth, but has been a very hard work- 
ing man all his life and has cleared thirty-five acres 
more of his eighty-acre farm. There were about 
eight hundred Indians around here when he came, 
and plenty of wild animals. Hunting was both a 
diversion and an occup.ilion in those days and he 
has killed large numbers of deer and wild turkeys 
and lias trapped many a wolf. He has killed as 
many as three liears in one fall. 

The subject of this sketch was wedded in April, 
1843, to Abigail McKelvey, daughter of John Mc- 
Kelvey, who came here in 1834, from Oakland 
County and settled in louia Townshij), where he 
lived until his death. He and his wife were the 
parents of four daughters and five sons who all 
"rew to maturity. Mrs. Olmsti-ad was born March 



582 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



6, 1821, in Rochester, N. Y. After marriage the 
Olmsteads settled upon their raw farm in Lj'ons 
Township and both worked long and hard to get a 
home and bring up the family. Mrs. Olmstead 
died March 21, 18.55. This couple were the par- 
ents of five children — Helen, now widow of Henry 
Kise, of Portland Township, has seven children; 
Julia is deceased; Lewis; Hannah; Malvin is mar- 
ried to Eleanor Wig, they live in Portland Town- 
ship with their two children. They were all given 
a good common-school education and Julia taught 
school for some time. Mr. Olmstead has always 
taken an active part in public affairs and in organ- 
izations for the good of the community. He used 
to belong to the Sons of Temperance. He is also 
a member of the Grange and was for some time its 
Treasurer. In politics he was a Whig and later a 
Greenbacker and is now a member of the Demo- 
cratic party. His first vote was cast in 1840 for 
William Henry Harrison. He has been a member 
of the School Board for years. He has been High- 
way Commissioner for six j^ears and Supervisor of 
Orange Township for twenty years. He h.as fre- 
quently been a delegate to county conventions and 
once to the State convention at Detroit. On the 
temperance question he has always stood squarely 
and is still stanch and strong there. He has never 
taken a drink of whisky in iiis life. He had eight 
hundred bushels of rye at onetime in an earl3- day, 
and although he had offers fi'om distilleries here he 
refused to sell it to them and traded it for cattle. 
He is now seventy-five years of age, and until last 
year when he suffered with inflammatory rheumat- 
ism he has always been a strong robust man. 

^ANIEL R. HARTWELL comes of sturdy 
New England stock. His father was Thomas 
Hartwell, a native of New Hampshire, born 
September 22, 1784. His grandfather was 
Asliael Hartwell, who died February 3, 1844, at 
the advanced age of ninety-three years and five 
years and five months. This old Revolutionary 
hero served under Gen. Washington, and knew him 
personally, his having talked with the "father of 



his country" being handed down as one of the 
pleasant and honorable familj' legends. The wife 
of Ashael was xVbigail (Walker) Hartwell, and she 
became the mother of four children: Abigail, born 
March 15, 1778; Prudence, July 3, 1780; Thomas, 
September 22, 1784; Josiah, March 19, 1787. 

Thomas was the father of our subject. His wife 
was Phosbe (Rogers) Hartwell, a native of New 
York. Her father was Daniel Rogers, born Febru- 
ary 14, 17G9. His wife Annie (Grinuell) Rogers, 
was born March 3, 1768. They were the parents 
of eight children, namely: Phoebe, born January 1, 
1792; Daniel B., January 30, 1794; Acha, January 
19, 1796; Sarah, January 15, 1798; Ruth, Decem- 
ber 5, 1800; Anna, M.arch 16, 1803; Jane, May 10, 
1805; Henry D. September 29, 1807. All of these 
children lived to be over eighty years of age, but 
have now all departed this life except Henry D. 
Phoebe, the eldest was the mother of our subject. 
Grandfather Rogers was a teamster in the War of 
1812. He died May 8, 1859. His good wife pre- 
ceded him ten years, d^ing October 9, 1849. 

The parents of our subject were married Novem- 
ber 5, 1808. After residing at Stillwater, N. Y. 
for a time, they moved onto a farm in Northum- 
berland Township, Saratoga County, N. Y., where 
they completed their lives. He served in the War 
of 1812 as a teamster, hauling goods from Albany 
to Rochester. She died ALarch 8, 1873. He sur- 
vived her until May 20, 1881, when he departed at 
the extreme age of ninety-seven years. This good 
couple became the parents of six children : George 
W., born August 3, 1809; Orville C, March 6, 
1812; Daniel II., September 24, 1815; Tylee D., 
August 24, 1819; Phoebe Ann, February 17, 1829; 
Sarah Jane, December 4, 1832. Four of them are 
now living. 

The subject of this sketch was the third child of 
this family and born in Northumberland Town- 
ship, Saratoga County, on a farm. He received a 
district school education and lived at home till fif- 
teen years of age. He was sick for two j'ears, which 
interrupted his schooling, but after his recovery he 
resumed attendance at school. For two j'cars he 
worked at the carpenter's bench, then went upon 
the Erie Canal in 1837 in the engineering depart- 
ment. He continued in this work until 1844, when 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



583 



be removed to Michigan and located land on sec- 
tion 8, Berlin Townsiiip, Ionia County. He how- 
ever returned iinmediatelj' to New York and 
engaged in fishing and Iiunting. In January, 1843 
he went to Onondaga County, and began work as a 
clerk in a store. In June, 1844, he began clerking 
in Danviilo, N. Y., but in November of that year 
he came again to Michigan anil [)ut a man to clear- 
ing his farm, lie came to this place via Battle 
Creek and from that point on foot to Bellevue and 
in the same manner to this place. It was ver}- 
muddy and there were no houses en the way except 
a very few scattered ones. Ilo walked in all about 
three days. The same j'ear he went back to Bat- 
tle Creek and January 1, of the next 3'ear he went 
to work in a pail factory at ^i) a month. Here he 
remained until September 1, when he began clerk- 
ing in a dr^- goods house. lie remained with the 
first firm for nine months and then went to work 
for Arnold it; Marsli, in whose store he continued 
until September, 1845. lie now began to experi- 
ence trouble. He was sick all winter and when he 
was able to be at work again lie took a contract to 
build six miles of railroad grading on the Michi- 
gan Central Railroad west of Kalamazoo. AVith 
this he would have made a good success, had it 
not been that he lost money on account of a part- 
ner's crimes and was consequently 13,000 or %4,000 
behind. He was so reduced in circumstances that 
he had to borrow money to get home to New York, 
where he again went to work on the Krie Canal. 

In April, 18G0, Mr. Hartwell removed to his 
present farm on section 3, Berlin Township. Here 
he has one hundred and sixty acres and his 
wife has forty acres on the same section. He 
has one hundred acres of fine land under the 
plow. His present handsome residence was built 
in 1882 at a cost of iJ2,500. He married, October 
17, 18;')4, Alice A. Scott, a daughter of Joseph and 
Mary (Clemenson) Scott, both natives of Cam- 
bridgeshire, England. They came to America in 
1834, and settled at Seneca Falls, N. Y., where the 
wife died. He moved to Lockport, where he died in 
1864. They were the parents of eight children, 
three of whom are now living: William, still resides 
at Lockport; Mrs. Hartwell was the second child; 
and John, the younger son, also lives at the old 



homestead at Lockport. Mrs. Hartwell was born 
November 7, 1827. in England, and came to this 
country when still quite a child. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell are the happy parents of 
two chililren — Lizzie, horn November 18, 185'J, is 
the wife of Edward Patrick — they live on this farm 
and have two children; Ph<ebe, born June 25, 1863, 
is the wife of I'hilo Benedict — they live in this 
county and have one child. Mrs. Hartwell is an 
active and useful member of the Christian Church. 
Mr. Hartwell has served as a member of the School 
Board and h.as done useful and thorough work as 
Road Overseer and also as Drainage Commissioner. 
He has been a Granger and has taken an active in- 
terest in politics, always voting the Republican 
ticket. 



'-'^ •i'*SS- •^-' 

^^EOROE F. PHELPS. Ionia City con- 
'11 ,— . tains no more pushing business man than 
^^gjjj the one above named, who has been en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits here since 1876. He 
has won success by unflagging energy, business 
tact and honorable dealing, and made hosts of 
friends by his affable, courteous manners. He was 
born in Cayuga County, N. Y.. December 22, 1839, 
and in the paternal line is descended from an old 
Connecticut family-. His father. Israel E. Phelps, 
was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., and his mother, 
formerly Mary A. Leiand, in Massachusetts. In 
1805 they removed to Lenawee County, this State, 
where both died, the husband December II, 1884, 
and the wife August, 1879. Their family con- 
sisted of five children: CJeorge F., Charles, Israel, 
Jr., William and Ezoa. 

The father of our subject was a farmer and amid 
the surroundings of .agricultural life the son grew 
to the age of eighteen years. He then became a 
clerk in the establishment of Ingham, Hmrick & 
Morley in his native county, and after a year with 
them spent an equal length of time studying in 
the Plattsburg .\cadem3'. He began his mercantile 
career in Jordan, Onondaga County, and subse- 
(piently continued it in Weedsport. In 1865 he 
established himself in Hudson, this .State, whence 
he came to Ionia County in 1874. For two years 



584 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he was engaged in business in Muir and he then 
removed to lonin. Circii instances made the estab- 
lishment of a branch house seem desirable and in 
1888 one was opened in the east end. Both stores 
are in a flourishing condition and success is crown- 
ing the efforts of Mr. Phelps, who well deserves tiie 
good opinion held of him by his customers. 

In Hudson, October 3(>, 1866, Mr. Phelps was 
united in marriage with Miss Carrie E. Moore, 
daughter of George W. Moore, who is now a resi- 
dent of Medina, Lenawee Count}'. Mrs. Phelps is 
possessed of fine social qualities and refined man- 
ners, and her grace and intelligence help to draw 
around them a fine circle of friends. The}" have 
two children, William M. and Morrison, the former 
his father's partner in business and the latter a 
student. 

Mr. Phelps is not one of those men who crave 
public honors, although he always takes an interest 
in the good of the community' and does his part 
toward advancing it. He iias served as an Alder- 
man one term, but has not otherwise been connected 
in any odicial capacity with the affairs of the city. 
Politically, he is a Republican with liberal tenden- 
cies. 

■ -|*^*|M— 

i;ILLIAM CAUBOUGII is the son of George 
Carbough, a shoemaker and farmer of 
Pennsylvania. The family is of German 
origin, but came to America long before tlie Revo- 
lutionary War and settled in Pennsylvania. An 
uncle of our subject, John Carbough, fought all 
through the War of 1812 under Gens. Scott and 
Brown. His mother was Magdelena (Forman) 
Carbough, also a native of Pennsylvania. Her 
father, also of German descent, lived to be over 
ninety years of age. 

Mr. and Mrs. George Carbougli were married in 
Pennsylvania and resided for twenty-six j-ears in 
Virginia, near Harper's Ferry. They moved to 
Ohio in 1840, settling first in Stark County, after- 
ward in Wayne County, and buying a farm there. 
After living there for eleven j'ears they came to 
Michigan October 24, 1855, and made their home 
in Ionia County, and on June 11, 1856. they set- 



tled on section 26, Orange Township. The father 
had forty acres of wild land, upon which he built 
a log house and his boys cleared the land. He died 
Septemloer, 1861, his wife surviving iiim eleven 
years. Of their eight children, five are now living. 

William Carbough was the seventh child of his 
parents and was born August 25, 1835, in Virginia. 
He was twenty years of age when he came to 
Michigan, having received a common-school edu- 
cation in Ohio. After coming to this State he took 
special charge of his aged parents who lived with 
him during the remainder of their lives and leaned 
upon him as their strong staff. He has added to 
his original fort}'^ acres until he now has two hun- 
dred and twenty acres all told, one iiundred and 
ninot}' of which is finely cultivated. All that he 
added to his farm was wild land and timber, so 
that it was necessary to clear it. In 1873 he 
replaced the old log house with his present fine 
residence which was erected at a cost of $1,500 
besides his own labor. His splendid barn was built 
in 1875 at a cost of $1,600 besides his personal work. 
He has added to It a shed and has a geared wind- 
mill. 

A buililing 52x12 feet is divided into icehouse, 
pump tank and milkroom, with one room for 
grinder, another for corn sheller, both of which 
machines are operated by the geared windmill. 
Under the same roof he also has a shop and con- 
nected with it a tool shed 62x20 feet, a corncrib, 
and a hog pen 24x32 feet in dimensions. The sheep 
shed connected with the large barn is 14xG0 feet. 
The big barn measures 40x100 feet, its stone base- 
ment furnishing stables for sixty head of horses 
and cattle. There are thorough and systematic 
water connections all through the barn and out- 
buildings. Mr. Carbough carries on mixed farm- 
ing, raising both grain and stock. His cattle are 
Holstcin thoroughbreds; his sheep are Shropshire, 
ills horses are mostly draft horses but he has a 
special pride in a fine Hambletonian colt three 
years old, which already shows signs of good 
speed. He feeds out all the grain he raises on one 
hundred and ninety acres. His orchard covers ten 
acres and is principally In apple trees with some 
peaches and pears. A view of this fine estate 
appears on another page. 




RESIDEWCE OF E.W. NORTH , SEC. IG. E ASTON TP, IONIA CO.MICH, 




RESIDENCtOF WILLIAI/, uAi« lJoUoi i , 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



587 



Mr. Carbougli lias lived on this farm for tliirty- 
five years, anil (luring all the time has (U'vole<l his 
thought and labor to its improvement. He too'.i it 
rough and wild, and by his unremitting industry 
has brought it to its present line and productive 
condition. He is a brother of Mrs. William Keefer. 
(See sketch of Mr. Keefer.) He was united in mar- 
riage .July 23, 1857 with Miss Klizabotli (Jates, a 
daughter of P'ellows and JMary (Williams) Gates 
and sister of Klias Gates, whose biography is to be 
found elsewhere in this Album. Mrs. Carbougli 
was born May 30, 1840, in Erie County, N. Y.,and 
received a common-school education in Canada 
l)efore coming with her father to Michigan. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Carbougli are the parents 
of eight children: George F., born February 2, 
IHa'.l, married .lennie Kneel, and lives in Orange 
Township. They have one child of their own and 
have adopted one. Mary M., born December (>, 
18G0, and wife of Otis Ferguson, lives in Orange 
Township and has one child. Klizabetli Caroline, 
born January 10, 1863, is the wife of Frank Aller- 
ton. They have one child and also reside in Orange 
Townshii). Ionia Hellc, born .Inly II), 1865, is the 
wife of Charles Kent; they have two children and 
make their home at Odessa. William J., born 
September 29, 18G7, is now a student in the law 
department of the State University, having gradu- 
ated in the Portland High School in the Class of 
'!tO. The twins Grant and Wilson were born Octo- 
ber 1, 1872, and Wilson died May 31, 1889. 
Kmma was born November 10, 1877. These chil- 
dren have all received a good common-school edu- 
cation. 

Mr and Mrs. Carbougli arc consistent members 
of the Free Will Haptist Church, he being Super- 
intendent of the Sund.ay-school, Treasurer of the 
church, a Trustee and on the building committee. 
The children were all brought up to attend the 
Sunday scliool. Mr. Carbougli has been a member 
of the local School Hoard and he and his wife both 
belong to the Patrons of Industry and the Grange, 
lie has been Treasurer of the latter organization. 
He is a member of the Masonic Order, Blue Lodge 
and Chapter, and is one of the Trustees of the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a inem- 
lier of tlie Royal Arcanum aii<l of the Masonic 



Benefit Association, both Class A and Class B. 
Local Republicans have often made him their del- 
egate to conventions, as his interests in public 
affairs and his intelligence and independence make 
him a leader among them. His sons and daughters 
are active in temperance societies. He wiis Con- 
stable and Road Commissioner for many years in 
the townshi|) of Orange, was twice candidate for 
Supervisor, and was elected as Drainage Commis- 
sioner but did not serve. He has operated his farm 
so as to secure the best results, and his enterprise 
and industry have been crowned with remarkable 
success. 



-;-f-S'=^«^=5-«-f- 



\Tp-«]ZIlA W. NOUTH. One of the [lioneer land- 
\\rij marks of Ionia County is to be seen on the 
[b-zjf estate of Mr. North on section 16, Faston 
Township. It is the log cabin which he built in 
the woods early in the '50s' and which is now used 
as a store- room for machineiy. It is 16x21 feet in 
size and when put up w.as considered quite a large 
house. It w.as necessary for .Mr. Nortli to cut his 
own road to the farm,. as, when he took possession, 
it was surrounded by a dense forest and was largely 
covered with timber. It Is now one of the well- 
developed and productive tracts, so many of which 
are to be seen by the traveler in the county, 
and each of which testifies to the endurance and 
persistence of those who opened up this ci untry. 
The recollections of Mr. North do not extend 
farther back than his residence in this State, al- 
though lie was born in Genesee County, N. Y., 
February 15, 1820. He conies of the old Dutch 
stock of the Kmpire State in the paternal line, and 
on his motlier's side tr.aces his ancestry back to the 
Scotch wiio settled in the North of Ireland after 
religious i)erseciitions had nearly depopulated that 
country. His parents were John and Diana (I)oty) 
North, who during bis early infancy left their na- 
tive Stale to found a home in Michigan. They 
located in Oakland County, where they re- 
sirled until their son Ezra was twelve years old. 
They then came to Ionia County, spending a short 
time in Berlin Township and then taking possession 



588 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of land on section 10, Easton Township. In com- 
ing to this county our subject, who was bare-footed, 
helped to drive a herd of cattle, and upon arriving 
at his destination, blood was freely flowing from 
his feet, so severe had been his journey. As their 
home was in the woods and tlie township liad but 
few settlers, our subject may he considered one of 
its earliest pioneers. 

The parental family was a large one and is now 
represented by the following children: Thomas, 
Ezra W., Frederick A., Charles, Orville and Mary. 
The latter is tlie wife of the Rev. II. R. Hawloy, a 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now 
stationed at Lake Odessa. All are living in this 
county except Charles, whose iiome is in St. John's. 
The good mother was not taken from her family 
until 1889, but the father died in 1876. He was 
School Inspector of Easton Township a number of 
years, and politically was a Jeffersonian Democrat. 

The rudiments of an education were acquired by 
our subject in the early district schools of this 
State, and his advantages were necessarily inferior 
to those afforded in the same region to-daj'. As 
was generally' the case with students of that time 
he was well grounded in the few branches taught 
and prepared to extend his knowledge through the 
avenues open to all who wish to gain information. 
He grew to maturity in Ionia County and did mueli 
pioneer work, even before betook possession of the 
one hundred and sixty acres he now occupies and 
operates. In common with his old associates, he 
experienced the ups and downs of life, but by in- 
dustry, |)ersevcrance and economy, secured a com- 
petence, so that in his declining years he has no 
corroding anxiety to interfere with his enjoyment 
of the good things of life. 

Mr. North was first married to Miss Mary Gil- 
bert, who died leaving two childicn: Frederick, 
now deceased, and Ilattie, wife of J. II. Lampkin, 
of Easton Township. She was a lady of erudition 
and taught seventeen terms of school in New York 
and this State. In 1866 our subject was united in 
marriage with Mrs. Helen F. Nortli, who still shares 
his fortunes and looks after the comfort of his 
home. Tliis estimable lady was born in Wayne 
County, this State, October 22, 1835, her parents 
being Josiah and Susan (Arthur) Stanbro. Her 



parents were from New England, her mother being 
a native of the Pine Tree State. They came West 
during the early days of this State and established 
their home in Oakland County. Our subject and 
his wife have one son, Nelson A., and they have 
reared an adopted son named Marell. Nelson A., 
married Lottie Young and they have one child, a 
daughter. Mrs. North has shared in many of the 
trials and hardships through which her husband 
has passed, and has found many occasions on whicli 
to display a self-sacrificing spirit and the hosi)ital- 
ity wliich h!is become synonymous with the term 
'•early settler." 

In his political affiliation in later years Mr. North 
has been a Prohibitionist. He has served his fel- 
low-men as Justice of the Peace and School Direc- 
tor, as well as by taking a part in enterprises 
projected for the benefit of the community. Ho 
and his wife are consistent Christians and for a 
quarter of a century Mrs. North has been an ar- 
dent Sunday-scliool worker. Indeed her life has 
been consecrated to her family and good works. 
Both husband and wife will live in the memories 
of those who know them, long after their faces 
shall be seen no more on earth. 

A view of Mr. North's fine farm with its princi- 
l)al buildings is presented on another page. 

— - ■ > ■ >!< ■ < ■ •— 



JlIOMAS O. HARTWELL resides on section 
8, Berlin Township, Ionia County, and is 
the son of T3lee D. Hartwell and Julia 
(Arnold) Hartwell, both natives of the Empire 
State. His parents resided in New York till they 
came to Michigan in 1855, when they settled on 
this farm. His father at the time of his death 
owned three hundred and twenty acres here and 
property in Saranac and loni.a besides. He cleared 
off in all about one hundred and fifty .acres and put 
up all the I)uilding3 himself. His parents belonged 
to the Baptist Church; his father was both Trustee 
and Deacon in the First Baptist Church at Saranac 
for many years. For further particulars as to the 
parents see sketch of Mrs. Julia E. Hartwell. 

Thomas O. Hartwell was born December 12, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL 'ALBUM. 



589 



1860, on tbe home fnrm. He received liisseliooling 
in Ionia and is a graduate of the Ionia High Sciiool 
in tl>c Class of '81. After gnuUialiiig lie removed 
to liis father's farm and toolv cliarge of it, his fatiicr 
liaving (lied tlie year previous. His niotlier is still 
living in Ionia. Our subject now owns iialf of the 
farm of tliree liundred and twenty acres and has 
cleared and improved some twenty-six acres, lie 
carries on mixed husbandry, raising l)oth gram and 
stock for the market. 

In 1882 Thomas llartwcU was united in tlie 
happy bonds of wedlock with Ruse MiicUey, daugh- 
ter of Washington and Anna (Bergh) Mackey, 
natives of the Empire State. Mrs. Macke}' dieii 
several years .ago. Her widowed husband still re- 
sides at the old home a retired farmer. Both their 
children are now living. Mrs. Hartwell was born in 
February, 1858, in New York anil received a com- 
mon-school education. To her and her husband 
have been given two cliildren— Jennie and Tylee 
\). Tlic}' are members of the Baptist Church at 
li)nia and Mr. Hartwell is on the School Board. 
He is a member of the Grange and of the Patrons 
of Industry. He lakes an interest in politics and 
votes the Democratic ticket, but in local elections 
casts his ballot for the best man. He was for some 
time Scliool Inspector of Berlin Township. He is 
It^mperato in his habits and highly re.«pccled by all 
who know him. 



, OAH D. KOIITZ, a son of Jacob and Sarah 
(Christlieb) Koutz, resides on a finely ap- 
pointed farm on section 5, Lyons Township. 
Ionia County. He w.as born in Cumberland County, 
Pa., January 30, 183.3. His father was a farmer 
and cooper by trade and his grandfather, Daniel 
Kout/, was a private soldier in the War of 1812. 
His parents resided in Cumberland County forst)me 
years after their maniage, and then came to Ohio 
whence they emigrated to Michigan in 1854. They 
traveled in a prairie schooner, camping out on the 
way. The new home was in a log house in Sebewa 
Township, Ionia Count}-. Here they resided for 
about four years, when they came to Lyons Town- 



ship, where our subject now resides and spent the 
remainder of their days. They both lie at rest in 
North Plains Cemetery, the father having departed 
this life in 1882 and the mother in 1878. 

The parents of our subject were blessed with ten 
children and they were so happy as to see thera all 
grow to manhood and womanhood. Those now 
living are George W. ; Rachel, Mrs. J. W. Mabie; 
Barnhart, James; Barbaia, Mrs. Elisha Trowbridge 
and Scaright. Three of their sons served in the 
Union army during the Civil War and two of them, 
Kdinond and Israel, died in the service. 

Our subject received his first schooling in Ohio, 
whore he accompanied his parents to their new home 
when only three years old. He remained at home 
until his first inarri.age, which took place, October 
26, 1859. Sarah E. Scott was the maiden name of 
the lady who joined her life to his. She was born 
and brought up in Ohio. They were the parents of 
three daughters: Mary V., Mrs. Charles D. Nichols; 
Alice E. and Fannie E. These daughters lost their 
mother January 4, 1871. His second wife was 
united with him July 30, 1871. She was a native 
of Nova Scotia, Elizabeth A. Nickerson by name. 
She was born Sei)tend)er C, 1849, and when four 
year.s obi accompanied her parents to Canada, from 
which she removed to Michigan in 1865. She is 
the third child of her parents James and Sarah 
(Cassie) Nickerson. One child w.as born to this 
union Malvina E. Immediately after the marriage 
of this coui»le they took up their home on the farm 
where Mr. Koutz now lives. A log house 24.\;16 
feet made their first home. The present residence 
is an improvement on that and was built in 1884, 
at the cost of iil,800. One hundred of Mr. Koutz' 
one hundred and twenty-seven acres are under 
cultivation. He pays much attention to sheep cul- 
ture and owns ninety -seven head of fine grade sheep. 
He has a fine furm entirely free from debt and is 
greatly respected iu his neighborhood. He is 
warmly interested in the Prohibition movement. 
He lias been .School Director an<l Pathmaster. The 
first winter tliat he located on his furm he furnished 
lumber from it for the building of the railroad 
bridge. In those days much wild game abounded, 
and being a good shot he killed many deer ami 
some bears. He and all his family- ar« earnest 



590 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in the local organization of which Mr. 
Koutz is a Trustee. He is a member of the Board 
of District Conference and has gone twice as a dele- 
gate to the yearly conference. He is a liberal con- 
tributor to all church needs and takes an active 
interest in Sunda3'-school work. 



PB. FOX. Among the men engaged in busi- 
ness in Edmore, Montcalm County, mention 
should be made of Mr. Fox, whose reputation 
for honesty and fair dealing is unexcelled. He is 
doing a good business in the sale of feed, hay, coal, 
lime, cement, and all kinds of seeds, fertilizers and 
land plaster. In addition to tliis he operates a farm 
of one hundred and fifty acres adjoining the corpor- 
ate limits of the village, and raises hay, cereals and 
stock. Besides his outlying property Mr. Fox owns 
a residence and lots in town. He has lived in the 
State more tlian tliirty years and has done consid- 
erable work in developing farm lands and in manu- 
facturing timber products. lie lias, therefore, been 
connected with two of the most important interests 
of the State and has gained an extensive acquaint- 
ance among those wlio are eng.aged in farming and 
lumbering. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was born 
in the Old Dominion and with a brother made a 
settlement on the Ohio River at a point now cov- 
ered by the city of Cincinnati. There Absalom 
Fox, father of our subject, was born and reared on 
a farm. When grown to manhood he located near 
Lebanon, in the same county, and improved prop- 
erty on which he lived until his decease. He mar- 
ried Amanda Ingersoll, who was born in the Empire 
State and was a daughter of Ralph Ingersoll, who 
became an early settler of Dundee, Mich., where he 
and his family gained |)rominence. Mrs. Fox died 
in Clinton County, this State. She was an earnest 
Christian, belonging to the Presbyterian Church, 
and endeavored to equip their three children for 
the battle of life with high principles and aspira- 
tions. 

Our subject, who is tlie eldest of the parental 



family, was born near Lebanon, Ohio, February 28, 
1824. He was four 3'ears old when he accompanied 
his mother to Reading, N. Y., where they spent a 
j'ear and then went toKirtland, Ohio. There they 
remained a twelvemonth and were neighbors of 
.Iosei)h .Smith, the Mormon prophet. Mr. Fox well 
remembers seeing the foundation of the Mormon 
temple which was erected in that place. Thence 
his mother removed to Huron County, Ohio, where 
the years from 1838 to 1858 were passed. On a 
farm in the woods the lad grew to manhood, and 
bis years from his boyhood were devoted to indus- 
trions efforts to clear the land and make his way in 
the world. He was but twelve years old when lie 
began driving a team of horses or yoke of oxen in 
the logging business, and on more than one occa- 
sion he was obliged to sleep in the wagon as night 
came on before he reached home. Mother and 
cliildren had one hundred acres of land and the 
burden of its improvement rested on the shoulders 
of our subject. 

In 1848 Mr. Fox secured a faithful companion 
and sympathizing helpmate in Miss Emily C. Shelly, 
who was born in New York. Her father, David 
Shelly, was one of tlie early settlers in Cuyahoga 
County, Ohio. In 1858 Mr. Fox disposed of bis 
interests in the Buckeye State and came to Michi- 
gan, traveling with a team and wagon. He finally 
located near Elsie, Clinton County, buying a farm 
of one hundred acres and a village lot, on each of 
which he built a residence. He improved his farm 
and besides carrying on agricultural work ran a 
sawmill and shingle mill. He became the possessor 
of an additional one hundred and sixty acres of 
good land. As one of the pioneers of that locality 
he was instrumental in advancing the interests of 
the county of which for more than a score of years 
he was a prominent citizen. He held official posi- 
tions in the township and was well known and influ- 
ential. In the fall of 1880 he disposed of his 
interests there and came to Edmore, a new place, 
just taking its position among the growing villages 
of Centr.al Michigan. A year later he started a feed 
store and some time afterward added to the com- 
modities he handled the various articles that have 
been mentioned. 

Mr. P^ox is a believer in and supporter of the 



PORTUAIT AND IJIOGHAPHICAL ALBUM. 



591 



principles of the Republican party, and keeps him- 
self well informed regarding tbe issues of the day. 
lie is interested in the success of the l)arty but is 
not a politician in the ordinary acceptation of tbe 
term. He has been village Trustee one term, but is 
not otherwise connected with public affairs, al- 
though he rejoices in all that promises to be bene- 
ficial to the community. The children sent to 
himself and his good wife were five in number, 
two sons and three daughters, and all are dcceasetl 
hut the daughters, Mary A. and Martha E. The 
elder daughter is with her parents; the younger 
who is an artist of more than ordinary ability, is 
teaching in Grand Rapids. Husband and wife are 
held in good repute by their aequinlances and have 
made many sincere friends in the localities in whi(.h 
they have lived. 



•V^5«S^- 



-^©^^•< 



AVID II. KNGLISII was the first white 
male chihl born in Boston Township, 
Ionia County. He is a general farmer and 
stock- raiser and resides on section 2 1 , Bos- 
ton Township. He was born Ma3-21, 1842, in a log 
house on the farm where he now has his home and 
is a son of Kdson and Abigail (Wiilard) English, 
who were among the very early settlers in Ionia 
County, where they both continued to reside until 
called to the better land. 

The subject of this life history' received his early 
education in the primitive school of the neighbor- 
hood and attended one term at the High School at 
Saranac, after which he entered the Normal School 
at Ypsilanti. He remained there only three months 
as on account of illness he was obliged to return 
home. He never returned to school, for like many 
j'oung men in those da^'s, school life was cut short 
b^' the call of duty to our country. He enlisted 
August 5, 1862, in Company 1, Twenty-First Micli- 
igan Infantry. 

Mr. English, in defense of the old Uag took part 
in the battle at Benton ville, March 19, 18G5, in 
which terrible struggle more than one third of his 
company was killed and wounded at the first charge. 



He acted as Duty Sergeant, and was promoted to 
Orderly Sergeant and then to Lieutenant. lie 
served with credit to himself. He was taken sick 
for loss of sleep, and rather than go to the hospital 
chose to be placed in a boarding-house where he 
paid his own expenses until he recovered. He took 
part in a large number of battles and skirmishes. 
He marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the 
sea and back through the Carolinas north to Wash- 
ington where he attended the Grand Review at the 
close of the war, and received his honorable dis- 
charge June 8, 18t).'3,at Detroit, Mich. 

The subject of this sketch returned home sifter 
the dose of the Rebellion and purchased seventy- 
six acres of land from his father which he cultivated, 
living at home for a year. October 23, 1866, his 
marriage was solemnized with Miss Sarah A. McCor- 
mick, of Campbell Township. She had been teach- 
ing school for about five years, a line of work which 
she began when she was onlj' fifteen years old. She 
taught four or five terms in Boston Township. 
.Soon after their marriage Edson English erected a 
new house on the farm, into which he moved his 
household, leaving the old home for the young 
cou[)le who resided here until shortly before the 
death of the father. He had pureliased about fort}' 
acres at two different times |*reviouj to this and a 
short time before the father's death bought the 
new house anil the small .acreage belonging thereto 
and then took pos.session where he has since re- 
sided. 

The farm is now all under good cultivation and 
finely improved. It consists of one hundred and 
sixt}' acres and is well stocked with a good grade of 
all kinds of live stock. C)ur subject makes a spec- 
ialty of Short-Horn cattle, some of which are regis- 
tered animals. He started out in life wilh a pair of 
strong arms and an earnest determination to suc- 
ceed, and he has steadil}' worked his way upward 
to success, all of which is due to his own honest en- 
deavors and that of his good wife. David H. Eng- 
lish is one farmer among many a thousand in thik 
particular: that he has kept a book account of all 
his transactions since the da}' of his marriage. He 
can tell at the end of a year every cent paid out 
and taken in ; every bushel of grain raiseil and sold ; 
of wheat consumed; everything that has been pur- 



592 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1 



chased for tlie household; all slock sold and to 
whom. In fact he has a complete record of his 
transactions since 186G. He has never been a wit- 
ness nor a juryman, has never been sued nor sued 
anybody. In the period of his lifetime he has 
seen all the wild land cleared and improved; and 
fertile farms and comfortable homes have taken the 
place of what was at his earliest remembrance a 
wilderness and the home of Indians and wild ani- 
mals. Towns and villages have sprung up, rail- 
roads have been introduced and the county has 
grown i)opulous with a happy and i)rosperous peo- 
ple. 

In politics Mr. English is a stalwart Republican 
and has always supported the principles of that 
party. lie is a charter member of the Grange and 
has been President, Vice-President and Marshal 
of the Ionia District Agricultural Society. He and 
his good wife are both active supporters of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and for two years 
Mrs. English was the Superintendent of their Sun- 
day-school. Their union has been blessed with only 
one child. Myrtle M., born November 26, 1871. 
Many years ago a young girl, Mary Acker, came to 
their home on foot and alone; she was fourteen 
years old and had started out to make her own 
way in the world and hearing of our subject and 
his wife came to them. They took her in and cared 
for her, giving her a home and instruction, and 
training her in domestic duties. She grew to be a 
dutiful and useful member of their household, and 
proved trustworthy in every way. She resided 
with them twenty-three years until her marriage 
with Isaac Clough, with whom she now lives in 
Verraontville, Eaton County, this State. Mr. and 
Mrs. English are well known tliroughout the whole 
county and are held in the highest esteem by all. 



^ILLIAM H. COE. To any one desirous 
of hearing pioneer experiences from one 
who has taken part in them, a conversation 
with the gentleman above named would prove 
entertaining and instructive. He has passed the 
greater part of his life on the frontier and even 



after coming to Ionia County in 1862 he did the 
work of one who was opening the way for civili- 
zation. He located on section 8, Sebewa Township, 
in a dense woodland at a considerable distance from 
neighbors. The strokes of his ax rang out on the 
clear air as he felled the trees on his forty-acre 
tract and the hum of busy industry increased 
month bj' month as the place was gradually brought 
to a fine state of improvement and cultivation. Mr. 
Coe subsequently added eighty acres to his estate, 
but this, however, has been divided among his 
children. 

Mr. Coe comes of the old Connecticut stock, his 
parents, MUcs and Betsey (Cada) Coe, having been 
born in that State, but reared in Vermont, whither 
both ancestral families removed early in the pres- 
ent century. Miles Coe was a lad of eleven years 
when he went to the Green Mountain State, in 
which he made his home until 1835. He then 
started west with his family and reaching Lake 
County, Ohio, spent the winter there, and in the 
spring continued on his way to Steuben County, 
Ind., where he lived almost to the close of his life. 
His death took place in Ligonier, Noble County, in 
1866. His wife, the mother of our subject, had 
passed away in April, 1827, when her youngest 
child was but three years old. The names of her 
sons and daughters are Harvey, Orra, Lois.Abner, 
Edward, Mary and William H. The second wife 
of Miles Coe bore him two-children — Nubia and 
Miles. Of the entire family five survive and two 
are residents of this State. 

Abner Coe, grandfather of William 11., enlisted 
in the Colonial army when quite young and served 
to the close of the war, fighting under Gen. Wash- 
ington and being one of the number present at the 
surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. He livcil 
many years afterward and during his latter days 
drew a pension. His younger brother, Oliver Coe, 
was in Hammer's defeat in the Indian War in the 
Iloosier State, and died in (Jhio many years later. 
The wife of Abner Coe was a daughter of Col. 
Ledyard, the commander of Ft. Griswold, which 
was captured by Arnold the traitor after an heroic 
defense. When the Colonel handed his sword to 
the conqueror the latter asked who commanded the 
fort and received the reply, "I did once;" Arnold 



fORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



593 



answered with an oath "You don't now," and ran 
his sword ihrougli the Colonel, following up this 
l):isu murder hy the massacre of sixty of the sur- 
rendered garrison. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was burn 
in Newark, Caledonia County, Vt., July 22, 182L 
He was eleven years old when he accompanied his 
[)arents to Indiana and there remained until he was 
twenty when ho went to his native State, sojourning 
a year. He made the entire trii) on foot, traveling 
about half the distance, three hundred and fifty miles 
with a drove of cattle which he then disposed of. 
Upon his return to Indiana he farmed and worked at 
the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which he learned 
at the age of twcnt^-fivc years. His removal to 
this .State has been already noted and the work that 
he has done here. His life has been an active one, 
although he has been in poor health much of the 
time. His educational advantages were meager, 
but he obtained a foundation uiton which he has 
built a superstructure by continual reading, his- 
tory being his chief delight. He not only peruses 
newspapers l)ut roads nviiiy books and has a mind 
well storeil with information. 

Mr. Coe was married to Miss Mary John, daugh- 
tor of Elcazur and Eleanor (Close) John, February 
1!), 1857. The bride's parents were pioneers of 
Richland County, Ohio, where she was born May 
29, 182G. Her name is second on the family roll, 
the others being Thomas, Philip, Elizabeth and 
Oavid. Four of the household band became resi- 
dents of Michigan and all are yet living except 
Thomas. Jlrs. Coe remained in her native county 
until she was twenty-seven years old, when she 
came to this State, making her home with her 
brother Philip and sister Elizabeth until her mar- 
ri.age. To her five children have been born whose 
record is as follows: Alfred H., born M.ay 8, 1858, 
is with his parents; Judson E., born December 11, 
1859, married Marietta Snyder and lives in-Ojange, 
Ionia Count}'; Alden J., born April 27, 18C2, mar- 
ried Abbie Parker and has one child — Gleini; 
Oeorgc C, born April 5, 18C1, married Elizabeth 
Smith anil has one cliihl — Lcona May; Elizabeth, 
born August 26, 18G6, is still at home. 

For man}" years Mr. Coe has boon Pathmaster 
and much of the time he has been School A.ssessor 



or Moderator. Fully realizing the value of a good 
education he has always been much interested in 
school matters and earnest in working for good 
results. At general elections he votes the Demo- 
cratic ticket, but when local ofliccs are to be filled 
he decides in favor of the man best qualified. He and 
his wife and several of their children belong to the 
Presbyterian Church in Sebewa, of which he is 
Deacon and his son Judson an Elder. Mr. and Mrs. 
Coe possess the hospitable s|)irit of the typical pio- 
neers and the hungry are never turned from their 
door unfed. Mrs. Coe is a notable housewife, with 
a thorough knowledge of what constitutes good 
cheer for the inner man. The many good traits in 
the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Coe are ajipreciatod 
by their acquaintances, and their friends are many 
and tru-j. 

--^ -#>^ V- 



I I^ILLIAM DALLAS PLACE. 
\^K '•■ ""'ly seem there are people 
W^ think book knowledge a bene 



Strange as 
le who do not 
benefit to farmers. 
To such, a visit to the home of Mr. Place, near the 
city of Ionia, would be a surprise, as they would 
find this gentleman to be one of tlic most practical 
of farmers, as well as a man of liberal education, 
and would sec that he uses the theoretical knowl- 
edge gained in the schools to such gooil purjjose 
that he is prosperous in a high degree. He now 
owns and operates five hundred acres, from which 
he has secured some of the largest crops harvesteil 
in Ionia County. 

John Porter Place, father of our subject, was 
born in Oswego, N. Y., whence he came West in 
the year 1835. After erecting a sawmill near the 
present site of the couiity seat and opening up an 
Indian trading station, he announced to Daniel 
Moore that he was going back to New York for a 
wife. Moore asked, "What is wrong about my 
going for the same purpose.?" So it was agree.l 
that they .should go together, allhough Mr. Pine 
had already nearly finished his courting and Mr. 
Moore had not begun. The latter was not long in 
finding a young lady to share his destinies and 
after a double wedding foi»r li;ippy-hcarted people 



594 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



started for the Western wilds. They drove from 
Oswego to Detroit with a four-horse carriage owned 
by Mr. Place, who sold one team in Detroit for 
$600. a large price for those days. Mr. Place car- 
ried on business at the Indian trading post, and 
having built the first mill in Ionia he subsequently 
put up the first one in Muskegon. He was Sheriff 
when all the western part of Michigan was em- 
braced in one codnly, and held various other public 
positions. The date of his decease was December 
15, 1865. His true-hearted wife, whose maiden 
name was Laura Blake, survived until April 17, 
1887. Their children wei-e eight in number, four 
living to maturity, but the only present survivor 
is our subject. 

The gentleman of whom we write was born Sep- 
tember 25, 1847, in a house built by his father 
before his marriage, and the two front rooms of 
which he used as an office. Around this old home- 
stead cluster all the .associations of his boyhood 
and youth and also of his later years, as he is now 
occupying it. After liis preliminary course of 
stud}' he attended the Agricultural College at Lan- 
sing, and was graduated from that institution in 
1868. When but seventeen years old he began 
teacliing and for fourteen 3'ears he followed the 
profession during the winter seasons. In 1870 he 
was Principal of tiie Lyons school. As a peda- 
gogue he was efficient in imparting instruction and 
judicious indiscipline. In 1869 he began the study 
of law in tlic office of Dodge & Thomas, but owing 
to the illness and death of a brother and also a 
sister, was compelled to abandon his project and 
return to the farm which was left to his care, and 
he has continued his work thereon, adding to the 
extent of his operations by purchasing two hun- 
dred and fifty acres adjoining soon after assuming 
control, and other tracts more recenti}'. The first 
year he harvested fourteen hundred bushels of 
wlieat. He still raises that cereal, but he is also 
engaged in the dairy business. 

On the farm of Mr. Place has been platted what 
u known as the Highland Park Cemetery. A tract 
of one hundred acres is set aside for the grounds 
and thirty are already laid out, graded and adorned. 
It is beautifulij' located and the love of Mr. Place 
for the seathetic is evidenced in the work he has 



done here. The cemetery is his especial pride and 
his office is a model and like its occupant, always 
cheerful. 

Mr. Place was made Township Clerk immediately 
after attaining to his majority and was retained in 
the office fourteen years. In 1885 he was elected 
Supervisor and in 1888 County Clerk, and to the 
latter office he was re-elected in 1890. As an offi- 
cial he is not only painstaking in the discharge of 
the duties pertaining to his station, but is affable 
and courteous toward all with whom he is brought 
in contact. Politically he is a Republican. He is 
interested in the social orders and holds member- 
ship in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
Knights of Pythias and Patrons of Inckistr}'. 

"if^rRANK HOPPOl'GH. Among the young 

III /// a J b 

l^tej-j farmers of Ionia County Mr. Hoppough 
/1\) has good standing as one who is energetic 

in the pursuit of !jis vocation and honorable in all 
business matters connected therewith. His home 
is on section 23, Orleans Township, where he has 
one hundred and twenty acres of land, ninety-five 
of which are under cultivation. He gives his at- 
tention to general farming and stock-raising, and 
has a well regulated estate, to the improvements 
upon which he has added a substantial house and 
barn. 

The birthplace of Mr. Hoppough was Ontario 
Countj', N. Y., and the date of his arrival upon the 
stage of human events, April 30, 1850. His par- 
ents. Decker and Lydia (Noble) Hoppough, are 
represented elsewhere in this Aluum. He remained 
with them until he was of age, then began working 
on a farm by the month, and has ahvaj's followed 
the vocation which he adopted in youth. He was 
but twelve \ears old when he came to this State 
and he resided in Otisco Township until 1876, 
when he removed to his present location. 

In Greenville, Montcalm Count}', April 22, 1874, 
Mr. Hoppough was united in marriage with Miss 
Jennie Howell. This intelligent and energetic 
lady is a daughter of Uriah and Linda (Vanhoosen) 
Howell, and her parents were born in New York 




\ 



<S^/^<^, 









PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



597 



and Canada respectively. Mr. IIowcll came to 
Oakland County, Ibis State, when a boy. lie works 
at the trade of a wagon-maker. He has but two 
children — .lenny, now Mrs. lioppough, and Ada. 
Our subject and his wife are the happy parents of 
two sons — Lee and Guy. 

As Highway Commissioner Mr. IIo|)pough has 
been doing well for the traveling public during 
two terms of service. His political alliliation is 
with the Democratic party, and he is interested in 
the prosperity- of the Patrons of Industry, in which 
he holds mcmbersliip. A reliable citizen, indus- 
trious farmer and intelligent man, he is well 
spoken of !)}• those among whom his lot is cast. 



<S^DWAUD S. BELLAMY. Tl 
)fe] the o|)posite page represents 
!\ — ^ citizen of Ionia County, who 



le portrait on 
resents an honored 
yl' — ^ citizen of Ionia County, who entered into 
rest February 5, 1891. A representative pioneer 
of the (irand River \'alley, he was formerly prom- 
inent in the affairs of Easton Township, and was 
well known as a man of great public spirit, especially 
interested in the development of the community 
where for so many years he resided. Few of those 
who were influential in business affairs when he 
came to the county in the fall of 1851 are now resi- 
dents here. Man^- rest in the adjacent cemeteries, 
while here and there in other cities and States ma3' 
occasionally be found one of the number. A gen- 
eration of active men and women of the Ionia 
County of those days has passed away, and new 
faces and new interests have taken their places. 

None occupied a more conspicuous place in the 
affairs of Easton Township tlian Mr. Bellamy; for 
the death of none were more words of sympathy 
expressed. He did well his part in whatever (Ut- 
partment of labor he was placed. His sympathetic 
heart and pocket-book were ever open to the 
lightening of others burdens. He gave freely as 
he had been pros|>ored, and although he has now 
forever passed from the scenes with which he was 
so closely identified, his name is remembered with 
affection and his memory revered among the pio- 
neers of the county. 

Mr. Bellamy traced his anceslry to worthy 



patriots of Colonial days. His great-grandfather, 
and his grandfather, Justus Bellamy, were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary' War, and participated in sev- 
eral of the battles in New Englaixl and the middle 
Colonies. Aaron Bellamy, the father of our sub- 
ject, owned a vessel which was employed by the 
Government on Lake Champlain during llie War 
of 1812, and was lost in the struggle, proving 
a total loss to the owner, as from some cause the 
Government neglected to pay him. Edward .S., of 
this sketch, was born in Vermont, March 6, 1813, 
and was a son of Aaron and Rilla (Stowell) Bell- 
amy, of Welsh descent. When a young man he 
went with an older brother to Ontario, ('anada, anil 
there made his home. 

On M.irch 1.5, 1837, Mr. Bellamy was united in 
marriage with Armena Brown, who was born in 
Ontario, Canada, September 28, 181 1. She was the 
daughter of Nathan and Susannah (Wilbur) Brown, 
both of New York State, whence the}' removed to 
Canada in 1800. Her brother Luther was a soldier 
in the War of 1812, in which conflict her father 
also served. Her grandfather Brown serveil as an 
ollicer in the American arm}' under Washington's 
command. Of the union of our suhjcct an<l his 
estimable wife eight children were boi-n. of whom 
four survive, namely : Nathan E., Alice E.; Nancy 
A., (Mrs. Horace Rowley) and Frances A. The 
four who were called aw.ay from life were Henry 
IL, Joel A., F'ranklin and Lucius. 

Mr. r.ellamy was a miller by trade and followeil 
that business exclusively in his younger days. Not 
long after his marriage he emigrated to Akron, 
Ohio, and from there went to Seneca County, the 
same State, where he resided several years. From 
Ohio he emigrated to Kent Count}', Mich., and re- 
mained there until the fall of 1854. He then came 
to Ionia County, and settled on section 27, Easton 
Township, where he lived until his death. He 
built one of the first mills at (irattan, Mich., and 
also what is known as the Bellamy gristmill on his 
farm in Easton Township. This was the first grist- 
mill in Easton Township, and was operated by him 
for many years; it is now in charge of his son 
Nathan E. He operated a sawmill here a number 
of 3'ears in connection with the gristmill. 

In the death of Mr. Bellamy the county lost one 



598 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of her best citizens and most public spirited men. 
He left- a valuable estate of one hundred and 
twenty aces of land to his family, this being tiie 
product of his life labor and a standing monument 
to his industry, perseverance and good manage- 
ment. In religion he was a Si)iritualist; politically 
he voted for the best man irrespective of party, and 
was a man that was firm in his convictions of what 
he thought was right. He was formerly a member 
of the Grange. His widow resides with her chil- 
dren on the old homestead, and enjoys the esteem 
of the whole community. 

Nathan E. Bellamy, son of our subject, was born 
Janunry 25, 1842. He was a mere boy when he 
came here with his parents and here he was reared 
to manliood and educated in the district schools of 
the township. He is a man of excellent judgment, 
possessing a good store of information and decpls' 
interested in the progress of the township. Politi- 
cally, he was formerly a Republican having cast his 
first vote for Abraham Lincoln, but is now a Dem- 
ocrat. Another son, Henry H. was a soldier in the 
Civil War, enlisting October 2, 1861 in the First 
Regiment of Engineers and Mechanics, in Company 
E. He served some eight months and was killed in 
Alabama, being picked off, as is supposed, by a 
guerrilla sharp-shooter. Nathan E. Bellamy is 
classed among the intelligent, enterprising and 
public spirited citizens of Easton Township and is 
meeting with good success financially. 



\^sHILIP DUTT. Ionia County is the homo 

Jl) of a large number of agriculturists who 

f^ have been successful in a financial sense and 

J \ have gained that which is better than silver 
or gold — the genuine respect of all with whom 
they Iiave had dealings. Among those who have 
become prominent in Keene Township is Philip 
Dutt, a farmer and stock-raiser living on section 
29. He is a native of Northampton County, Pa., 
born July 11, 1829, and his parents were John and 
Sarali (Schoch) Dutt, both of German lineage. He 
is the eldest in the parental family. He pursued liis 
studies in the district schools until he was fourteen 



years old, when his father died and lie was thrown 
upon his own resources for a livelihood. He re- 
mained in his native county working at what he 
could find to do and spending as much time as he 
could in school. 

When he was eighteen years old Mr. Dutt began 
an apprenticeship to a cabinet maker whom he 
served for three and a half years, subsequently 
following the trade several years. In 1855 he came 
to this State and established himself in Grandville, 
Kent County, in which town he worked as a car- 
l)enter and millwright a score of years. In the 
fall of 1877 he removed to the farm he is now occu- 
pying. The tract consists of eighty acres under 
good cultivation and supplied with such farm 
buildings as are usually to be seen upon the prop- 
erty of prosperous and intelligent men. The 
dwelling is of pleasing architectural design, is sub- 
stantial and commodious, and the hos|)itality of 
which it is the center is well known for miles 
around. 

The lady who so ably presides over the fine lesi- 
dence became tlie wife of Mr. Dutt March 1, 1851, 
the marriage ceremony being performed at her 
liome in Pennsylvania. She bore the maiden name 
of Maria Kiefer and her parents were John and 
Margaret (Best) Kiefer, natives of the Keystone 
State and of German extraction. Her paternal 
grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. She has 
three brothers and a sister living: Jacob, John, 
Charles and Sarah, wife of Alfred Snyder. Her 
parents were members of the German Reformed 
Church, and their children were instructed in good 
principles and useful habits. Mr. and Mrs. Dutt 
are the parents of five children, named respectively : 
Emma, Iva, Andrew W., George and Fred. Emma 
is the wife of Byron Phillips and Iva of Fred 
Loucks. 

Mr. Dutt was clerk of Wyoming Township, Kent 
County, three years, and has been Township Treas- 
urer for an equal length of time since he came to 
Ionia County. He is possessed of genuine public 
spirit, sound integrity, and a desire for the best in- 
terests of his famil3', as is shown in the good edu- 
cation he has given to his children. That he has 
been industrious and economical is proved by his 
having accumulated a good property without hav- 



rORTRAlT AND lilOGKAPIIlCAL ALBUM. 



599 



I 



ing had any one to start him in life. He and bis 
wife belong to the Metliodist Episcopal Chureli 
and arc honored and active menihcrs of societj', 
and their children are succcedinij well in life. 



ILLIAM iM. WEMT, M. D.. occupies a 
■^;i: prominent place among the medical ()rac- 
'^^^J titioners of Montcalm Count}' and is liie 
beloved physician in many a household wiiere his 
presence has brought healing or his sym[>athy given 
consolation in time of sorrow. He is by nature 
and education w?ll fitted to adorn the profession 
he has chosen, having good judgment, wiiat is called 
a cool head, and being prepared for his work bj' 
study in tlie best schools. Altliough he has been 
located at Edmore only since the fall of 1889, he 
has a large practice, so that his time and strengtii 
is taxed to the full, and he has only limited oppor- 
tunities for currying on tlie stud}' iu wiiich lie l:ii<es 
delight. 

Dr. Wemp combines in his veins the blood of 
two distinguished nationalities, the German and the 
Scotch. His paternal ancestors were originally 
from Germany, but the New World has been their 
liome for several generations. His grandfather, 
Michael Wemp, was born in New York and adopted 
the occupation of farming. He located on Amherst 
Isle, near Kingston, Ont., and there his son IJarna- 
biis, father of our subject, was born and reared. 
In 1870 the latter removed to County Kent and 
bought wild land which he improved, and culti- 
vated for some time. He then retired to Chatham, 
where he still resides. He held tlie position of 
Councilman and belonged to the conservative [larty. 
He is an active member in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and a Class-Leader in the congregatit)n 
with which he is connected. 

The wife of Barnabas Wemi) l)ore the maiden 
name of Janet Scott and was born at Gallishoals, 
Scotland, near Edinburgh. She is a daughter of 
William Scott who emigrated from his native land 
to Canada and made a settlement in Glengarry. 
There he improved a tract of land and gainetl a 
standing amonir the well-to-do men of the vicinity. 



He was a stanch member of the Presbyterian 
Church. His daughter Janet was married in Can- 
ada and became the mother of eight children, the 
oldest of whom is the subject of this biographical 
notice. She is still living and is now sixty years 
old. 

Dr. Wemp was liorn on Amherst Isle, April 12, 
1847, and passed his boyhood in sporting on Lake 
Ontario and pursuing such studies and farm labors 
as comported with his strength and age. He had 
entered his teens wiien his parents removed to the 
neighborhood of Chatham, and there he had better 
educational privileges than the district school of 
his native isle afforded. He finished his course of 
study in the Ciiatham High School and laid the 
foundation for the scientific knowledge he afterward 
acquired. When he became of .age he began an 
apprenticeship to a druggist in Challiam, Edwin 
C. Rolls, and devoted three years and a half to the 
thorough mastering of pharmacy. He then took 
charge of a drug store in Wliitbj' which be con- 
ducted several years. 

In 1880 Dr. Wemp opened a drug store in De- 
troit. Mich., and during the three 3'ears in which 
he ('arried it on he stutlied medicine under Dr. D. 
.McLeod. He next sold the establishment and en- 
tered the Detroit Meilical College, where he sjient 
three years in careful and thorough study, after 
which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor 
of Medicine. Not content with the knowledge he 
liad gained, the newly fledged physician went to 
New York Cil}- and took a polyclinical post-gradu- 
ate course, making a specialty of diseases of the 
eye, ear and throat. At the conclusion of the 
course he went to Spokane Falls, Wash., and opened 
an otfice. He practiced as oculist, aurist and 
laryngologist for more than a twelvemonth, 
and then removed to Salem, Ore., where he car- 
ried on regular practice. On account of the health 
<>f his wife he returned to Detroit and after sojourn- 
ing in that city a year he located at Edmore as 
successor to Dr. L. A. Roller. 

The estimable lady who has charge of the house- 
hold economy in the clwellingof Dr. Wemp became 
his wife in Kingston, Ont., in 1873. .She was known 
in her maidenhor)d as Miss Margaret l>rown and was 
born on Amherst Isle, at the foot of Luke Ontario. 



600 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The happy union has been blessed by the birth of 
three children— Edith M., Clara L., and Ernest E. 
Notwiliistanding the demands upon his time by liis 
large practice, Dr. Wemp shows an interest in var- 
ious ."iffairs which the citizens of Edmore project, 
and he is considered public spirited, as well as hon- 
orable in the various relations of life and thor- 
oughly upright in character. He is identified with 
the Masonic Lodge in Edmore and one of the An- 
cient Order of United Workmen in Detroit. In 
politics he is a Democrat and his religious home is 
in tiie Methodist Episcoiial Church. He has served 
as Health Olficer of Edmore and is a member of tlie 
Union Medical Associalion. 



jiRANK W. CLAUK. Tiie village of Lake 
Odessa, Ionia County, affords a field for the 
exercise of business ability in all the im- 
portant branches of commercial life. The subject 
of this biographical notice is engaged in the sale of 
general merchandise there an.l has also other inter- 
ests which add to the well-being of the place. He 
has lived in Odessa Township since infancy and has 
witnessed much of its growth, and in his connec- 
tion with its prosperity has become known to 
every man within its bounds. Looking back to the 
period of his earliest recollections, he sees a wild 
tract with here and there a clearing and some rude 
buildings. Gazing around him now he sees fertile 
farms, comfortable dwellings and substantial farm 
buildings, with the land crossed by good roads and 
l)y iron rails, and villages here and there, in place 
of the dense forest of former years. 

The birthplace of Mr. Clark was Hancock County, 
Ohio, and his natal day July 12, 1853. His fatlier, 
Andrew J. Clark, is a native of New York and is 
of English descent. His mother, Mary A. (Spit- 
ler) Clark, was born in Vermont and traces her 
lineao'e back to Germany. Mr. Clark farmed in 
Ohio until 1852, when he came to Ionia County 
and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land 
on section 23, Odessa Township. He worked upon 
this in the summer and returned to his home in the 
winter for two years, after which he brought his 



family hither. He had cleared a small tract and 
put up a log house in which the\' took shelter 
while he continued his work. Prior to 1880 he 
had thoroughly improved the property and had 
added to it one hundred and sixty acres. That 
year he sold out and went to Brown County, S. 
Dak., where he is now engaged in farming and 
stock-raising. Wliile in this Slate he made a spec- 
ialty of breeding fine horses and kept good stock 
of all kinds. 

The parental fauul}' includes David L.,a farmer 
in Brown County, S. Dak.; Frank W.; 8elh E. who 
is farming in Brown County, S. Oak.; George W. 
who occupies a part of the homestead in 0<lessa 
Township, and Sarah A., wife of Clark D. Roberts, 
living in Dakota. The father served in several 
township offices in Ionia County, throughout whose 
extent he was well known and highly' respected. 
Politically, he is a Republican. He and his wife 
belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Our subject was in his second year when brought 
to this State. His early education was received in 
the district school and he subsequently attendetJ 
college at Leoni, Jackson County, three terms and 
a select school at Woodland two terms. He then 
devoted the summer months to aiding his father in 
the farm work and the winters to school-teaching, 
beginning to act as a pedagogue when eighteen years 
old and continuing his professional work five j-ears. 
When of age he clerked in a store in Ionia a short 
time, then entered into partnership with S. O. Hos- 
ford and bought a stock of goods at Bonanza. Six 
months later Mr. Hosford retired from the firm 
and not long after Mr. Clark sold out the estab- 
lishment. He then took charge of his farm, which 
he has continued to manage, although he has not 
given it his entire time. 

In addition to his mercantile establishment in 
Lake Odessa, where a thriving business is carried 
on, he is a member of the firm of Robinson & 
Clark, lumber dealers, who carry all kinds of lum- 
ber and have a i)laning-mill in connection with the 
yard. This firm was instituted in November, 1889, 
and bought out King, Quick & King. Mr. Clark 
has also a half-interest in a brick and tile factory 
at Sunfield,and through his influence a woolen mill 
is being erected in Lake Odessa. He will own the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



601 



building, while other parties will jml in machinery 
for the manufacture of all kinds of woolen goods. 
Mr. Clark has vill.ige property and one hundred 
and si.Kty acres of improved land in Brown C')unty, 
S. Dak. 

Mr. Clark has a pleasant home hrightcned by 
the prGScnce of four children — Florence, Zella, Josie 
and Greta. It is presided over by a lad)' who was 
known in her maidenhood as Miss Ann Tnpperand 
who became Mrs. Clark April 18, 1873. She is a 
highly respected lady, intelligent, kind and capable. 
Mr. Clark is full of vim and enterprise and lias 
done much toward the advancement of the town in 
which ho lives. lie has borne his part in the civic 
affairs of the township, having been Deputy Sheriff 
six 3'ears, Justice of the Peace four years, and is 
now President of the village of Lake Odessa. He 
was Postmaster at Bonanza several }"ears. Socially 
he is a Mason, politically n Republican. His tej)- 
utation as a business man, member of society and 
citizen is excellent, and bis friends are many. 



\lf% ARMENIO LONG. This gentleman is one 
\\ ))) of the number who settled in Montcalm 
I ^ County when it was but slightly opened up 
I I, for cultivation and endured many of the 
trials that are the lot of all who take up pioneer 
work. He secured a tract of land in Crystal Town- 
ship in the year 1853 and permanently located 
upon it three years later. He built a log cabin and 
during the first year cleared about eight acres, on 
which he sowed grain. He did all hit trading in 
Ionia and made the shingles for W. W. Mitchell's 
house there from timber cut on his land. He has 
two hundred acres of land, most of which w.as 
cleared by himself, and sixty-five acres of woods 
and pasture. The rude log cabin has been sup- 
planted by a more attractive dwelling, and farm 
buildings of various kinds are conrenlentlj' dis- 
posed near it. Mr. Long is now fitting up a new 
barn. 

In Genesee County, N. Y., March 7, 1825, the 
eyes of Paruienio Long opened to the light. His 



parents were James J. and Serepta (Huntley) Long, 
natives of Hebron, N. Y. and Vermont, respec- 
tively. They removed to the State of Ohio, lived 
there a year, and then came to Michigan when our 
subject was but twelve j'cars old. The family 
sojourned in Monroe County one year, then went 
to Washtenaw County and resided near Ypsllanli 
about fourteen years. The father then removed 
to Livingston County, where he breathed his last. 
Our subject then had charge of the family, which 
included a brf>ther and sister that were quite small. 
His widowed mother is still living with him, and Is 
now ejghly-seven years old, having been born in 
1804. 

The educational opportunities afforded Mr. Long 
in his youth were very limited, as his father was a 
poor man and could spare his son only in the win- 
ter months. He learned that which is better than 
book knowledge — practical Ideas regarding the 
duties of man and the means of gaining a main- 
tenance. He has at all times sympathized in the 
efforts of those who desired to unprovc their con- 
dition and add to their mental culture, and is 
counted upon to ailvance the interests of the cause 
of education and other elevating projects .as much 
as possible. He has lichl the school oflices and is 
scarcel}' ever without some official work to do. 
He has also been Justice of the Peace and Hlghwa\' 
Commissioner. In politics he is a Democrat. Ills 
religious home is in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Vickery ville. 

In Adrian, Lenawee County, December 12, 18G0, 
Mr. Long was married to Miss Electa Gambv, an 
estimable lady who shared his fortunes but a sliort 
time, being called hence November 1, 1863. .She 
left one child — James W., who was born January 
31, 1862. A second matrimonial alliance was 
made by Mr. Long July 7, 1867, when he was 
united to Mrs. Anna E. Trim, of Buslinell, Mont- 
calm County. To this union have been born six 
children, namely : Ada E.. August 20, 18C8; Charles 
N., December 7,1870; Carrie E.. December 4, 1872; 
Ida E., July 16, 1875; Orle I., J.anuary 25, 1879; 
and Onie E., November 5. 1880. The last named 
died March 3, 1882. J.anies, the son of the first 
wife, married Nettie Smith of Lake View and is 
farming in Montcalm County. 



602 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The present, Mrs. Long is a daughter of Charles 
K. Mitchell, a native of New Hampshire, but for 
some years prior to his decease a resident of Mont- 
calm County. Her first husband was Levi Trim, to 
whom she bore four children — Richard L., born 
January 25, 1857; Ursula E., September 30, 1858; 
Parmi E., August 23, 1860; and Orlando M., No- 
vember 26, 1862. 



\f/OHN CLARK TAYLOR. It is conceded 
to be one of the most difficult things known 
to the business world to establish a local 
paper upon a paying basis; and to keep 
such a sheet up to par requires fully as much 
energy, patience and perseverance as was needed 
in its establishment. The country editor is ex- 
pected to send forth a sheet that will compare fav- 
orably with the dailies of the great cities, yet he 
enjoys none of the advantages possessed by their 
editors. It is therefore high praise to say that the 
weekly and <laily Sta>idard of Ionia is being 
successfull3' pushed, and that Mr. Taylor is con- 
sidered one of the best newspaper men in Ionia 
County. 

Mr. Taylor comes of old New Eugland stock and 
is a son of Sylvester and Catherine (Colton) Ta3'- 
lor, who for a number of years lived on the West- 
ern Reserve in Ohio. The son of whom we write 
was born in Portage County, that State, July 1, 
1840. He had but a common-school education, 
but by constant reading and a[)plication has become 
a well-informed man. In the fall of 1862 he en- 
listed in the Twenty-Iirst Michigan Infantry, which 
was being organized, and left the .State with his 
comrades September 12. He was at the front 
until the close of the war and returned with tlie 
regiment in June, 1865. The story of a soldier's 
life is an oft-told tale, and there are few whose 
imaginations cannot picture the scenes in whicli 
Mr. Taylor bore a part. The fact that he was pro- 
moted from the rank of Sergeant to that of Cap- 
tain is evidence of his careful discharge of duties 
and his bravery under trying circumstances. 
Prominent among the battles in which he took part 
were Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, the 



sieges of Chattanooga and Savannah, and Averys- 
boro and Bentouville. 

On iiis return from the South Mr. Taylor, in 
company with a war comrade, Maj. T. G. Steven- 
son, started the Ionia Sentinel^ which they pub- 
lished many years. He served as Clerk of the 
State House of Correction three and a half years, 
and was the first Clerk and Steward for the Michi- 
gan Asylum for Insane Criminals, resigning Feb- 
ruary 1, 1888, to enter business. In 1889 he 
became associated in the ownership and manage- 
ment of the weekly Express and evening Press, 
but sold his interest in those newspapers in Janu- 
ary, 1891. At that time he became Secretary and 
Treasurer of the Standard Publishing Company', 
whicii owns tiie plant of the weekly and daily 
/Standard and carries on its publication. 

Miss Mary Taylor, eldest daughter of C. R. Tay- 
lor, of Ionia, became the wife of our subject in 
October, 1867. They have had born to them seven 
children. The citizens of Ionia are provided with 
a live newspaper througii the efforts of Mr. Taylor, 
who stands high in the estimation of the commu- 
nity and is deserving of their commendation. 
Politically Mr. Taylor wasoriginall3- a Republican, 
but in accordance with his views on economic ques- 
tions and their rising importance as political issues, 
has become a Democrat. 

RIGIIAM BARNES. For more than a score 
f^ of 3ears this gentleman has been connected 
with the affairs of Howard Cit3', Montcalm 
Count3% acting well his part in the business 
transactions in whicli he has a hand and in the 
public enterprises that will increase the prosp?rit3' 
of the town and surrounding country. He located 
here in 1869 and engaged in farming and lumber- 
ing, and for considerably more thnu a decade he 
was solely interested here. Then for a time he had 
interests elsewhere, but never changed his place of 
residence and finall3' disposed of other propert3' 
and devoted himself again to this region alone. 
He has a One farm on section 4, Re3'nolds Town- 
ship, with man3- and varied improvements. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



603 



Mr. Barnes is a native of Hard wick, Mass., where 
he was born December 28, 18.35. He is one of 
twelve children coniijrising the famil}' of Jonas 
and OUean (Fry) Barnes, who were natives of the 
Baj' State and occupants of a farm. The other 
living members of the parental family are "Warren, 
Willard, Harrison, Augustus, KIma, Henry, Kor- 
cstcr, Kveliue and Clarelt, all residents of Massa- 
chusetts. Eveline is the wife of Frank Keruth, 
and Clarett of Willard Barnes, of Hardwick, and 
the sons live in other towns not far removed from 
their early home. 

Brigham Barnes spent his boyhood in the cus- 
tomar}' manner of alternation of farm work with 
attendance at the common school until oM enough 
to learn a trade when he took up that of a currier, 
lie was filling his place among men as an industri- 
ous workman when the Civil War began, and he 
soon decided where his duty and pleasure lay. He 
enlisted in July, 18C1, as a private in the Twenty- 
first Massachusetts Infantry and was assigned to 
Company K, and until December, 18G4, he was 
serving as a valiant defender of the Union. He 
was with the Burnside expedition along the Caro- 
lina coast and his first battle was at Roanoke 
Island. The next was Newborn, then I'ol lock's 
Mills, then Elizabeth (really fought twenty-two 
miles from that place), and he then went to Suffolk 
to hel|) destroy the canal. 

The forces of Gen. Burnside were then ordered 
to join McClellan but after reaching Fortress Mon- 
roe were changed to Pope's command and Mr. 
liariies being absent on a foraging expedition was 
left behind. He took passage on the "West Point" 
then lying at Fredericksburg, to rejoin his com- 
mand, but did not reach it without danger. The 
boat was sunk and seventy-eight lives lost. Mr. 
Barnes was i)icked up by the gunboat ''Reliance" 
and landed at Alexandria, whence he made his way 
to the cfimmand, reaching them near the mouth of 
the Rapidun. From that point they fell back to 
the mouth of the Rap[iahannock where a fight took 
jilace Hiid ilicy had another engagement with the 
rebel cavalry near Wairenton. 

The n«'Xt place where Mr. Barnes was in a battle 
was Whi'e Sulphur ."Springs, and the next Manassas 
Junction, whence they were driven back, Stonewall 



Jackson taking the place with many prisoners and 
a large amount of supplies. The next engagement 
of the Twenty-first was at the second battle of Bull 
Run where they fought two days and whence they 
went to Centerville and on to Chantilly, where the 
brave Phil Kearney lost his life. During this en- 
gagement the regiment lost two hundred and sev- 
enty-two men and fourteen officers in a few minutes 
and their retreat continued until they had crossed 
the Potomac. South Mountain and Antietam fol- 
lowed and Mr. Barnes was then taken to the hos- 
pital, a victim of typhoid fever. He rejoined the 
regiment in front of Fredericksburg, just in time 
to take part in a battle. 

Soon after that Gen. Hooker took command and 
the force was sent to Newport News and went into 
camp. When they broke up camp they went to 
Mt. Sterling, Ky., where they fought with and 
captured a band of guerrill.as and whence they went 
to Lexington and then with a i)art of the force to 
Jackson, afterward to Camp Nelson, and still later 
to Knoxville. Their next battle was at Blue 
Spring Gap, and not long after they were driven 
from Loudon by the rebels and a running fight 
was carried on several da^s until they were forced 
into Kno.xville. After being besieged there some 
time they passed up the valley and after re-enlisting 
at IMaine's Cross Roads Mr. Barnes came North on a 
furlough. He was left in Massachusetts recruiting 
until May 1, 1861, when he went to the Capital and 
was placed in temporary command of a battalion 
of negroes, and w.as with them at the battle of 
Cold Harbor. 

After that engagement Mr. Barnes rejoined his 
regiment, crosseil the James and fought in front of 
Petersburg July 30, 1861. He was present when 
the explosion of Ft. Hill took place and lost his 
left arm, being at the time breaking his way 
through the enemy's line. He was taken to the 
hos))ital and discharged in December following, 
glad that he had been of service to his country and 
not begrudging his missing arm to the flag. He 
engaged in the sale of meat in his native State, but 
in 1868 removed to Michigan and located in Kala- 
mazoo as a butcher. A year later he came to How- 
ard City, which he has not ceased to regard as his 
home. In 1883 he went to Dakota and there he 



604 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIC VL ALBUM. 



farmed during the summers until 1890, returning 
tiither eacli winter, but he then sold his Dakota 
lands, tired of the frequent changes of habitation 
and not willing to make a permanent Iiome in that 
State. 

The wife of Mr. Barnes bore tlie maiden name 
of Catherine Ames and their marriage rites were 
solemnized in Novemlier, 1867. Mr. Barnes is a 
firm believer in Democratic principles of Govern- 
mental policy and never fails to support caLdidates 
of the partj'. He was Supervisor when he went to 
Dakota and he resigned the place. He belongs to 
tiie Grand Army of the Republic and is now pres- 
ent Commander of tiie Post. Howard City has no 
more pushing, enterprising citizen, and lie is re- 
spected by oilier residents liere. 

-^ €-*^ ^ 

1 DWIN R. POWELL. Among newspaper 
men of Central Michigan few if any names 
are better known than that with which this 
sketch is introduced. Mr. Powell is the oldest 
printer, in point of years, in the State, and has 
taken part in the discussions of ail tlie great ques- 
tions that have agitated her people for half a cen- 
tury. Since 1869 his home has been in Stanton, 
where he was actively engaged in newspaper work 
until 1882, wlien his son assumed control of the 
paper he had been editing. Although he is now 
threescore and ten years old, Mr. Powell is still in 
the possession of the mental vigor which made him 
so forcible and influential a writer in da3's past. 

The parents of our subject were John and Caro- 
line (Jaques) Powell, natives of Vermont and the 
Province of Ontario respectively. They had four 
children, Edwin being the eldest. He was born in 
Livonia, N. Y., in 1820, and accompanied his par- 
ents to this State when he was about ten years old. 
In those earl}' days the territory was new and its 
inhabitants were few indeed, except on the border. 
When fifteen years old young Powell entered a 
printing-office in Ann Arbor, where he remained 
until 1846, and in the meantime worked at Pontiae, 
Jackson, Ypsilanti and other points. He then re- 
turned to Ann Arbor and spent four years working 



on the onlj' Abolition paper then published in the 
North. In 1846 he went to Howell and bought the 
Livingston Courier, and published it for two years. 
In 1848 he establislied the Ionia Gazette, the first 
paper published in Ionia except the Ionia Journal 
which was i)ul3lislied for a few months in 1843 and 
then was discontinued. He carried it on eighteen 
years and built up its influence until it led the 
papers of Central Michigan. When Mr. Powell 
disposed of his interest in that sheet he removed 
to Stanton and purchased the Herald, which he 
managed until it was taken control of by his son. 

In 1848 the marriage of Mr. Powell and Miss 
Lucy L. King was solemnized. To the happy 
couple there came five children, four of whom are 
living. The only son, Torrence, succeeded to the 
business of his father and is now carrying on bis 
work in Middleborough, Ky. Mr. Powell was a 
Democrat until 1855, and since that time has been 
a stanch Republican. It is a pleasure to converse 
with him, as the place which he occupied for so 
many years gave him a knowledge that falls to the 
lot of few men regarding public afl'airs, public men, 
and matters of general interest connected with the 
earlier history of Central Michigan. 



ENRY C. CLARK, who occupies a beautiful 
fTD) f^""™ O" section 18, North Plains Township, 
Ionia Count}-, was born June 6, 1841. in 
5) Onondaga County, N. Y. He is the son of 
a farmer Riifus Clark, a native of New York, and 
of Polly (Hiscock) Clark, a native of the same 
State. His father's father, Cliester Clark, was born 
in Massachusetts. The parents of our subject came 
to Michigan in 1862, and made their liorae in North 
Plains Township, on section 18, wliere the father 
died in June, 1876, and where the motlier still re- 
sides. Of their seven children two daughters and 
five sons, Henry C. is the eldest. 

Upon reaching his majority, young Clark liegan 
to work out by the month for himself. He had 
worked in this way since he was fourteen years old, 
but until he was twent}' one his father received his 
wages and clothed him out of them. The first two 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



607 



j-ears of liis manhood he worked for from 112 to 
^14 per month. He came to Michigan in 18G3, 
and worited on a farm in Nortii Phiins Township for 
two years. He was married in Onon(higa County, 
N. Y., to Ann Kelley, who was born in County 
Kings, Irchtnd. She came to Michigan with her |)ar- 
ents when a young girl of fourteen year.s. 

Mr. Clark located in 1865 on the land where he 
now resides. It was then heavy oak timber, and 
there were no roads upon it, blazed trees marking 
the pathways. lie has cleared off his own farm and 
man}' another, an<l now has eighty acres in a fine 
state of cultivation, and five acres in timber. No 
children Iiave come to bless this home. Mr. Clark 
always voted the Republican ticket until 1878, 
since which time he lias given his allegiance to the 
Democratic party. 



ILLIAM H. HANKS, a merchant of Cook's 
Corners, Ionia County, was born in De- 
troit, August 22, 1846. He is a son of 
Thomas Hanks, who was born in Kngland and who 
came to America in 1812, and located in Detroit. 
There lie engaged in the sale of merchandise and 
continued the business until 1861, when he turned 
his attention to farming. In 1872 he retired and 
is now living in Hirmingharo, this .State. While 
residing in Detroit he sei'ved as Supervisor one 
term and took an active part in political and civil 
matters, lie belonged to the old fire department 
there and was a member of an Odd Fellows lodge. 
His political allegiance was given to the IJepubli- 
can party. He was married in his native land to 
Comfort Dent, a native of Northamptonshire and 
to them were born the following children: George, 
a farmer in Saginaw County ; William 11., subject 
of our notice; Charles K., whose home is near Sagi- 
naw City; James A., a lawyer at Duluth, Minn., 
and Hattie, who is with her parents. 

William II. Hanks remained at home until he 



was eighteen years of age, gaining the information 
that is usually bestowed ui)on lads whose parents 
are in comfortable circumstances. He then went 
South as a carpenter and builder in the employ of 
the Government and during the summer and fall 
of 1864 was in Nashville. In 1867 he engaged in 
farming in Wayne County, this State, and steadily 
pursued the occupation until 1886, when he became 
traveling salesman for the Globe Furniture Com- 
pany of North villo. Aftcraye.-ir in the employ of 
that company he embarked in his present enterprise 
at Cook's Corners. He carries a stock of about 
*y,0(tO, comprising well-selected general merchan- 
dise, and he is meeting with satisfactory success as 
a merchant. He also ships produce and seeds in 
considerable quantities. He is the owner of pfop- 
erly in Northville. 

In Ketlford, W^a^ne County, in 1867, Mr. Hanks 
w.as married to Miss Anneltie Cornwall, daughter 
of William .1. and Sarah Cornwall of Hedford Cen- 
ter, now known as Hell Branch. Mr. Cornwall is 
a native of Connecticut and his wife was born in 
\'ermont. Besides the wife of our subject their 
family includes Emily A., wife of Charles Hanks, 
and Charles W., whose home is at Redford. Our 
subject and his wife have had but one child, a 
daughter, Kva, who died in infancy. 

While a resident of Wayne County Mr. Il.-mks 
was Treasurer of Taylor Township, his incumbency 
of that oUice being during the year 1879, and he 
was School Inspector there in 1886-87. In his 
later home he has worked for the benefit of the 
schools in the capacity of Director, having been 
elected in 1890 for one year. He and his wife are 
honore 1 members of the MellMxIist Episcopal 
Church and he is an active laborer, especially in 
Sunday-school work. He has been Slewanl aud 
Tiustee of the Church, and Sund.iy-school Super- 
intendent, and in the last-naiiie<l capacity is now 
serving at Otisco Church. In 1890 he was Super- 
intemlent of the Methodist Episcopal Suiiiay- 
school at Belding. It is needless to say that the 
character of himself and wife gives them high 
standing in the society which they frequent. 

In connection with this brief biographical notice 
a portrait of Mr. Hanks is presented to the readers 
of the Ai.iUM. 



608 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1^^ EOKGE A. SNELL a prominent farmer re- 
lll ,— , siding on section 8, Easton Township, Ionia 
^^ijl County, is a native of Seneca County, N. 
Y., wbere he was born June 29, 1844. He is the 
son of Sylvenus T. and Susan (Tunison) Snell, 
both natives of New .Jersey, and his ancestors ou 
both sides were German. Sylvenus T. Snell came 
to Ionia County, Mich., first in 1836, and bought 
three hundred and twenty .icres of land in Easton 
Township, a portion of which our subject now 
owns. He bought the land at $6 an acre from 
speculators, .and did nothing toward cultivating it 
until 1849 when he brought on his family and set- 
tled on the farm. It w.is in a wild condition just 
about as the Indians had left it. A log cabin 
which he erected served as a home for the family. 
Its dimensions were 26x30 feet, but they were not 
to be a united family long. In a little more than 
two ye.irs he was taken from them by death. Of 
his six children the following survive: Elizabeth, 
wife of J. V. Powlison who lives in Siiiawassee 
County; Jacob, George; John, Travis and Abigail 
are deceased. Tiie widow survived until June 28, 
1884, when she passed away in her seventj'-fifth 
age. Both were efficient and active members of 
the Baptist Church. 

The subject of this sketch was reared amid the 
scenes of pioneer life .and received his education in 
tlie district schools of the township and bis practi- 
cal training on the farm. He was married New 
Year's D.a}% 1870, to Ann Powlison, born in Benton 
County, Ark., December 16, 1850. She is a daugh- 
ter of Isaiic V. and Elizabeth (Allen) Powlison. 
Tlie father was a native of New Jersey and the 
mother of New York. Mrs. Snell emigrated in 
early life to Kalamazoo County, Mich. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Snell have been born ten chil- 
dren, viz: Alpheus G., Elizabeth, Willard F., (de- 
ceased,) OlaM., Leslie Isaac, Vada B., Eugene Q., 
Katie A., Walter and Cora. The handsome resi- 
dence of the familj' overlooks the splendid farm 
of one hundred and twenty acres. He is Demo- 
cratic in politics and practically a self-made man. 
Mrs. Snell is a consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Their beautiful home and well- 
kept farm testify to their industr}', perseverance 
and good management. Mrs. Snell was one of nine 



children of the parental family, as follows: Eugene 
Q., Martha J., David F. (deceased,) Allen L.. Hick- 
son M., Stella (Mrs. Matters), Frederick W. and 
Leona. Mr. and Mrs. Sneil stand high in the social 
circles of their township. They are intelligent, 
well-infcrraed and prosperous and we take pleasure 
in representing them in this work. 



ALVIN SAWDY, junior partner in the firm 
of M. E. Curtis & Sawdy, is one of the 
most conspicuous figures among the younger 
business men of Ed more, Montcalm Count3'. The 
work which is being done by the firm of which he 
is a member is spoken of at greater length in the 
sketcli of M. E. Cui-tis, to which the reader is also 
referred for the ancestry of our subject. Mr. 
Sawdy is proving an able second to his partner in 
continuing and increasing the tr.ade which was 
built up by the senior partner when carrying on 
the business alone. 

Mr. Sawdy was born in Woodland Township, 
Barry County, August 21, 1857, and reared and 
educated there. He maile his home under the par- 
ental roof until he had passed his majority, giving 
his time to the improvement of his mind, the 
acquiring of information regarding agricultural 
work and business principles and the recreations in 
which most youths indulge. When he left home 
and began farming on his own account he bought 
one hundred and twenty acres of land in the same 
township and gave his attention to its operation 
and stock-raising until the spring of 1889. He 
then came to Edmore and bought an interest in the 
grocery store of Mr. Curtis, with whom he has 
since been connected. 

Mr. Sawdy won for his wife Jliss Mary Hitt, 
daughter of George and Mary Hitt, who own and 
occupy a farm in Barry County, where she was 
born and reared. The marri.age was solemnized at 
the home of William H. Jordan, May 21, I 885, and 
has been followed by mutual happiness. Mr. and 
Mrs. Sawdy are the hapjiy parents of two bright 
children — Edna F. and George Glenn. 

The political party with which Mr. Sawdy .acts 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALHUM. 



60'.> 



is the Republican and Le is firmly convinced that 
its princi|)le3 are those best adapted to the needs of 
the nation. He bt-longs to Woodland Lodjje No. 
28'J, I. O. O. F. and to Ed more Lodge, K. O. T. M. 
Mrs. Sawdy is a consistent member of the United 
Brethren Church. Both husband and wife are well 
liked and their home is often sought by their friends 
and .acquaintances. 

(| IklLLIAM I). ARNOLD is a representative 
\r\//l P'O'is^"" '^"'1 esteemed citizen of Ionia 
^/^ County, and resides on section 29, Easton 
Townshiii. He was born May 25, 1827, in Herki- 
mer Coiintj', N. Y., and is a son of Dexter and 
t)live (Kimbell) Arnold, being of New England 
parentage and English ancestry. His grandfather, 
Job Arnold, served a short time in the Revolu- 
tionary War. 

Dexter Arnold, tiie father of our subject, came 
to Micliigan in the fall of 1835 and settled in East- 
on Township, a portion of his farm now being 
within the limits of Ionia City. His log cabin was 
built in the woods and he had to cut <lown trees to 
make a site whereon to erect it. Ionia City then 
contained four log bouses and one frame house. 

Dexter Arnold finally settled on a farm about 
one mile farther north. The earlj' life of our sub- 
ject was passed on the farm in tbo woods and in 
the district schools. After helping his father on 
the farm and having now more than reached his 
majority he looked about for her who was to prove 
his helpmate in life. On December 24, 1854, he 
was united in marriage with Isabel Kimbell, who 
was born in Bennington County, \l., October 23, 
183C. 

The young bride is a daughter of .Martin and 
Lucena (Smith) Kimbell. Her mother was a 
native of N'erniont and her father of Rhode Island. 
In 1849 she emigrated with her parents to Ionia 
County, Mich., settling in Easton Township, and 
thus becoming one of its early settlers. Mr. Kim- 
bell died March 12, 1875, and his wife in October, 
1855. Of their nine children five are now living: 
Mrs. .lames Jepson; iMrs. Hiram Barrett: Mrs. 



Arnold; Mrs. George Buchanan; and Lucena, now 
the widow of Mr. Kenney. The father of this 
household was a Wesieyan Methodist. 

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are the parents of two chil- 
dren: Kred and Burt. Fred has two children — 
Olive and Glen; and Burt lives in Easton Town- 
ship and has one child, a son. The home farm 
consists of eighty acres and Mrs. Arnold has some 
fifty-five acres of timber land in Easton Township, 
besides one-third interest in a farm of one hundred 
and twenty acres in Campbell Township. In 1855 
the .young couple settled on their present farm in the 
woods and put up a log cabin 18x24 feet in size. 
For ten years this was their happ}- home and tlien 
the}' built the frame house occupied by Fred. In 
the summer of 1890 they established themselves 
in the fine residence which the}' now occupy'. In 
the accumulation of this splendid property Mr. 
Arnold has been ably seconded by his devoted 
wife, whose wise counsels an<l hearty co-operation 
have been a large fact<n- in his success. 

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are members of the Wes- 
ieyan Methodist Church in which he is a Steward, 
and where they are most useful in all church work. 
His political preferences arc with the Prohibition 
part}', and he is always heartily in synipath\' with 
efforts for the elevation of society. They enjoy an 
extended acquaintance and in their well appointed 
home are preparing to spend the winter of their 
life happy in family ties, crowned It}' the results of 
a life well-spent. Mrs. Arnold is an earnest and 
useful member of the Woman's Christian Tem- 
perance Union and serves as Treasurer in the local 
organization. 

Mr. Arnold has served for six successive yeais as 
Township Sui)ervisor with credit to himself and 
profit to his constituents. He and his good wife 
have seen the country grow up from a wilderness 
to its present highly cultivated 'jondition and re- 
call with pleasure many scenes of pioneer life. He 
attended the first school held in a regular school 
building in lonin, his name being enrolled there 
June 1, 1836. The teacher of this early school 
was a sister of the Hon. S. A. Yeomans. She after- 
wards became the wife of the Rev. Alfred Cornell, 
.Ir. Our subject and his good wife arc true repre- 
sentatives of the Michigan typical pioneer. He is 



610 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



widely known for his sterling integrity and strict 
business methods and enjoys in a large measure the 
confidence of the business community. It is a 
common saying that liis word is as good as his 
bond. Mrs. Arnold is a lady of unusual intelli- 
gence and rare powers of memory, and her large 
fund of historical lore pertaining to the early 
history of Michigan makes her an exceedingly 
entertaining conversationalist. 



-"♦»-@V''v^-«*»- 



EVI J. BARNARD living on section 14, 
Berlin Township, Ionia County, was a son of 
James Barnard, a native of Ontario County, 
N. Y., and horn there in 1800. The grandfather of 
our subject was Levi Barnard, a soldier in the War 
of 1812, who was at one time taken prisoner by the 
British and confined in prison for a sliort time. The 
family are of Scotch descent, and in character bear 
the marks of the sturdy, conscientious inhabitants 
of that northern country. The wife of James 
Barnard bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Cook. 
Slie was born in Vermont, in 1808, and was for 
some years a teacher, and always felt that interest 
in education wliich was cliaracteristic of tlie old 
New England family to which she belonged. 

The parents of our subject were married in New 
York State, and resided there until 1850, when they 
came to Michigan and settled on section 21, of 
Berlin Township. The farm which they took was 
slightly improved, having on it already a log 
house. Having an opportunity to sell it, they dis- 
posed of it that year and bouglit on section 14, of 
the same township. Here thoj' had eighty acres, all 
raw land. They built a log house and barn and 
clearing off fifty acres put it in a good state of cul- 
tivation. They added to their farm, until tliey 
had two hundred and forty acres, one hundred and 
sixty of it being on section 22. They then sold 
out and bought eiglity acres on section 2 1, and one 
hundred and sixty acres on section 20, where they 
made some improvements. 

Mr. and Mrs. James Barnard were members of 
the Methodist Ejiiscopal Church, in which he was 
also a Trustee. Mrs. Barnard was a very actiye 



worker in both church and Sunday-school, being 
always willing to bear her part in any enterprise 
connected with the religious welfare of the com- 
munity. Her husband was strictly temperate in 
his habits and alwa3'stook a lively' interest in mat- 
ters of education, being a member of the Scliool 
Board. He was a stanch Republican, after the 
formation of that party, having formerly been a 
Whig. He always took an interest in politics. He 
started out for himself jjoor and by industry and 
enterprise acquired a handsome property. He died 
in 1883, his wife having preceded him in 1871. 
After her death he made his home with his chil- 
dren. Thej' were the parents of nine children, five 
of whom survive them: Chester W. who lives at 
Escanaba; our subject; Abigail N., wife of S. R. 
Curtiss, whose sketch will be found in this volume; 
Lavina E., Mrs. T. Gulliver; Ciiarlcs W^., who 
lives at Kalkaska. 

The gentleman whose uanie heads this sketch was 
born M.arch 30, 1838, in New Albion, N. Y. He 
was twelve years of age when he came to Michi- 
gan. Here his schooling, which had been begun in 
New York was supplemented by attendance in the 
best schools of his neighborhood. He began for 
liimsclf at twenty years of age. He then returned 
to New York State, and as he was very anxious for 
self-improvement, he decided to work out by the 
month in the summer and go to school in the win- 
ter, working in the meantime for his board and 
devoting the rest of his time to study. He lived 
in this way for two years, and then removed to 
Stark County, III., and worked an underground 
ditching machine for two years. 

Mr. Barnard returned home to IMichigan in 1862, 
but did not remain there long, for his patriotic 
interest in his native land was more earnest than his 
love for liome. He enlisted September 20, 1862 in 
Company M, Sixth Michigan Cavalry. The regi- 
ment left for AVashington, D. C, in December of 
the same year and was encamped there although 
Ills company was sent out to Rockville, Md., to do 
guard duty, and afterward to Maryland Heights. 
They did considerable scouting duty and burned 
the bridge at Falling AVater after Gen. Lee crossed 
over it into Maryland. They then rejoined the 
regiment and took part in the campaign of the 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGUAl'llICAL ALBUM. 



611 



Wilderuess. Our subject took an active part in 

llie followinj^ battles: Gettysburg, Wilderness, 
.S()otUsylv:iiiia, Colil lliirbor aii<l (luring the entire 
I'otoinac campaign. 

At the battle of Trevilian Station, Va., .June 11, 
1 804, our subject and about two hundred of Custer's 
IJrigade, including nine of the General's staff 
ollicers were taken prisoners. Mr. Barnard was 
lirst taken to Libby Prison, Uicbiuond, Va. lie had 
quite a strange series of adventures the day of his 
ea|)lure. After he was first captured he escaped 
and with a comrade. Sergeant Whalen, was on foot 
in the woods. They came upon two well mounted 
reltcl soldiers. Mr. Barnard boldly stepped up, 
hailed them and ordered them to dismount, claim- 
ing them as prisoners. He and Sergt. Whalen took 
Ihom in charge, and marching them to the rear of 
their regiment, delivered them up as prisoners. It 
was next their turn to play the part of prisoner, 
but in a more serious manner. The whole detach- 
ment was captured by the rebel force and taken 
into the camp of Wade Hampton. He was stripped 
of his clothing and placed in Libby Prison for 
fourteen da3'S. He was then taken to Anderson- 
ville, where they were under the tyranny of Capt. 
Wirz. He remained at Andersouville until Octo- 
ber, ISCI, when he was taken to Milan prison and 
afterward to Savannah, Ga., where he was released 
on parole. He spent six months in rebel prisons. 

(icorge W. Barnard, a brother of our subject, 
was taken (irisoner the same day, and died while in 
Andersouville prison in the fall of 1864. Levi 
was in a terribly emaciated condition and very 
much out of health at the time of his release, and 
has always suffered from his hardships during that 
period. At the time of his capture he weighed 
one hundred and eighty-four pounds and after he 
had been at home again for three months and had 
already gained considerable in health he weighed 
but one hundred and sixteen. Our subject was a 
close conn)an ion of his brother-in-law S. 1{. Curliss. 
They were paroled and went to Annapolis, Md., 
where they were given a furlough. He remained 
at home for ninety days and then returned to 
Annapolis. He was sent to City Point, Va., to 
rejoin his regiment before Petersburgh, Va. He 
remained for a while at City Point with Capt. 



B. F. Rockafellow who was Quartermaster of his 
cavalry corps until the brig.ade was finally ordered 
to cross the plains to Ft. Leavenworth. He went 
to Washington, D. C, and was there several days, 
then on to Cincinnati where he stayed one week; 
was detained two weeks at St. Louis and arrived at 
Leavenworth, Kan., the last of July and remained 
there until OctoI)er 10, 1864, when they were dis- 
missed from service .-ifter being in the army three 
years. 

The subject of this sketch returned home and 
bought eighty acres of land where he now lives. 
He was married May .5, 1866, to Delia Hubbard, a 
daughter of Mr. Hubbard of Ohio. She was born 
.June 23, 1841. in Ohio, and died November, 1867, 
leaving one child, who has since died. His second 
marriage took place March 10, 1870. He married 
Amie R. Bliss, a daughter of Solomon K. and Mary 
L. (Gaines) Bliss. Her father was a native of Ver- 
mont and belonged to an old Scotch family, while 
her mother was a Connecticut woman. They were 
married in P'arniingtou, Ohio. Mi. Bliss was a 
farmer and died in June, 1874. Mrs. Bliss still 
lives in this township at the advanced age of 
seventy-six years. She is a member of the Chris- 
tian Church. They were the parents of eight chil- 
dren, five of whom arc now living: Mrs. Barnard's 
father w.os a Republican and a member of the 
Methodist K|)iscopal Church. He was a man greatly 
interested in school affairs. 

Mrs. Barnard was born February 10, 1844, in 
Ohio. She received a good common-school edu- 
cation. She and her husband are the parents of 
five children, all living: Delhi A., born November 
14, 1872; Myrtie I., December 20, 1873; Levi J., 
Jr., January 18, 1877; Karl W., August 29, 1881; 
Ktliel M„ December 16, 1882. Mrs. Barnard and 
her two eldest daughters are members of the Meth- 
odist E[)iscopal Church aniJ take an active interest 
in Sunday-school. These two young ladies are 
both students in the Ionia City schools and are 
proficient in instrumental music. Mr; Barnard was 
a charter member of the Lyons Post, G. A. K. and 
at pre.'ient belongs to the Kmia Post. He is Treas- 
urer of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry Association; 
also a member of the Association of ex-Prisoners 
of War iu Michigan. He was elected to the post- 



612 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lion of President in tliis association but declined to 
act. He is, however, Vice-President of tiie same. 
He is Treasurer of tlie Ionia County Battalion 
Association, and Master of the local Grange for 
nine years; he is also a member of the State and 
National Grange. Tlie Rev. Daniel Bliss, an uncle 
of Mrs. Barnard is a missionary in Beyroot, Syria, 
in Asia. 

Mr. Barnard has filled many offices of public 
trust in the community in whicli he lives. He has 
been for twelve years Director of the local schools, 
and has been Supervisor and Scliool Inspector. He 
lias always been a straight Republican. He is a 
constant sufferer from rlieumatism, which is a re- 
minder of liis patriotic efforts to serve his country, 
for he has never had any health since his army 
experience. In 1886 lie was named as a candidate 
for the State Legislature. He protested strongly 
against tliis, as he did not feol able to serve, but his 
party was so entliusi.istic in its advocacy of his 
claims that he was obliged to make the canvass, 
notwithstanding his objections. He has to liire 
help all the year round for the cultivation of liis 
land. One hundred and seventy acres of his two 
hundred and twenty are under cultivation. Six- 
teen years ago he built a residence and eleven 
years ago built another across the way from the 
first. In one of these he keeps the family whom 
he employs upon the farm. This house cost 11,000, 
his own residence costing *2,500. He carries on 
mixed farming successfully. 



PAVID B. MASON, a prominent farmer liv- 
ing on section 11, Eureka Township, Mont- 
calm County, was born in Tompkins County, 
N. Y., December 2, 1820. His father, Hiram Mason, 
a native of New York, was born in 1789. He 
was the son of Benjamin Mason, who was born in 
Massachusetts in 1738. It is said that the Mason 
family in this country originated with three 
brothers, who came across the seas in Colonial 
times. Two of them settled in Massachusetts and 
one at Jamestown, Va. One of the Northern set- 
tlers was the great-gruml father of our subject. The 



grandfather was a Quaker and in consequence of 
religious scruples refrained from serving in the 
Revolutionary War. He was a tanner and shoe- 
maker, and emigrated when a young man to Al- 
bany, N. Y". During his later days he removed to 
Tompkins Count}', and died thereat the advanced 
age of eight3'-four years. 

The father of our subject followed the business 
of a carpenter and joiner all his life. He removed 
to Potter County. Pa., in 1833, and in 1837 came 
AVest. He made the journey to Detroit by boat, 
and from there took team and wagon. He resided 
in Livingston County upon a small farm, but 
before his death, which occurred February 11, 
1877, he came to reside with his sons in Genesee 
County. He belonged to the Baptist Church and 
was the oldest member of the Masonic order liv- 
ing in Genesee County at the time of his death. 
In his early days he was a Democrat, but joined 
the Republican party upon its organization. 

The mother of our subject was Sena Garrison, 
a native of Schodack Township, Albany County, 
N. Y. She was born in 179G, and died at the hge 
of sixty-six years, having been the mother of six 
children, all of whom grew to maturity. She was 
a true-blue Presbyterian of the old school. Her fam- 
ily had been New York farmers for several gener- 
ations and had large estates in Albany County. 

David B. Mason early learned the trades of the 
carpenter and millwright, and from that it was an 
easy step to learning the milling business, which 
he has followed much of his life. He has been the 
proprietor of a mill eight different times. At 
eighteen years of age he began teaching, although 
he made his home with his father until he reached 
the age of twenty-five years. For nine years he 
farmed and worked at the carpenter's trade in the 
summers and taught in the winters. His first teacli- 
ing in Michigan in 1838 was in the old-fashioned 
schoolhouse, elegantly furnished with slab benches 
set upon pin legs, and ventilated and heated by a 
system of open fireplaces and stick chimneys. Game 
was plentiful in those da^'s and our subject h.id 
man}' an adventure with deer, bear, wolf and fox, 
and has even shot a panther. He says he has 
seen twent3'-five and thirty deer in one day. 

In 18G4 this young man removed to Genesee 



PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL ALBUM. 



613 



County, Midi., and engaged in tlie milling busi- 
ness. He used lo ship nine hundred barrels of 
Hour e:ich week, besides supplying the local trade. 
When he first visited Montcalm County on a tour 
of ins[)ection June 15, 1838, ho traveled by loam 
and partly on foot. There was not then a settle- 
ment within miles of what is now his present farm, 
but as it happened he ate his dinner on that very 
spot and in a thoughtless moment choi)pcd his in- 
itials on a tree. A few years ago in chopping down 
trees he came upon that very one and discovered 
his initials in the bark. He bought this farm only 
sixteen years ago. How little he dreamed when he 
cut his initials in the tree that he was marking 
his future property! 

The California fever struck Mr. Mason in 1852, 
and he crossed the plains and engaged in mining and 
merchandising. He accumulated some property, and 
two years after his going there returned, having 
cleared ij;l,000. He removed to Montcalm County 
in the fall of 18Gt and bought one hundred and 
sixty acres, wbich he now owns, on the outskirts 
of the city of Greenville. The farm is now all 
finely improved and his handsome brick residence 
is a credit to the neighborhood. It was erected at 
an ixpeiiso of ^7,000. He raises grain and stock. 

The marriage of Mr. Mason, December (>, 184(5, 
to Mary .1. VanCamp was an event of great im|)ort- 
aiice in his life and oiiened up a long vista of do- 
mestic happiness. His good wife, who is still with 
him, was born in Ulysses Township, Tompkins 
County, N. Y., October 16, 182'.). Ilcr parents, John 
A. and Catherine (Cole) VanCamp, were of (icrnian 
and Kiiglish descent respectively. Mr. VanCamp is 
a blacksmith by trade and ie now eighty-four 
years old. His good wife, who reached the same 
ri|)e age, was called to her eternal rest September 
14, 18'J0. He was one of the early settlers of Liv- 
ingston County, Mich., and from 183.3 until old 
age compelled him to retire from active life he 
kept a blacksmith shop in that county. The chil- 
dren of our subject are four in number. Two 
only of Ihem have grown to maturity, namely: 
Kmma(Mrs. Hamper), and Amy (Mrs. Demorcst.) 

Mr. Mason has held many township otlices and 
is always wide-awake in regard to matters of public 
interest. He is radical in politics and an earnest 



believer in the principles of the Democratic party. 
His good wife is a devoted and earnest Christian 
and her church connections are with the l{a|)tist 
denomination. Mr. M.ason is connected with the 
Masonic Fraternity. The home of this worthy 
couple is ever open to the poor and homeless. 
They reared from boyhood the young man who 
became the husband of their eldest daughter. Mr. 
Mason is a man of unusual intelligence and pos- 
sesses many good and original ideas which have 
conduced to his own prosperity and to that of the 
community in which he resides. 



-35«e-« — 



o-^Sr^ -: 



EUGENK F. COLWELL, a leading hardware 
merchant of Lake Odessa, Ionia County, is 
a striking example of the reinforcement to 
character and success, given to a young man 
through a long and honorable ancestry. A boy 
whose early life was one of struggles with poverty 
and hard work, has grown into niaidiood and has 
successfully met the world. He was born in Ham- 
ilton, Madison County, N. Y., May 26, 1828, and 
was the son of Ji^seph and Laura (Smith) Colwell. 
The father was a native of Rhode Island, of Eng- 
lish descent. The great-grandfather of Joseph was 
one of the first settlers of Rhode Island and was 
connected with Roger Williams. 

The connection of our subject with Roger Will- 
iams, the founder of Rlioda Island is as follows: 
Roger Williams had a daughter Mercy, who mar- 
ried Samuel Winsor. They left a son Ssmiuel, who 
married Mercy Harding. Their daughter, Martha 
Winsor, married Robert Colwell. His youngest son 
Henjamin, marrietl Deborah Brown. Their eldest 
soJi, Joseph Colwell, was the father of E. F. Col- 
well. The father of Deljorah Brown was the foun- 
der of Brown's University, at Providence, R. I. 

The mother of Eugene Colwell was born in 
Oneida County, N. Y., of English descent. Her 
husband was a merchant and one of the first set- 
tlers of Hamilton, haying the first store in that 
town. Being an active and intelligent member of 
the Baptist Church atnl on nofi. nnt of ancestral ten-. 



614 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



dencies naturally interested in providing educa- 
tional facilities in his home, he became one of the 
founders of Madison University, which is situated 
at Hamilton. 

About 1839 lie removed from his old home to 
Michigan, settling in Hillsdale County, for about 
five years. He then returned to New York and re- 
mained in Oswego until his death, in 185L His 
good wife had preceded him to the other world 
before his departure for Michigan. Six of their 
nine children survive tliera, namely : Dr. Justin B., 
resides in Pontiac, Mich.; Albert G., an iron man- 
ufacturer of Cleveland, Ohio; Laura S., Mrs. Lemuel 
Long, resides at Flint, Mich.; Edwin B., a fruit- 
grower of California; Charles B., a druggist in 
Jackson; and Eugene F., of whom we write. 

Theearl^' education of our subject was obtained 
in the primary schools of Matlison County, N. Y. 
He was only nine years old when he came to Micii- 
igan and having lost his mother by death and his 
sister by marriage, the family was broken up about 
a year after coming West, and the little boy was 
brought up by different members of the family. He 
spent some time in Michigan and again in New 
York; he was in school for awhile. 

At the age of eighteen he clerked in a drug store 
at Oswego, and there prepared himself to embark 
independently in this business. After being in 
business in Oswego for about four years, he went 
to Madison, Wis., and for four or Bve j'ears was in 
company with his brother Charles in a drugstore 
there. After that he removed to Janesville, Wis., 
and engaged in the same business until 1867, when 
he removed to Detroit, Mich. After fourteen j'ears 
in thatcity he removed to Ionia County, Mich. In 
1883 he turned his attention to the haidware busi- 
ness, and coming to Lake Odessa built a fine iron- 
clad building and opened up a hardware store 
where he still carries on business, having one of 
the largest stocks of hardware in the county. 

The marriage of our subject with Louisa M. 
Smith in 1800, was blessed with three children, one 
child now living — Clayton M.,who is associated with 
his father in business. This wife died in 1872. His 
second marriage, in October 1873, was contracted 
with Alice M. Cornell. They have one child, Ray, 
who resides at home. The standing of Mr. and Mrs. 



Colwell in the community in which they live is 
very high. All respect a man who has by his own 
efforts gained aflluence, while at the same time he 
is ever ready to do his share in promoting the in- 
terests of the people among whom he lives. He is 
a stanch Republican and has always supported the 
principles of that party. In early life he was of 
the Whig party. He has been a member of the 
Board of Trustees where he now resides and is at 
present on the School Board. 

: -i-^f=^<^=>^^^• ■- 



<^|^LIZABETH PARKER. The rural districts 
fe of Ionia County are dotted with attractive 
/IL^' homes, which in architectural design, neat 
and tasteful surroundings, and thrifty management 
are models of comfort and homelikeness. One of 
these is located on section 11 , Easton Township, 
anil is represented by a view on another page. It 
is the property of Mrs. Parker, who possesses the 
housewifely skill and prudence that insures to the 
inmates all the comforts of life in a true home. A 
woman of merit, in the community where she re- 
sides she is esteemed by all. She has traveled ex- 
tensively, having crossed the ocean from cor.tinent 
to continent, and resided in several different States. 
Through this means, her knowledge of the world 
has been broadened, and in all her dealing with her 
neighbors she has ever been honorable and straight- 
forward. 

A native of Lincolnshire, England, Mrs. Parker 
was born December 19, 1843, and is the daughter 
of Edward and Dina (Nichols) Raby, natives of 
England. Mr. Raby, who is now (1891) in his 
seventy-sixth j'car is residing in Ionia County, 
while Mrs. Raby passed away in 1871, in Clinton 
County, Mich. They had a family of three chil- 
dren, of whom Mrs. Parker is the onlj- survivor. 
In the spring of 1850, when in her seventh year, 
with her parents and one brother she emigrated to 
America, taking passage on a sailing vessel called 
''The Ross," and after an ocean voyage of five 
weeks and four daj's of f.air weather with the excep- 
tion of a severe thunder storm, she landed in New 
York City. 




RE51DENCE0F MRS. ELIZABETH PARKER, STAUNTON J U NOTION .. ION lA CO.,MICH. 




RESIDENCE Qf LUTHER E. H AL L,SEC. 3G. RLEAN5 TP., IONIA CO., MICH. 



PORTRAIT AND lilOCRAPHlCAL ALBUM. 



617 



In tliixt city and also in Cleveland, Ohio, tlie 
family live(l a short lime and then went to St. 
Louis, Mo., reniaininj!; there for a few years. They 
then returned to Ohio, and sojourned a short time 
in Lorain Count}'; subsequently removing to I)e 
Kalb County, Ind., and remaining about eight- 
teen months. Afterward they settled in Ontario, 
Canada, for a short time. Tlie brother of our sub- 
ject died in Lorain County, Ohio, iu February, 
1854. In the spring of 1858, our subject with her 
father came to Ionia County, Mich. The father 
was employed by a railroad company on a gravel 
train, which was ballasting a bed for the Detroit, 
Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railroad. This com- 
|)an3' em[iloyed Mr. Raby for a number of years 
and the family were constantly obliged to move 
about from place to place as best suited his con- 
venience, and in 1859 they settled in Clinton 
County. Mr. Raby was in the Army of the Cum- 
berland three years and seven months and draws a 
pension of §8 per month. 

Mrs. Parker received a common-school educa- 
tion, acquiring it mostly iu Ohio and the schools 
of St. Louis, Mo. She was first married October 
12, 1869, to John Elston, who died December 26, 
1870. He was born in Devonshire, Kngland, and 
was a Vilacksniitli by trade. She was a second time 
married, November 1, 1871, to Henry Parker, who 
was born in Oxfordshire, England, November 5, 
1831. When a mere youth Mr. Parker with his 
parents emigrated to America in 1812, landing at 
Ontario, Canada, and when in his seventeenth year 
he left home and became a sailor. He visited Cape 
Town, Africa and Australia, where he worked in 
the gold mines and came back to the United States 
by the wa^- of South America, having been gone 
three years. Mr. Parker married for his first wife 
Jane Field, and b^- that union three children were 
born and the only one living is residing in Keene 
Township, this county. Of this union with our 
subject five children were born, four of whom arc 
living. Edward R., Samuel II., Cora E., Alfred; 
Mary L., is deceased. 

After this marriage took place Mr. Parker set- 
tled to agricultural pursuits in Clinton County, 
Mich., where he remained, following farming until 
1869. In 1871 became to Ionia County, and here 



he resided until his death which occurred July 15, 
1886. He was a Democrat in [jolilics, was capable 
and enterprising, n man of fine business abilities 
and good education, having practically cducateil 
himself. He was a kind father, loving husband and 
though of a reserved disposition he yet inatle many 
warm friends. He was successful in business life, 
and at his death left a valuable estate. His widow 
lives on the homestead and owns eighty acres of 
land and valuable properly in Ionia City. She and 
her children are valued members of the Episcopal 
Church, active in socictj', and have a large circle 
of warm friemls. 



I'TIII'MJ [■]. HALL. Among the native-born 
citizens of Ionia County who are now mak- 
ing it the scene of their labors, is Mr. Hall. 
a farmer on section 36, Orleans Township. He is 
a sou of Joshua S. and Sarah (Ilaight) Hall, of 
whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. He 
was born in Ionia Township in 1846 and was an 
inmate of the parental home until he was of age. 
His education was obtained in the common schools 
and the Schwenesburg & Robbiiis Commercial Col- 
lege at Grand Rai)ids. After attaining to his ma- 
jority he farmed on his father's lar.d two years, 
then went to Illinois and put forth his efforts there 
six years, leasing a farm. 

From Illinois Mr. Hall returned to the place of 
his birth and in a short time was settled on the farm 
he yet occupies, and a view of which, with its com- 
modious buildings, appears on another page. His 
properly here consists of eighty acres, u[)on which 
he has put good buildings and made other improve- 
ments. In addition to the ordinary work of an 
agriculturist he breeds Percheron horses and Jer- 
sey cattle. Mr. Hall is the owner of a good farm 
in Ionia Township, consisting also of fifty-three 
acres. He understands farming as well as any man 
of his years in the county and ilemonstrates his 
ability to make a good maintenance. 

In Otisco Township Mr. Hall w.is marrietl to 
Miss Eva Rickey, who brightened his home but 
eighteen months and died childless. She was a 



618 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



dauslitcr of Orrin anci Marcy (Webster) Rickey, 
natives respectively of Vermont and Ohio. August 
25, 1872, Mr. Hall made a second marriage, the 
scene of the interesting event being Iroquois 
County, 111. Tlie bride on this occasion was 
Maria, daugliter of Robert and Elizabeth (Aikman) 
Allen, who were born in Indiana, and whose fam- 
ily consisted of Heber, Maria, Bell, Frank, Lida, 
Norah, Eva and Nettie. The present union of 
Mr. Hall has been blest by the birth of the follow- 
ing cliildren: Alma, Louie A., Frank E. and Elea- 
nor A. 

Mr. Hall is and always has been a Republican. 
He has served as Highway Conimi.ssioner in Or- 
leans Townsliip and is a member of tlie Board of 
Review. He belongs to the Farmers' Alliance and 
the Royal Arcanum. He has traveled some in the 
South and East, going to New Orleans at the time 
of the International Cotton Exposition and as far 
east as Connecticut, enjoying the view of Niagara 
Falls on the way to New England. Intelligent and 
observing, his trips have added to his social quali- 
ties by broadening his outlook and increasing his 
stock of knowledge. 



■ > • ^^ ' -^^— 

xICHOLAS NOLAN. This well to-do citi- 
zen of Montcalm Countj' is proprietor of 
the Nolan House, the oldest hotel in P^dmore. 
He has been the pro])rietor of this establishment 
almost since the town was founded and still 
occupies a building which was one of the first 
erected here. He has other property also in the 
village, and a farm of one luindred and sixty acres 
on section 18, Home Township, which he superin- 
tends, carrying on general farming and stock-rais- 
ing. He has under the plow one hundred acres 
and every necessary building has been put up, so 
that his -work is prospering. In addition to these 
resources Mr. Nolan is a shareholder and director 
in the Robinson Oi)era House, of which he was one 
of the originators. 

As his surname indicates, Mr. Nolan belongs to 
tlie Irish nationality. His paternal grandfather 
for whom lie is nHiiied, was the owner of a large 



tract of land in County Wexford, Ireland, and 
James Nolan, father of our subject, also followed 
farming, his property being situated in the Parish 
of Blackwater. The latler lived to the age of 
seventy years. The maternal ancestors of Mr. 
Nolan were likewise agriculturists, and his mother, 
Martha Dimsay, was borp. on a farm in the parish 
of Mononarich. Mr. and Mrs. James Nolan were 
Catholics and their seven children were taken into 
the fold of the mother church. 

The natal day of Nicholas Nolan was in March, 
1838, and his birthplace the town of Tiibrlimino, 
Parish of Blackwater, County Wexford. He had 
the advantages of the national schools of Ireland 
until his sixteenth year, and made his home on the 
parental farm. He was then apprenticed to the 
carpenter's trade, but his master being of a mean 
disposition he remained with him but two years. 
When nineteen years old he went to Liverpool, 
England, where for four and a half years he was 
employed in chemical works and l)ecame somewhat 
initiated into the science of chemistry. The work 
he had to perform was verj' hard and he heard so 
much of America that he determined to come 
hitlier. He therefore engaged as fireman on the 
''Great Eastern" in 1865, made the trij) to New 
York and than gave up his position. 

Mr. Nolan worked on a railroad in New Jersey 
a short time, then found employment in a blast 
furnace in Buffalo, N. Y. Thence he went to Phil- 
adelphia and worked in a brick jard, then to Sagi- 
naw, this State, to resume railroad work. His next 
location was Lansing, where he spent the summer 
heli)ing in masonry, and then entered the en^iloy 
of the Detroit, Lansing <fe Northern Railroad. He 
helped to laj- the first rail of the road and worked 
for the company about twelve years, laboring on 
the route from the capital to Big Rapids. During 
a part of the time his financial resources were in- 
creased from a boarding house which was manageil 
b3' his wife. He came to Edmore, May 14, 1878, 
and the same summer built the Nolan House, which 
he has since conducted. During a part of the time 
he has also carried on a saloon. 

Tlie marriage of Mr. Nolan and Miss Bridget 
Ryan was solemnized in Ionia in 1872. The britle 
was born in County Kilkennj', Ireland. The family 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGRArillCAL ALBUM. 



619 



of our subject and his wife cousisls of two daugh- 
ters ami a son who are still with tlicir parents and 
whose names are Maitlia, Mary and Nicholas, .Ir. 
Mr. and Mrs. Nolan arc communicants of the 
Catholic Church, but seldom attend, as there is no 
orijanizution convenient of access for them. 



,,.m LMON TUTTLK. Among the foremost 
I \ f''*'i'ilics of Ionia County is that of Nelson 
(/ l*i Tuttlc, a large circle who are inllueiitial 
and respected as patriotic citizens, elllcient 
and conscientious church members and useful citi- 
zens in every walk in life. The daughters of the 
family are well known as the wives of prominent 
men, as William Adgate, Stewart Townsend, and 
Lewis II. Ferguson, whose sketches appear in these 
pages. The parents of this interesting family are 
Nelson and So[)hia (I'angborn) Tuttle. lie was 
born in Connecticut in 1800, and she in the Mo- 
hawk Valley, N. Y., in 1805, and when she was a 
small girl her jieople moved to Deerfield, Ohio. 
They were married about 1825 in Portage County, 
Ohio, and came to Michigan in the spring of 18-16, 
bringing with them the aged grandmother, Lydia 
Pangborn, who died in the fall of that year. 

The Pangborn family were of Mohawk Dutch 
descent. Nelson Tuttlc had by his marriage with 
Sophia Pangliorn, twelve children. Of his five 
boys, two served faithfully and elliciently in the 
Civil War. Emory was a member of Company K, 
Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, and was killed July 
2, 1863, at Gettysburg. He was buried upon the 
field, but later his remains were brought home and 
they now lie in the family cemetery. The father 
of this numerous family was twice married, but 
had no children by his second wife who was, pre- 
vious to her union with him the widow of Eunice 
K. Talcott. She survives him and lives in the old 
homestead at the age of seventy-one years. He 
was a power in the church and a great worker. He 
made a public profession of religion in 1818, and 
was always a consistent member until his death, 
August 18, 1890. He was Cla-ss-Leader for fifty-two 
years and occupied also the responsible positions 



of Steward and Trustee. He had the happiness of 
seeing all his children unite wiih the church before 
his death. The first Methodist Episcopal Church 
in Ionia Townshi|i outside of the city was built by 
him and paid for out of his private purse. 

The natal day of Almon Tuttle was November 
1 , 1 835. He first saw the light in Palmyra, Portage 
County, Ohio, and came to Michigan with his par- 
ents in his twelfth year. His common-school edu- 
cation in Ohio was sui)plemented by attendance at 
the log schoolhouse in Micliigan. At nineteen years 
of age he began work for himself. He married 
into a family who were early pioneers in Lenawee 
County, being united September 5, 1854, with 
Khoda J. Coi)ley. a daughter of Samuel N. and 
Sallie C. (Smith) Copley. Mr. Copley was born in 
the Empire State about 1807, and his wife in tlie 
same State in 1815. This worthy couple removed 
to Micliigan in 1836, following in the footsteps of 
Mrs. Copley's father, Silas P. Smith, who had [ire- 
ceded them to this county in 1833. The Copleys 
did not however remain long in the new West, and 
sfler a residence here of two years returnetl to New 
York State, where they took up their residence until 
Mr. Copley's death, in April, 1841. Mr. Smith 
went at once to his widowe<l daughter and brought 
her and her family to his own home. Sometime 
later Mrs. Copley married Frederick Delano. They 
are still living in Muskegon County on a farm. IJy 
this marriage she wjis the mother of four children. 
Her marriage with Mr. Copley was blessed with 
three children: Lydia, Mrs. 1). Blank, who was 
killed by a runaway team, leaving one son; Harriet, 
Mrs. Judson McClure, died in 1882 leaving one 
sou. Mrs. Tuttle is the second daughter and was 
born August 'J, 1834, in Chenango County', N. Y., 
where she received a common-school education. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle started in life together 
they had one hundred and si.xty acres of land, five 
of which hail been cleared of trees. In this clearing 
stood a log house, 16x20 feet in dimensions, with 
one window and one door, and a half window in 
the loft. Rough boards formed a floor and a fire- 
place served for heating, cooking and ventilation. 
A yoke of untrained steers, a heifer and an ox-sled, 
for both summer and winter use, formed their out- 
of-door possessions. A little later they became 



620 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



prosperous enough to purchase a cart for summer 
use. Tlic nearest water was one and a half miles 
distant from the house. 

Here on section 35, Ionia Township, the young 
couple lived for six years. Mr. Tuttle cleared and 
fenced forty acres and npou this raised crops. His 
first crop was eight acres of wheat wiiich was nipi)ed 
by the frost in June. He, however, raised thirty- 
five bushels from this planting. He used to haul 
wood and black salts to Ionia. In 1860 tbey re- 
moved to tiie old Tuttle homestead where they 
lived until they built their present residence on 
section 33. He traded liis farm to his father for 
one hundred acres of land and gave in addition a 
mortgage of 1800 jiayable one year after the 
father's death. The father afterward gave tliis son 
ten acres of land adjoining liis farm on the west. 
Alraon Tuttle iiad cleared fifty acres, re-fenced his 
farm and builta house and barn. His fine orcliard 
contains one hundred and sixty apple trees, lliirty- 
threc pear trees and a large quantity of small fruit, 
quinces and cherries. His barn has a stable base- 
ment sufficient for the accommodation of all his 
stock. His tile drainage three-fourths of a mile 
long cost over $400. A fine maple grove of seven 
liundred trees furnishes asupi)l3' of delicious sugar. 
He carries on mixed farming, raising both grain 
and stock and takes groat pride in his Jerse}- cattle, 
and fine wool sheep, of the Spanisli-Merino breed. 

Mr. and Mrs. Alnion Tuttle are the parents of 
four children: Albert died in infancy; Lois and 
Lewis (twins) were born August 9, 1858 — Lois died 
November 13, 1875: Nelson S., born March 23, 
1860; Dr. Lewis N. married Clara West and is 
practicing medicine at Belding. He is a graduate 
of Ann Arbor State University' in the medical 
department, having taken his diploma in the class 
of 1885; he is the fatlier of two children. Nelson 
S., is married to Maud E. Willis with whom he 
lives at Grand Rapids. He was a graduate of Ionia 
High School and took a high rank when attending 
the State Agricultural College. He received a first 
grade certificate and taught in Mackinaw City and 
other schools. The excellent parents of these fine 
young men have great reason to be proud of their 
standing in their chosen professions, and in their 
personal character which is uo doubt largely the 



result of the judicious training and inherited qual- 
ities received from a wise father and a judicious 
loving mother. Mrs. Tuttle is now in declining 
health. The subject of this sketch was a soldier 
in the Civil War, enlisting August 9, 1862, in Com- 
[)any A, Twenty-first Michigan Infantr}'. He look 
part in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and was dis- 
charged April 21, 1863, on a surgeon's certificate 
of physical disability. He is active in both the 
spiritual and temporal affairs of the Methodist 
Ejiiscopal Church, having been both teacher and 
Superintendent of the Sunday-school and giving 
practical help in the building of the church. He 
is a member of the Masonic order of Ionia and of 
the Grand Army Post. He is intelligent in politi- 
cal matters and votes the Republican ticket. He 
and his sons have always been strictly temperate in 
their habits and their intelligence and probity give 
them the confidence of all who know them. He 
has one of the best libraries in the neighborhood, 
including Johnson's Encyclopedia. 

'ASPAR FEUERSTEIN. Among the pros- 
perous and intelligent American citizens 
of Ionia County who have been selected 
for representation in this Album is the 
worthy subject of this sketch. He was a soldier 
of the Civil War, and resides on section 4, K(!ene 
Township, Ionia County. He was born in Ger- 
many September 15, ISIl, and is a son of John 
and Apalona (Kenipf ) Feuerstein. When but a few 
months old his parents brought him to this coun- 
try and made their home in Dearborn County, 
Ind. There the mother still resides, having been 
bereaved of her husband April 7, 1868. 

Our subject was reared to manhood on the home 
farm and has pursued farming all his life, ex- 
cept during the period when he served his adopted 
country in the field of war. He enlisted August 
16, 1862, in Company H, Eighty-third Indiana 
Infantrj', which formed a part of Gen. Sherman's 
army, in the Second Brigade, Second Division of 
the Fifteenth Army Corps. He was in the battle 
in tlie rear of Vicksburg, before the siege, in the 



J 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



621 



one at Arkansas Post, and in another in the rear 
of Vicksburg, and he participated in the entire 
siege of A'icksbiirg. He also saw the smoke of 
liattie at Jackson, Miss., at Missionary Ridge. Kene- 
saw Mountain, and at Marietta, Ga. He partici- 
pated in the siege .at Atlanta and was one of the 
hoys in blue who took the grand march to the sea 
with Sherman, an<l he was in tiie last battle of the 
war near Goldsboro, N. C. He was also present at 
Johnston's surrender and at the Grand Review at 
Wasliington, May 24, 18G5. His honorable dis- 
charge was granted in June, ISG.'j. 

In the fall of 1805 Mr. Fcuerslein remover! from 
Iniliana to Ionia County, this State, and after a 
short time went on to Montcalm County, but re- 
turned to Ionia County in 1872, where he purchased 
a farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres and lias 
here made his home to the present date. His mar- 
riage took |)lace in 1868. His wife was Catherine 
Hi'uninger, who became the mother of eight chil- 
dren, seven of whom are living, namely : Magtle- 
line, Apolona, John P., Mar}', George, Michael 
and Elizabeth. The family is strictly trained in 
the doctrines and rites of the Catholic (Jhurch. 

Mr. Feuerstein's political aflilialioiis an; with 
the Democratic part}'. He has served on the 
School Board of his district and is ever interested 
in the upbuilding of educational institutions. That 
he has been true to the land of his adoption his 
brave and valued service in the Civil War abund- 
antly attests. He is to-day one of the foremost 
(iennaii-American citizens of Ionia County, and is 
universally esteemed for his industry, thrift and 
good management which are the key notes to suc- 
cess. He and his intelligent wife ami their chil- 
dren are all respected members of society, and his 
record, both military and civil, is creditable to a 
higli degree, and is indeed worthy the emulation 
and imitation of his po-iterity. 



--^ .^>^ '^ 

■4^^ HO.MAS CONNKU. Among the representa 
it' ^ \ tive and venerable pioneers of Ionia County 
'V_y and the now far famed Grand River \'alley, 
we are pleased to represent the worthy and honored 



subject of this sketch, who resides on section 17, 
Easton Township. He was born in Ontario. Canada, 
February 8, 1821, and is the son of Cornelius and 
Hannah (Vaneavery) Conner. His parents were 
natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal ancestors 
were Irish, his Grandfather Conner having been a 
native of Ireland and a soldier in the British army 
in the War of 1812. 

'i'he parents of our subject had seven children, 
four of whom survive, namely: Isaac, Thomas, 
William and Benjamin. After a boyhood spent on 
the farm, our subject learned the trade of a car- 
penter. His school advantages were exceedingly 
limited, but lie has been a reader all his life and has 
kept well informed in regard to matters of public 
interest. His marriage took place in Canada in 
1843. His wife was Ellen, daughter of William 
and Ann Horshurg. She was born in Scotland, 
whence she emigrated, when ten years old with her 
parents to Can.ada. By his marriage Mr. Conner 
became the father of nine children, namely: Ann, 
Mrs. Virgil B. Conner; Eliza, Mrs. Harden Kellogg; 
Emily; Belle, wife of Osman DeGraw; William ; 
.Sarah, Mrs. Frank Gordan; Levi S. ; Ada, wife of 
Orson Snell and Mary, Mrs. Harvey Russ. 

In 18.5G our subject with his family emigrated 
to Ionia County, Mich., and settled on land which 
now forms his fine farm in Easton Township, which 
he has by his own efforts brought to its present 
high slate of cultivation. He is a public-spirited 
man and helps forward all movements for the ele- 
vation of societ}'. He is Republican in his politi- 
cal convictions, although he is not in any sense an 
oOice seeker, yet he works earnestly to the success 
of his party. He has done his full share of pio- 
neer work for he is one of the oldest settlers in the 
vicinity, and had practically no means to begin 
with. 

Mrs. Conner who was in all things a devoted 
hel|)mate and wise counselor, departed this life 
April 17, 1881), leaving behind her a wealth of love 
and affection. Not only her own family but all 
her friends an<l neighbors mt)urn her hiss. In her 
death her family lost a devoted mother and wife 
and the county one of its representative pioneer 
women. Our subject is now prepared to spend the 
remaining vears of his life in comfort and pros- 



622 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



perity, and enjoys the fruits of a life spent in use- 
ful labor. He is surrounded by his children and 
fiieuds. He lias been an eye-witness of many stir- 
ring and interesting events in the past days of 
Ionia County and he can vividly recall the times 
of self-denial and hardship. He is known far and 
wide for his sterling integrity and his word is con- 
sidered as good as his bond. One only needs to 
meet and converse with Mr. Conner to be con- 
vinced that he is a manly representative of the 
typical Miciiigan pioneer. 



■ ^ . >K . < ■ 



MON OTIS is ex-County Treasurer of Ionia 
( @yL.ll i County. His farm is situated on section 
Ifc 9, of Berlin Township. lie is a son of 
Amos Otis, a native of New York, who 
was born in 1820, and througii life pursued the 
business of a farmer. He was a very early settler 
of Michigan, coming to this State with his parents 
when but nine years of age. The father of Amos 
Otis took up Government land in 1828, within six 
miles of tiie present city hall at Detroit. This land 
has been in the family ever since and is still owned 
bj' the father of our subject. Amos Otis' wife 
Phila (Harwood) Otis, was also a native of New 
York, being born there in 1822. They were mar- 
ried in Berlin Township, Ionia County, Februar3' 
17, 1841, and then went back to the farm near De- 
troit where they have resided ever since. On Feb- 
ruary 17, 1891, they celebrated their golden wed- 
ding at the old homestead. The father of Mrs. Amos 
Otis came to this township in a very early day. 
She and her husband are the parents of twelve 
children, seven of whom arc now living. They 
were formerly members of the Baptist Church but 
for some time have belonged to the Methodist 
Church in the affairs of which they take an active 
interest. 

Asa H. Otis, the grandfather of our subject, was 
a member of the Michigan State Legislature in 
1850, also of the Michigan State Constitutional 
Convention in 1835. For four 3'ears he was under- 
Sheriff at Detroit. He also for many years held 
the office of Supervisor and was Justice of the 



Peace in his township. During those early days 
and in<)eed throughout his life he was a prominent 
politician, being a Jacksonian Democrat and car- 
rying great weight with the followers of his party. 
He came to Michigan a |)oor man and bought eighty 
acres of wild land. When he had purchased for 
home consumption, one barrel of pork, one barrel 
of flour and a jug of molasses, and had brought his 
family to the new home he had sifS left. At his death 
at the age of fifty-eight years, he owned five hun- 
dred acres of land near Detroit, ihree hundred and 
twenty acres at Grand Rapids, and a large tract in 
Lapeer County. He was in other ways besides 
that of farming a prominent business man, being a 
great trader, undertaking large transactions. He 
constructed tlie ])lank road from Plymouih to De- 
troit. 

Amon Otis was the eldest child of his parents, 
being born October 30, 1842, in the old homestead 
in Wayne County, Mich. He availed himself of 
the best education which could be obtained in the 
district schools of that region, until at seventeen 
years of age he went to the State Normal School 
at Ypsilanti,of which institution he was a member 
for two terms. He began teaching school at nine- 
teen years of age in Ionia County, anil for live win- 
ters the district schools of Berlin Township knew 
him as one of their most capable and earnest teach- 
ers. Except this experience in the schoolroom he 
has ailhered to his business as a farmer. 

Our subject was married March 24, 1866, to 
Cynthia Harwood, a daughter of Isaac Harwood, of 
Berlin Township (sec sketch of father). This lady 
was born July 25, 1847, in Orleans Townshi|i, 
Ionia County. She had been prepared in the com- 
mon schools for the profession of a teacher, and 
taught until her marriage. After this event our 
subject worked a farm upon the shares for two 
years until 1867, when he settled upon the farm 
which he now occupies. It comprised eighty acres 
of perfectly wild, raw land and heavy timber. At 
the same time that he was occupied in clearing off 
this land, breaking and cultivating it, he worked 
the land of others upon shares. A log house made 
tlieir home until fourteen years ago, when he built 
his present residence at a cost of $1,500. The barns, 
outbuildings and fences upon this farm have been 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBLTM. 



623 



|)iit up by him. He carries on mixeil fariuiiiji;, aiul 
lias a line orchard and small fruit in cultivation. 
This couple were the parents of live children. Their 
eldest daughter, Sarah P., has but a year more to 
complete a full course at the State Normal School. 
She is now teaching at Sand Boacli, Huron County, 
Mich. Nora is a student ;it the Ionia High School. 
Tlie third daughter, Myrtie, is deceased. The re- 
maining children arc Lee and Burt. 

]Mr. Otis is a member of the Masonic order at 
Ionia, is also a Granger in which organization he 
has been for many years a Master and is so at pres- 
ent. His intelligence and ability cause him to 
stand well in the estimation of his neighbors. This 
has been shown by his being [jlaced for years upon 
the School Board, also by his election in 1870 to 
th(> ollioe of Supervisor of Berlin Townsliip in 
wiiich oflicc he served for three years, and was 
at another time returned to the same [wsilion. In 
1S74 he w!»s elected County Treasurer. This olHce 
he held two years. He has also been Clerk of Ber- 
lin Township. His political convictions arc witii 
the Democratic party anil he has always taken a 
lively interest in politics. 

Ml BRAM HUNT. Among the old-timers in 
%M Orange Township, Ionia County, we find 
(fi the subject of this sketch. He is indeed 
the last survivor of all those who were 
playmates together here nearly sixty years ago. He 
is the son of William Hunt who was born in Rens- 
selaer County, N. Y. He was a hatter by trade 
but later in life took up the business of farming. 
'l"he family on the paternal side are (Quakers. The 
mother of our subject bore the maiden name of 
Mary Shaddock. She was unitcil in marriage to 
William Hunt in New York State, and resided there 
until 1828, when he came to Michigan and settlc<l 
as a pioneer in Washleuaw Count}'. Three years 
later, in 18.31, he came to Ionia County and located 
at Lyons, where he carried on a business of trading 
with the Indians for scveial years. 

In May, 1834 the father of our subject brought 
his family and located in Lyons, three years later 



settling on a farm in Ionia Township on ."section 24, 
on unbroken land. In Lyons Township at that 
lime the only settlers were Franklin Chubb, Na- 
than Benjamin, and another family named Moore. 
In Ionia Township there were the McCalvey family, 
who came here three days earlier than Mr. Hunt, 
and Henry B. Leibhardt. There was then no one 
residing in Orange Township and only a small set- 
tlement at Ionia. Mr. Hunt built a log house for 
his family and began to clear off his land, eighty 
acres being all timber. Wild animals and Iiulians 
abounded. He improved thirty' acres of his farm 
during his eighteen years of residence there, and 
then sold it, and went up Grand River about three 
miles into Lyons Township. There he bought 
eighty acres of new land, built a frame house and 
improved about thirty acres of that farm. He died 
in 1857, his wife following him in 18() t. Of their 
six children five are now living: Louisa, Mrs. 
Stephen Bunker; our subject; Ruth S.; Mrs. Benjamin 
Thompson; Cynthia, Mrs. Densmore, deceased; 
William W., and Sarah M., Mrs. Mieajah Sherman. 
Mrs. William Hunt was by faith a Universalist. 
Her husband was active in matters of public inter- 
est, helping to organize Lyons Township, and being 
one of the first Road Commissioners of the town- 
ship. He also helped organize the first lodge of 
the Masonic order in Ionia County. It was located 
at Portland. 

Abram Hunt was born December 11, 1822, in 
Ontario County, N. Y., and hence was twelve 
years of age when he made his first appearance in 
Michigan. It w.as before the d.ays of schools and 
he had great fun running wild with the Indian 
boys. He, however, attended the first scliool or- 
ganized in Lyons Township and had for his teacher 
Miss Susan Moore, afterward Mrs. Boyer. Until 
he was twenty-two years of age he staid at home 
and helped his father, after which he went West, 
spending two years in Iowa, working out by the 
month. He returned home and bought a farm of 
eighty acres on section 6, in Portland Township. 
.Settling ui)on it he began to improve this raw land 
anil built a small frame house upon it, in which he 
kept ''bachelor's hall" for three years. 

In 18.53 the subject of this sketch married 
Frances A. Hoyt, a daughter of Lewis and Betsey 



624 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Hoyt, of New York, then living in Jackson County, 
Mich., and early settlers of that county. The par- 
ents of Mrs. Hunt had each a child by a previous 
marriage, and three children by this union. Mrs. 
Hunt was born in 1832, and died in 1859. Mr. 
Hunt's second marriage was with Miss Mary Jane 
Bugby in 1864. She was born in Seneca County, 
Ohio, her parents having come there from New 
York. They had emigrated to Michigan about 1854. 
By this secorid marriage Abram Hunt had one 
child, Frank A., whose moliier died December U, 
1890, at the age of fifty years. Mr. Hunt moved 
on his present farm on section 1, in the fall of 
1856, and at once proceeded to clear it of the 
heavy timber which was growing thereon. He has 
eighty acres, a residence, barns and all other neces- 
sary buildings. He also has sixty acres cleared off 
and cultivated, all by his own labor, although when 
he began he had nothing. At the breaking out of 
the Civil War in 1861 he enlisted in Company D, 
Ninth Michigan Infantry and served as a private 
eleven months until honorably discharged on ac- 
count of sickness. 

The subject of this sketch has been the Treasurer 
of the School Board in Portland Township, also 
Road Overseer a number of times. His first vote 
was cast for James K. Polk and he has always taken 
an interest in politics, belonging to the Democratic 
party, although voting for Lincoln at his first elec- 
tion. He still actively carries on his farm himself. 
He is the last one of those who were in this neigh- 
borhood at the time of his settlement here. 

-^- g - ^ I' t - g- 

,,... RTHUR N. HALL, son of one of the ear- 
(@!Oi liest settlers of Ionia Township and Ionia 
County, owns and occupies a small but 
valuable farm on section 7. His estate 
includes forty acres of well-developed land, about 
half of which was cleared by himself. To his ef- 
forts are due its present improvements, including 
the well-made fences, ample outbuildings, and the 
tasteful residence which was built at a cost of about 
12,500. The thriving orchard was set out by Mr. 
Hall, and he derives a good income from the sale 



of mixed crops which he raises upon his own land 
and forty acres adjoining, together with a thirty 
elsewhere that he rents. Having learned the trade 
of carpentry he frequently works at it, when his 
farm work will allow. 

Joshua S. Hall, father of our subject, settled here 
more than half a century ago, but is now a resident 
of Easton Township and one of its wealthiest men. 
He is a member of the Pioneer Society of Ionia 
'County and is well known among the old s^ttlers_ 
His wife, formerly Sarah A. Haight, is still living 
and is now about threescore and ten years old. 
Their family comprises seven sons and ^daughters, 
of whom our subject is the third in order of birth. 
Ilis natal day was February 22, 1848, and his birth- 
place the township of which he is still a resident. 
He received a district-school education and further 
prepareil himself for the affairs of life by attending 
a business college at Grand Rapids. He has al- 
waj's been a farmer, and being obliged to show his 
ability by doing for himself, he rented a farm 
when twenty-one years old and carried it on for a 
year. He then bought forty acres in Orleans 
Township — an improved tract — and lived upon it 
four years. At the expiration of that time he 
sold out, and bought and removed to his present 
estate. 

The wife of Mr. Hall bore the maiden name of 
Tilla Jlarlin and is a daughter of Andrew and 
Leonora (Martin) Martin, natives of C'an.ada and 
New York respectively. Mr. Martin was a soldier 
in his young days, belonging to a Canadian regi- 
ment, and upon leaving the army he turned his 
attention to farming. He was married in Canada, 
whence he came to this State in 1864, settling in 
Otisco Township, Ionia County. A few 3'ears later 
he removed to Easton Township, which was his 
permanent place of abode. He was born in August 
1808, and died May 24, 1882. His widow stdl 
occupies the homestead; she is now seventy-six 
years old. Of her children, seven in number, four 
arc now living. 

Mrs. Hall was born near Pelham, Canatia, No- 
vember 15, 1853, and received a common-school 
education in this State. She became the wife of 
our subject February 22, 1872, and to them have 
been born three children, whose record is as fol- 



PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lows: Cora E., born in Orleans Township, February 
6, 1873; Roj- A., in the same township, June 4. 
1875; Ilerbeit C, in Ionia Townsiiip, October 8, 
18cSl. All are bright and quick of com prehension 
ami tln' sons are doing good work in the district 
school. The daugliter lias been a student in the 
Ionia Iligli School and has taught in tlie county 
for a 3-ear. She is a ver^- good performer upon 
the organ and has given music lessons. Both Cora 
and Roy belong to tiie Patrons of Industry :ind 
Roy is Sentinel in the lodge. There is a literary 
society connected with the organization, and the 
entire family take part in its exercises, even little 
Herbert bearing a part. 

At convcntit)ns of the Repulilican p.irty IMr. 
Hall has frequently .acted as a delegate and he is 
sure to be at the polls when the ballot box is open, 
lie has been Drain-ige Commissioner of the town- 
ship and is now serving his second term; he was 
Sui)ervisor of Orleans Township three years, and 
thirteen in Ionia Township, and he has been Di- 
rector of the local School Hoard and in Orleans 
Townshii) he filled a similar position four years. 
lie has taken an active part in the work of the 
(i range and is now identified with the Patrons of 
Industry and has been President of the lodge for 
a year past. Mrs. Hall is Treasurer of the same 
l)ody. P.otli ui)hold temperance principles, and liy 
e.\ample and [irecept endeavor to stand on the side 
of right and justice. Mrs. Hall and Cora and 
Roy belong to the Christian Church. Mr. Hall is 
now President of the Ionia County Bee Association 
and is also President of the County Alliance. 



-S^^* 



YDNKY CROPF. Among the many prom- 
inent families in Ionia County none are 
more worth}' of representation in this 
Ai.BUJi than the Groflfs, whose hea<l was 
removed from the scenes of earth but a short lime 
since, leaving a void not easil}' (illed. Mr. (irolT 
w.as one of the best of citizens, esteemed fur his 
honesty and sterling integrity in business, for his 
public spirit and enterprise, and for the private 
virtues that made him a goo<I friend and neighbor. 



He possessed a goocl degree of business ability, as 
was evidenced by the fact that he began as a poor 
youth anil left an estate valued at about ^9,000. A 
pari of this was a farm on section 13, Kaston Town- 
ship, where his widow still makes her home. 

Mr. Groff's paternal grandfather was a German, 
who upon emigrating to America eslablisheil a 
home in Warren County, N. J. There the family 
has remained generation after generation. 'I'lu' 
maternal ancestors of Mr. GrofT are said to have 
been Irish. In the ncighl)orhood that has been the 
home of the family for manj', many years, Sydney 
GrotT was born .lune 2'2, 1814. Under the care of 
his good parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Clawson) 
tiroff, he grew to a sturdy manhood, adding to his 
common-school education considerable knowledge 
gained by reading and close observation of busi- 
ness methods. For several years after his marriage 
his home wjis in Niagara County, N. Y., and from 
there he remove<l to Aslitnhula County, Ohio, in 
1810. 

After living in the Buckeye State a ([uarter of a 
century Mr. and Mrs. Groff came to Ionia County, 
and in Kaston Township our subject spent the 
gicater part of his time until his decease. During 
his later ^-ears he was engaged in money-loaning, 
but much of his earlier life had been devoted to 
to farming. He pa.ssed away December 1, 1889. 
He had been connected wiih the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and was a member of an Odd Fellows 
lodge in It)nia and had been from its organization. 
His political alliliations were with the Demociatic 
parly. 

Mrs. Maria ( iroff, widow of our suliject, is a native 
of Dutchess County, N. Y., having been born in 
the city of Pouuhkeepsie, A|uil 14, 1818. She is a 
daughter of Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Reynus) 
Tompkins ami is the only survivor of their twelve 
sons and daughters. She had several brothers in 
the ^Var of 181 2. .She lost her mother when she 
was but fourteen months olil, but her father sur- 
vived until she was seventeen. Her education was 
obtained in the district schools. \Vhon si.xteen 
years olil she went to live wilh an uncle, John \V. 
.Stone of Niagara Countj', and in his family she 
remained until her marriage to Mr. (irofT. which 
interesting event took place March '.), 1837. Mrs. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Groff is of English lineage ou her fatiiei's side and 
traces the maternal line to Holland. During the 
years of her wedded life she was a faithful coun- 
selor and an efficient helpmate, and rendered her 
husband valuable aid in all the affairs of life. She 
is still occupying the residence near the city of 
Ionia where they spent many happy days together, 
and around which her circle of acquaintance extends 
for many miles, while iier friends are counted by 
scores. 

A lithographic portrait of the late Mr. Groff ap- 
pears on another i)age of the Album. 



ARQUIS L. McCRUMB. The homo of 
this worthy farmer and good citizen is on 
section 3G, Dauby Township, and is one of 
the well-improved farms of Ionia County. 
It was bought by him when scarcely any improve- 
ments had been made u|)on it and he has placed it 
in its present condition. Crops of various kinds 
are raised, chief attention being given to the 
cereals adapted to the climate of this region, 
and a strict attention is given by the owner 
to tlie management of the estate. Mr. McCrumb 
is a veteran of the Civil War and enjoys the dis- 
tinction of being one of those who first entered the 
service in August, 1861. His record as a soldier 
is one of valor and true patriotism, such as might 
well be expected from one in whose veins the blood 
of loyal ancestors runs. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject be- 
longed to the Colonial army in Revolutionary 
times and the father fought in the War of 1812, 
serving under Gen. Brown in Canada and being 
present at the famous battle of Lundy's Lane. The 
lineage is traced back to Scotland and that of our 
subject's mother to Ireland. William and Mary 
(Stewart) McCrumb, the parents of him of whom 
we write, were living in Lorain County, Ohio, when 
their sou Marquis was born, December 19, 1837. 
The lad was small when they removed to Clinton 
County, this State, where the father died in 1846. 
The mother survived until 1858, when she too 
passed away. A son George carried on the home- 



stead, upon which Marquis remained until he was 
of age. In 1860 he went to Missouri, remaining 
a year, then returning to Michigan and soon en- 
rolling himself under the three months' call. He 
went to Grand Rapids where he was stationed two 
months, after which he returned to his home. 

In August, 1861, Mr. McCrumb again enlisted, 
on this occasion becoming a member of Company 
E, Eighth Michigan Infantry, and going into camp 
at Washington. For two months he endured the 
routine of camp life and constant drilling, and then 
via Fortress INIonroe went to South Carolina, land- 
ing at Hilton Head and going on to Beaufort 
Island. A slight skirmish took place there and the 
regiment made that their headquarters for nearly a 
year and were then sent to Ft. Pulaski and there 
took part in a heavy engagement. At Wilmington 
Island there was a hard fight, April 16, 1862, and 
at James Island another June 16, half of the regi- 
ment being killed or wounded in the latter engage- 
ment. The list of battles in which Mr. McCrumb 
participated includes Bull Run, August 29,1862; 
Chantilly, September 1 ; South Mountain, Septem- 
ber 14; Antietam, September 17; Fredericksburg, 
December 12, 13 and 14; siege of Vicksburg, June 
22 to July 4, 1863; Jackson, Miss., July 11 to 18; 
Blue Springs, October 10; Loudon; Lenore Sta- 
tion, November 15; Campbell Station, Novem- 
ber 16. 

At Campbell Station Mr. McCrumb was less for- 
tunate than he had been ou other battlefields and 
was struck by a ball near the left eye. He was 
carried off the field and did not return to conscious- 
ness for several hours. The next day the ball was 
extracted from the back of the head and the doc- 
tors inserted a piece of silver to support his eye- 
ball. In consequence of the wound Mr. McCrumb 
has lost the sight of one e3'e, and suffers intensely 
from the effects of the wound. He spent some time 
in the hospital at Knoxville, and soon after his re- 
turn to his regiment veteranized with his comrades 
and came home on a furlough. The first action 
after his return to the South was the Wilderness, 
Maj' 5, 6 and 7, 1864, and this was followed by 
Spottsylvania,Ma3- 10, 11 and 12; North Anna, May 
24 and 25; Bethesda Church, June 2 and 3; Cold 
Harbor, June 7; Petersburg, June 17 and 18; and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



629 



the Crater, July 30. At the last-named battlefield 
Mr. McCrunib was wounded tiy a niinie ball from 
a sharp shooter's rifle. lie was struck on the top 
of the head toward the left side and was again 
borne from the field. He was given a short leave 
of absence while recovering, but was with the 
command in the tight at Weldon Railroad, August 
1 9 to 2 1 . 

The following battles are added to llie listaheady 
given, in whicii Mr. RlcCrurab acted the part of a 
brace sohlier: Ream's Station, August 25, 1864; 
Poi)lar Spring Cluirch, September 30; Pegram 
Kami, October 2; Bo^'uton Road, October 8; 
Hatchie's Run, October 27 and 28; Ft. Stcadman, 
March 25, 1865; and Ft. Mahon, April 2. His 
service was ended by participation in the siege of 
Petersburg, during which his ani<le was injured by 
a I>iece of shell, leaving an ugly scar. Those who 
are familiar with the horrors of war will understand 
that there was much hazardous work taking place 
between the battles mentioned, and that a good 
soldier is deserving of credit for the manner in 
wliich he conducts himself during camp life and 
on the march. Mr. McCrumb was so unfortunate 
as to receive a bayonet wound in the right arm 
while on a foraging expedition, the rebels having 
made a charge on the Union wagon-train. 

At the close of the war .Mr. McCrumb returned 
to his former home and in a short time was located 
in Ionia County. He was the owner of seventy 
acres of land which he had bought while in the 
army, and this he sold, buying instead one hundred 
and sixty acres in I>anby Townshi|), which he set 
to work to innprove. He subsequently sohl that 
tract and bought one hundred and forty acres on 
section 25, and this in turn was disposed of and 
an eighty on section 36, purchased. No further 
change has been made in Mr. McCrumb's base of 
operations, but his energy has been expended on 
bringing about tlie best results from his farm and 
making his home comfortable. 

The date of the marriage of Mr. McCrumb mid 
Miss Rebecca Thunia was December 31, 1865. The 
bride's parents. Christian and Mary Thuma, were 
natives of Pennsylvania and from that State re- 
moved to Richland County. Ohio, in 1835. There 
their daughter Rebecca was born in March, 1838. 



She is one of eight children reared by her parents, 
and had two brothers in the Union army. David 
returned home after three years of army life, but 
Joshua laid down his life in defense of the old flag. 
He enlisted in the Fourteenth Michigan Infantry 
February 5, 1802, and died near Corinth, Miss., 
June 19 following. Mrs. McCrumli traces her de- 
scent from a Revolutionary soldier who was lior 
paternal great-grandfather. 

To Mr. and Mrs. MeCrunib six children have 
come, three of whom are living: Fidelia, Holland 
and Calista. The eldest of these is the wife of W. 
J. Somers, who enjoys the distinction of being one 
of the youngest enlisted soldiers of the Civil War. 
He was born in Geauga County, Ohio, July 21, 
1853, and enlisted October 2, 1862, when but nine 
years and three months old. He first served as 
teamster in the Twenty-first Ohio Battery, Light 
Artillery, and afterward became lanyard, his duty 
being to fire the gun. He was honorably dis- 
charged on his twelfth birthday, July 21, 1865, 
after having served two years, nine nmnths and 
nineteen daj's. 

.Mr. McCrumb is a believer in Republican prin- 
ciples and has always voted the ticket of that party, 
lie is a quiet, un.assuming citizen, who takes no 
pail in public affairs other than to express his opin- 
ion in the proper way and discharge the duties that 
lie before him in connection with his neighbors and 
family. 

5^^- ■ 

AMIKL A. GIBBS, the eldest son of John 
M. and .\lmira (Clark) (Jibbs, lives in 
Orange Township, Ionia County. His 
father is still living in Portland, but the 
mother is deceased. Six of their children are now 
living. Our subject was born August 7, 1833, in 
Massachusetts and came to Ohio niili his parents 
when five years old. He lived in Portage County 
until 1854 when he came to Michigan. He received 
a district school education while in Ohio aixl 
through his youth and early manhood remained at 
home, giving his time and strength to the family 
interests. They all worked together for the com- 
mon welfare, and there was no separation until after 



630 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



they came to Michigan. They settled on section 
19, Portland Township, on one hundred and fifty 
acres, which was a little improved but had no build- 
ings except an old log house. The residence was 
built in 1854, and was the third frame house in this 
neighborliood. The next year they built a barn. 
There were about twenty-five acres in cultivation, 
but it is now all under the plow. 

Our subject was married in March, 1854, to Miss 
Mary E. Savage, a daughter of Portus and Clarissa 
(Raymond) Savage, botii natives of Vermont. Mr. 
Savage's two wives were sisters. He was a farmer 
and merchant in Portage County, Ohio, of which 
he was a pioneer. He afterward sold out and went 
to Indiana and settled upon a farm in the southern 
part of the State. Both be and his wife died there. 
By his first marriage he had one child, Mrs. Gibbs, 
and by the second three sons, all now living. He 
was an active member of the Congregational 
Church. During the Morgan raid in Indiana he 
had quite a serious experience, having three horses 
stolen and being himself chased, captured and shot 
at, by the men of the Morgan band. The ball cut 
bis hat, barely grazing his head. Mrs. Gibbs was 
born July 5, 1832, in Portage County, Ohio, where 
she received a good education and taught school 
before her marriage. 

Mr.and Mrs. Gibbs are the parents of two children : 
Frank H., is foreman in a hardware store in West 
Bay City, Mich.; he has a good business education 
and at one time kept books in the office of Sage & 
Co., at Bay City. Lena E. is a student in the Bus- 
iness College at Bay City. In 1855 Mr. and Mrs. 
Gibbs bought eigiity .acres on section 13, where 
they now live. The .site of their residence was the 
first land in the neighborhood to be improved. 
There was a log house upon it when our subject went 
there to live, lie has cleared all the eighty acres and 
added to it so that he now has one hundred and 
twenty acres, one hundred of wiiich are under the 
plow. He built his present residence twenty years 
ago at a cost of $2,000. His farm is in excellent 
condition and he has taken an .active interest in 
every improvement put upon it, having set out a 
fine orchard which is in good bearing condition. 
He carries on mixed farming and for about four- 
teen years has been interested in cheese-making. 



For two years past he has made cheese upon his 
own farm, and for awhile he carried on a meat 
market at Portland. 

Mr. Gibbs' first wife died July 1, 1882. She 
was an earnest and active member of the Baptist 
Church. His second union was with Mrs. Lucinda 
(Dennison) Williams, in March, 1883. She was 
born in Portage County, Ohio, fifty years ago, 
and received a good schooling. By her former 
marriage she had three children, one of whom is 
how living. She is a member of the Methodist 
Episco|)al Church. Mr. Gibbs belongs to the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is active 
in the Patrons of Industry, having been Treasurer 
of the same. He has also been Treasurer of Orange 
Township for four years, and Highway Commis- 
sioner for one year. He has taken an active inter- 
est in politics and votes the Republican ticket. His 
neighbors have frequently made him delegate to 
county and district conventions. At the dis- 
trict Fair he has taken both first and second pre- 
miums on cheese. 



AMUEL O. HOSFORD. Such legal matters 
as require tlie counsel and advice of a law- 
yer at Lake Odessa, Ionia County, are gen- 
erally given to Mr. Hosford for settlement. 
He is carrying on the real-estate and insurance bus- 
iness, together with that of collecting. He is one 
of those who seem able to turn their attention to 
several occupations, and as the following paragraphs 
will show he has diverted his energy into divers 
lines with a greater or less degree of success. 

The parents of our subject were Roswell and 
Sarah (Stillwell) Hosford; the father was born in 
Connecticut and of English ancestry, and tiie mother 
a native of New York and of Dutch stock. During 
his youth Mr. Hosford worked at the cooper's trade 
but when he grew older turned his attention to 
farming and carried it on in Livingston County, N. 
Y., until 1845. He then removed to Hillsdale Coun- 
ty, this Stale, carried on agricultural work there 
until 1852 and then came to Ionia County. His 
first home here was on a farm in North Plains Town- 
ship, and in 1 8G7 he removed to Odessa Township, 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALRUM. 



631 



buying farm laud in connection with his son. 
There he remained until called from time to eter- 
nity in 1881. He was bereft of his wife in 1872. 
Both beIons>:od to the Baptist Churcli. They iiad 
two children, tlie elder of wliorn is Minerva A., now 
the widow of John A. Fuller and living in Onialiu. 
Neb. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was born 
in Livingston County, N. Y. March 7, 1833, anil 
remained there until he was twelve j'cars old. In 
the naeantime he had been pursuing the studies 
taught in tiie district sciiool, and after the removal 
of the family to this State he continued his studies 
in Hillsdale County until he was seventeen 3'ears old. 

He then secured a position as clerk in a store at 
.lonesville, where he staid about three years, then 
clerked in Hillsdale for twelve months. The gold 
fever attacked him and going to New York he took 
l)assage for California, via the Isthmus. On his 
arrival amid the gold fields ho engaged in mining 
and followeil that pursuit industriously about four 
years, after which he took up the profession of teach- 
ing. For two years he taught, and the remaining 
time until October, 18(54, he devoted to farming. 
At that time he returned to New York by the water 
route and came to his parents' home. 

The following spring Mr. Hosford bought prop- 
erty in North Plains Township, Ionia Count}', which 
after farming three years he exchanged for a tract 
in Odessa Township. He operated the second es- 
tate until 1872, then he engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness at Bonanza and divided his attention between 
the two occupations. I'pon giving up his store he 
gave his time entirely to his farm until the fall of 
1876, when lie was elected County Clerk, which 
position he filled until January 1, 1879. At the 
close of his odicial life he returned to the farm and 
occupied it until 1888, when he moved to Lake 
Odessa and gave his attention to business in lines 
before mentioned. The fall after his removal to 
town he sold his farm. 

The wife of Mr. Hosford, with whom he was uni- 
ted April 23, 18G8, bore the maiden nanieof Anuis 
A. Tupper. She was born in Odessa Township and 
was the Grst white girl to open her eyes to the 
light within its bounds. Her father, Myron Tupper, 
ft native of Monroe County, N. V., came to this 



State to look for land in 1839 and learning that 
there was Government land to be had in Ionia 
County, he came here at once and entered a tract 
in Odessa Township. It was on section 27, and 
through it (lowed a small stream while a lake, now 
known as Tuppcr's Lake, mirrored the trees upon 
its bosom. Mr. Tu])per w.is the first settler in the 
township, and had the ambition and nerve to make 
his way through the trackless timbers to seek a home. 
He suffered all the trials incident to jdoneer life 
but survived them, and lived to see prosperity and 
high civilization in the once wild expanse. He 
(lied March 3, 1880, about twenty years after his 
wife had passed away, the date of her demise being 
December 24, 1860. 

Mr. Hosford has been School Inspector and 
Highway Commissioner and at present is Secretary 
of the .School Board. In discharging the duties of 
office he is careful and conscientious, an! anxious 
to push forward the affairs which are in his charge 
to the best results possible. He has been a member 
of the Masonic order about eighteen years. He is a 
man of much public spirit, and toward the advance- 
ment and improvement of the vicinity in which he 
lives he has done all that lay in his power. He and 
his wife are well known, not only in the township 
in which they have so long lived, but in the country 
round about, and both are respected by their 
acquaintances. • Mrs. Hosford is a member of the 
Baptist and Mr. Hosford is connected with the 
Christian Church. 



fl^ij{ ARCUS J. FISK, well known in Lyons .ind 
Muir, Ionia County, is engaged in the 
liverj' business at those places and also 
runs a line of busses. He is a native ot 
Niagara County, N. Y., the ilate of his birth being 
November 1, 18.04, and his parents Marcus R. ami 
Mary (Perrine) Fisk. They were boni in Catta- 
raugus and Allegan}' Counties respectively, and 
the father was an extensive farmer. They removed 
to Illinois in 185.J, settling near Belviderc and 
remaining there two vears. Thence tbev went 



632 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to Benton County, Iowa, making that locality 
their home nine years, the husband still carrying 
on farm work. Their next removal was to Ionia 
County, tliis State, and in Lyons Township they 
permanently remained. The wife died in April, 
1884, and tlie husband December 30, 1888. 

The Fisk family is of Welsh stock, but James 
Fisk, grandfather of our subject, was a native of 
New York. In the same -State the maternal grand- 
father, James Perrine, was also born, he being of 
French ancestry. While living in Iowa, the father 
of Marcus J. Fisk was a Supervisor, and in his later 
home he was well known and foremost in good 
deeds, never turning a needy one from las door 
unaided. He was a member of the Grange and of 
the Democratic part}'. The members of his family 
are Mrs. Francis Hill, Mrs. Emily Hartman, Mrs. 
May Wood, and he whose life is our topic. 

Our subject was reared amid the usual surround- 
ings of rural life, early taking up his share of 
the farm labors and becoming conversant with all 
that pertains to the management of an estate. For 
some years prior to leaving the homestead he had 
charge of the same and in 1883 he became its 
purchaser and returned to it for a year's residence. 
He then rented it until 1886. at which time lie sold 
out. The education of Mr. Fisk was gained in 
Lyons, and he has a fair supply of book knowledge 
and much practical wisdom. He first left home in 
1878, and when he rented the farm a few years 
later he again took up the cares of business life in 
town, coming to Lyons whicii has since been his 
home. 

In 1887 Mr. Fisk bought tiie livery stable and 
bus line, and he includes botli the Detroit, Lansing 
& Nortlicrn, and Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwau- 
kee Railroads in his stations. In Lj'ons he has a 
stable 40xG0 feet, with a shed and a storage build- 
ino- 20x60 feet, and he keeps twelve or fourteen 
iiorses and two busses. At Muir lie has one barn 
3.5x60 feet and another 20x35 with a lean-to, and 
keeps such a supply of teams and equipages is the 
business in the place demands. He employes three 
or four men in each village, and has the handling 
of the mails and the express business. He has 
made a good living, some provision for future 
needs and has purchased three dwellings in Lyons 



from the rental of two of which he adds to his in- 
come. 

In 1878 Mr. Fisk won an estimable wife, Miss 
Nettie Buck, of Lyons, daughter of Jacob and 
Clarissa (May) Buck, and a capable, true-hearted 
woman, with good education and social qualities. 
The family circle includes two children — EduaC. 
and Don M. Mr. Fisk is connected with the Ma- 
sonic order and votes the Democratic ticket. He is 
a member of the Village Board and is one who dis- 
plays the public spirit that aids in the progress of 
the town. He has a pleasing personalit}- and many 
are the friends he can claim. 



AMUFL II. BAIRD, a man of Scottish 
descent and of patriotic lineage, resides 
on section 27, Home Township, Montcalm 
County. He has been one of the most 
extensive manufactures of shingles and lumber in 
the county or State and owns a fine farm of two 
hundred and five acres. He is the son of William 
B., the son of Jonathan, who came when a small 
child from Glasgow, Scotland, with his parents. 
Young Jonathan made a matrimonial alliance 
with a lady of wealth and family. Miss Lucy Bell, 
a daughter of the Hon. Judge Bell, a Revolution- 
ary hero and an intimate friend of Washington's. 
This family are intense lovers of the horse and 
Jonathan had the family characteristic. Through 
the War of 1812 he rode a horse named "Curley" 
of almost human intelligence, who saved his 
master's life over and over again. U[ion one occa- 
sion when Jonathan was taken prisoner and confined 
in Canada the Canadian General's favorite horse was 
very sick and no one could treat it. Capt. Baird's 
knowledge of the horse and his diseases enabled 
him to save this valuable animal, and the liberty 
given him as a reward gave him opportunity to 
to escape. He fled on horseback and swam the 
river to the New York shore. After this war he 
kept a liverj' and sale stable in Buffalo. His fam- 
ily were wealth}- and made their home at Erie, 
Pa., where he died. 
The father of our subject was reared in Erie, 



PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAIMHCAL ALBUM. 



633 



Pa., and was early apprenticed as a carpenter and 
millwright, and became a fine meclianic. lie was 
eng.iged in biiililing mills and factorit's tliroiigli- 
uul lliat region. In 1848 lie removed with his 
family to Oliio in carrriages. .Stopping to visit 
his brother at Willoughby, Lake County, he found 
him in distress, as a freshet had washed out his 
mill. The millwright brother repaired and jjut it 
in working order, and by that time liked the 
country well enough to remain. In 1851 he came 
to Michigan and located on his farm in Grattan 
Townshi]), Kent County. In accordance with the 
family love for the horse he had studied as a veter- 
inary surgeon. 

In 18C-2 William 1). Baird enlisted in a Michi- 
gan Cavalry regiment, and soon received thi! 
appointment a? Veterinary Surgeon of the Third 
Division. He served in this position until lie was 
seriously injured while making his escape from the 
enemy. His horse fell upon him and for days he 
was insensible. He received an honorable discharge 
and a |)ension of ^72 per month as his licallh had 
not only been ruineil, but his eyesight destroye<l, 
in consequence of his experience on the baltle- 
ficld. He now makes his home with his children. 
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary 
Pease, was born in Massachusetts September 21, 
1811. Her girlhood home was near Dunkirk, 
N. Y., where she was well educated and early showed 
signs of unusual intellectual and literary ability. 
She taught school when only thirteen years of 
age and continued in this profession until her 
marriage. She was poetically inclined and was a 
tine writer as well as reader. She died at the 
home of our subject in the fall of 1872. Iler 
funeral sermon was preached from the text se- 
lected by herself "I have fought a good fight; I 
have finishctl the faith." 

Of the seven children of this interesting and 
8ui)crior couple, onl3' three survive: Our subject, 
William H. and Lucy M., now Mrs. Beck. The 
second son, William, followed the patriotic instincts 
of the family and when only nineteen years of 
age enlisted at the first ta() of the drum to help 
fill Presi<lent Lincoln's first call for three months' 
men. He belonged to the Third Michigan Volun- 
tfers, T'ley wefe discharged f^l the end of their 



term and he promptly re-enlisted id the same regi- 
mental company and served until the close of the 
war. He enterol the army a robust boy, bu 
during his term of service lost his health and now 
never sees a well day. He is residing near Lake 
View, in this county. The thinl son, James, met 
his death at Cedar Springs, June 16, 1863, by 
being scalded through the carelessness of an en- 
gineer. 

The subject of this sketch w.as born in Krie, 
I'a., December 'J, 1836. During his residence in 
Ohio he helped to draw stone to the piers of the 
Michigan Southern Railroad and worked at team- 
ing and in a sawmill. He became a practical saw- 
yer while still very young. When the f.imily 
remove<i in 18ol to Grattan Township, Kent 
County, ihis State, he went right into the milling 
business and had numerous engagements and busi- 
ness connections with the proprietors of the best 
sawmills in that part of the country. He was 
eagerly sought for as head sawyer. During this 
time he met with a serious misfortune in the loss 
of his right eye through a blow received from a 
sharp stick. He w.as foreman in the Whitney mill 
until 1863, when his brother's sad death so unset- 
tled him as to lead him to change his business 
connection. 

In 1861 our subject volunteei-cd into the army, 
but was refused on account of his blind eye. In 
186."^ he bought one-half interest in Kidd's mill 
and after remaining there two years filleil various 
engagements with |>roprietorsof sawmills in numer- 
ous places. He engaged in the manufacture of 
shingles at Crystal Lake, in this county, and with 
a partner, Gilbert Stover, built a gristmill. They 
had a large business, so large that they were 
obliged to put in steam. an<l were making a great 
success of it when an enemy of his partner set fire 
to the mill and it bui-ned down. This left our 
young man badly incumbered with debt. Again 
at Pine Lake he was burned out, ancl then was 
118,000 in debt. 

The confidence of one's friends in one's inteij- 
rity and ability is sometimes like cash in the pocket, 
and it was so in this case. Nothing daunted, Mr. 
Baird bought a tract of land valued nt <i23,000. 
He set up a double-shingle mill with the latest im- 



634 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



provements and backed by moneyed friends went 
to work. Here he obtained the reputation of hav- 
ing the best mill in the State, and was able to 
manufacture shingles at the nominal cost of sixty- 
five cents a thousand. A Big Rapids firm, Foster 
Blaekman & Co. gladly went into partnership with 
him and they built a lumber manufactory and 
l)uslied a large business, but the flame of the de- 
stroyer again pursued him. The whole camp, 
mills and all were burned down. Mr. Baird has 
probably lost a fortune of 1100,000 by fires exclu- 
sive of insurance. 

The firm rebuilt the mills and continued work 
there until all the pine was manufactured. In 1885 
he went to Big Rapids and there contracted with 
Wyraan &. Rumsey to cut over thirty million feet 
of lumber. This occupied him for more than two 
years. After this he went to Rheinlands, Wis., and 
built a large shingle, lumber and lath mill. Here 
he did a large business, cutting over ninety- 
seven thousand feet of lumber, forty-five thou- 
sand shingles and thirty thousand feet of lath a 
day. He then sold his mill and invested the 
money in North Carolina pine lands and removed 
to the old place in Michigan, where his old mill 
stood. This land he has improved and it is now 
a splendid farm. He has always been in general 
merchandise along with his lumber manufacturing. 

Mr. Baird has always found his recreation in the 
cultivation of fine stock. His hobby is horses, of 
which he is a good judge. He raises the Percheron 
and Clydesdale strains and has some fine grades of 
Short-horn and Cialloway cattle. Poland-China hogs 
also engage his attention. He is looking forward 
to building this spring a beautiful and commodious 
home about half a mile from Edmore. His first 
marriage took place near Sand Lake in 1863. His 
wife, who.so maiden name was Julia A. Clark, died 
in 1874, leaving no children. The lady who now 
prcsiiles over his home became Mrs. Baird March 
12, 1882. She was Roxie A., daughter of Henry 
Wilson. Her parents now live at Cedar Spring. 

Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Baird, three of whom, Henry G., Harry W. and S. 
Luvern, arc now living. This gentleman has been 
the most extensive hnnber manufacturer in the 
township. He operated mills for himself twenty 



years and for others even longer than that. He 
is a stanch Republican and a liberal and open- 
hearted citizen. He is ever public-spirited and 
solicitous for the welfare of the community. 



^^^1 



<S^^LI A. COLEMAN. A representative of the 
IW) good old siock of New England, Mr. Cole- 
i t' — -^ man is the eldest son of Beckett Coleman, 
who was born September 29, 1801, in Connecticut. 
When a young man the father was an operative in 
a woolen mill but afterward became a farmer. Our 
subject's mother bore the maiden name of Harriet 
Strattou, and was born in New York May 10, 1806. 
Her father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, 
serving through seven years of hardship and con- 
flict. She was married to Beckett Coleman in New 
York about 1825. After residing therefor some 
years they removed to Huron County, Ohio, where 
they remained until they came to Michigan in 
1844, and settled on section 26, Orange Townshii), 
Ionia County, where our subject now lives. Beck- 
ett Coleman took up eighty acres of timber land 
directly from the United States (iovernraent. Af- 
ter paying for this purchase he vvas empty-handed, 
but with courage and independence he went ahead 
to subdue the wilderness. He built a log house, 
cleared about fifty acres of timber land and be- 
came closely identified with the progress of this 
section. 

Beckett Coleman and his good wife were mem- 
bers of the Free Will Baptist Church, the local 
branch of which be helped to organize. In politics 
he was first a Democrat but later became a Repub- 
lican. A man of temperate habits, through his 
long residence of thirty-four years in the State he 
was an example of manly and upright living. He 
and his wife became the parents of nine children of 
whom four are now living: Our subject was the 
eldest; the others are David E ; Louisa, Mrs. 
Douglas; and Esther, Mrs. John Wells. The 
mother died June 11. 1858, but the father sur- 
vived until May, 1878. 

The subject of this sketch was born September 
20, 1827, in Jefferson County, N. Y. He received 




RETSIQENCE OF ELI A . C LEM AN ,5EC.26. HAi -i u l. iH.,iOuiA CO,,M.L,n 




RESIDESJC!: OF LUTHER H AN DY , SEC. S. D AY T P., M NT C ALM CO.MICH. 




RES I DEN 



/VIS H. FERGUSON ,5LC. 21. ORANGE TR, IONIA CO.,MICH. 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



637 



a common scliool education in Ohio, which has 

been largely supplemented by his studious habits, 
inainlainod throughout manhood. He was nearly 
eighteen years old when his parents ciime to Micli- 
igan and he staid with them until he reached his 
niajoritj'. then leaving home he went to Ottawa 
County and worked in a lumber camp by the month 
for three years. His industry and frugality eii- 
able(J him when he returned to Ionia County to buy 
forty acres of laud, a part of his present farm on 
section 26. It was all wild land, but he has im- 
proved and added to it and has cleared off two hun- 
dred acres for himself. He married December 2, 
1S55, Hannah Jane Smith, a daughter of Eben- 
ezer and Nancy (Merrifielil) Smith, who came to 
Michigan in Territorial days about 1835 and set- 
tled in Oakland County. Afterward they removed 
to Ionia County iu 1813 and made their home in 
Orange Townshii). IMr. Smith lived until 1858, 
his wife surviving him until 1867. They were the 
parents of live sons and three daughters. Their 
daughter, Mrs. Colcmau, was born .lune'25, 1827. 

Kli A. Coleman and his first wife were the par- 
ents of two children — Ella S., born November 6, 
1861, married Edmund Harwood. They live in 
Orange Township and have three children. Ida A., 
who was born July 16, 1863, died January 26, 
18G4. Three of his wife's brotliers, Ebenczer, Milam 
and Ozem Smith served in the civil war. The first 
was an Orderly-Sergeant in the Ninth Jlichigan 
Infantry. Being taken sick he was sent homo on a 
furlough and did not live to return. Milam was 
in the First Kansas Batter}' and was severely hurt 
by an accident. Ozem 3lso served in the Ninth 
Michigan Infantry and now lives in this town- 
ship. 

Mr. Coleman is one of the heroes of the civil 
war, enlisting December 24, 1863, in Companj* K, 
Eirst Michigan Engineers. He was a private and 
was promoted to the rank of Corjioral, serving 
twenty-three months. He participated in the Ten- 
nessee campaign, marching with Sherman to the sea, 
and was present at the surrender of t!en. .lohnstou. 
He took part in the Grand Review at Washington 
in 1865, his regiment being tlie first in the Grand 
March. He was honorably discharged at Jackson, 
Mich., Sc[)tember 30, 1865, and joyfully returned 



to his home and took up work on the farm. Hia 
wife died January 21, 1886. She was an earnest 
and conscientious member of tlie Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

Mr. Coleman w.is a second time married August 
It), 1886, when Macy Lyda, a daughter of Benjamin 
and Mary (Rozcll) Lyda, became his wife. Her 
father was born in Maryland in 1826 and her 
mother in New Jersey in 1828. They were mar- 
ried in Ohio and coming to Michigan in 1865, set- 
tled in Ionia County, in Danby Township, but later 
removed to Portland where they still live. Their 
four children are all living — Frank, Anna, (Mrs. 
Ilolliday), Mrs. Coleman and Jennie. 

The present wife of our subject was born 
December 4, 1862, in Henry County, Ohio. She 
attended school at Portland, and taught for five 
years in this count)', during the last two years in 
the village of Portland. She is the mother of two 
children — Grace H., born July 28, 1887, and Kitty 
Belle July 20, 1889. Both Mr. and Mrs. Coleman 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
which he is a Trustee. For fifteen years he has 
been a meud)er of the School Board. 

As the result of unremitting industry, Mr. Cole- 
man now has two hundred and forty acres of land, 
over two hundred of which are under the plow. He 
has given to his daughter Ella eighty acres of im- 
proved land. His present fine residence, a view of 
which is shown on another page, was erected some 
ten years ago at a cost of ^2,000. Mr. Coleman 
has set out orchards, built substaulial farm build- 
ings and owns fine stock. He carries on mi.xed 
farming and his corn and oats arc all consumed by 
his numerous stock. He is a member of John 
.Mctic.rrah Post, No. 132, G. A. R.. at Portland, 
also of the Patrons of Industry. He has been both 
Drainage Commissioner and Constable of Orange 
Township. Always taking an interest iu politics 
he formerly voted the Repidjlican ticket, but is 
now independent in regard to casting his ballot, 
lie has always been a man of strictly temperate 
habits. His brother Hiram, was also a soldier, en- 
listing at the age of eighteen years and serving in 
a cavalry regiment in the .Slate of Illinois being 
captured by the rebels at Cumberland Gap, he was 
imprisoned at Andcrsonville and died there, Mr, 



638 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Coleman is not content to enjoy bis prosperity 
alone, but is a generous supporter of all good 
movements. He is a friend of all cliurcbes and is 
one to whom a building committee always go 
with confidence of help when there is a new church 
to be built. 



'• « ^- 



kITTHJ;R HANDY, an old settler of Michigan 
and a homesteader of Montcalm County, 
finds himself prosperous and respected, and 
comfortably prepared to enjoy the years which re- 
main to him in life. He is descended from an old 
Connecticut family, his grandfather being a Revo- 
lutionary soldier, and in business a tanner and far- 
mer. He settled in Bioomfield, Ontario County, 
N. Y., wlien his son Russell, our subject's father, 
was only fourteen years old. In later years he re- 
moved to Elmira, N. Y., where he passed the re- 
mainder of his days. 

The father, following in the steps of the grand- 
father of our subject, obeyed the call of his country 
and entered the army in the War of 1812. He w,is 
a Lieutenant in rank, and was raised to the posi- 
tion of Captain. He was offered a promotion to a 
Colonelcy, but this he declined saj-ing he could not 
afford to be a Colonel because he had to treat the 
company too often. However, as they did not ac- 
cept his resignation, to be rid of this onerous honor 
he removed to Allegany and bought a farm, whce 
he remained until his death at the age of sixty 
j'ears. He was always known as Captain Handy. 
He was a l'resb3tcrian in religion, and a Whig in 
politics. The wife of Capt. Handy bore the maiden 
name of Eunice Houghton. Her father was in 
early life a New Hampshire farmer and stockman, 
and removed to Allegany Ccunty, N. Y., at an early 
day. His wife died in Warsaw, Wyoming County, 
N. Y. They were by faith and church connections 
Presbyterians, and became the parents of eight chil- 
dren, four sons and four daughters. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was born 
in Bioomfield, Ontario County, N. Y., April 15, 
1822. He took advantage of what education he 
pould acquire in tb? djstfict schools which were in 



a crude condition, and remained at home until af- 
ter he had reached his majority. His first coming 
to Miciiigan was in 1843, when he traveled as far 
as he could by boat and came on foot the rest of 
the way to Ionia County, stopping a day here and 
there as was necessary, to get a day's work and eain 
something to support him. He reached Orleans 
Township empty handed, and engaged to work for 
Daniel Hoyt on the farm, then an unbroken wild- 
erness. He helped to clear the trees and had many 
adventures with wild game and Indians. In 1840 
he decided to go to Wisconsin, and traveling on 
foot to Grand Haven took a boat to Kenosha, and 
then on foot again to the vicinity of Geneva, where 
he found an opportunity to help about the harvest- 
ing. He wandered about getting work as he could 
in one place and another, and in some places find- 
ing his expenses running quite ahead of the money 
paid him in wages. He finall3^ returned to Jonia 
County- in 1847, where he met his mother and sis- 
ter and went back to New York .State with them. 
His father having died he remained at homo four 
3'ears working the farm. 

Until the year 18.58 the subject of this sketch 
remained in the East, carrying on farming in dif- 
ferent localities. In the fall of that year he was 
again taken with the JNIichigan fever, and coming 
West located in Ionia County. Buj'ing forty acres 
in Orleans Township, he improved and farmed it 
for three }'ears. His health then failed and he was 
assured by physicians that he would never be able 
to do any hard work, so he sold his farm and took 
the rest of the season to rest and recuperate. In 
the fall of 1860 he went to Wisconsin; the rest and 
the change of climate seemed to affect his health 
favorably, and he was able to do some work at 
plowing before his return home. He went back to 
New York .State and remained there for five j'ears 
engaging in farming. In 1861 he volunteered his 
services in the Union armj', but was refused on ac- 
count of his health. 

In 1862 Mr. Handy became the husband of Mrs. 
Maria (Clark) Houghton, daughter of Daniel and 
Betsey Clark, and sister of George F. Clai'k, whose 
sketch appears in this book. In 1867 Mr. Handj' 
and his wife came to Michigan and bought a home- 
stead of ot^e hundred and sixty acres. Five years 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



639 



later they proved up and secured this property. 
They began life in a log cabin which w.is blown 
down, and they had to build again. He has been 
liberal with his family, and given his wife forty 
acres in her own name and forty acres to his stei)- 
son. The latter inherited from his father some 
means which were used to improve the farm, and 
the tract of land was given to him later in return 
for the same. Mr. Handy now has eighty acres of 
finely- improved land with barns and necessary out- 
buildings. L'pon this he carries on general farm- 
ing and stock-raising, keeping Short-horns and good 
grades of sheep, and two teams of excellent draft 
horses for working the farm. His chief crop is in 
potatoes, and in the culture of this crop both he 
and his step-son, Ole J. Houghton, are engaged. 
Mr. and Mrs. Handy are tlie parents of one son, 
Orville, who died at tlie age of nineteen years, and 
for whom the family greatly mourn. 

Mr. Handy is an earnest anil useful member of 
the Congregational Church, and active worker in 
the Suml.i^'-school, helping to organize new schools, 
and serving as .Superintendent and teacher. He is 
a Republican in politics, and is a temperance man. 
He has been a member of tlie School Hoard, having 
served as its Moderator, and his interest in educa- 
tion and religion has induced him to be very help- 
ful in building churches and sclioolhouscs. A view 
of his pleasant home is presented on another page. 

jl? EWIS II. FERGU.SON. In a county that 
il (® contains so man}' linelj-imi)roved farms 
jIL^ and beautiful rural dwellings, it is hard to 
claim pre-eminence for any, but certainl}' any 
traveler through Orange Township, Ionia County, 
would at first glance decide that the estate of the 
subject of this sketch held a cons[>icuous place. 
It comprises a large acreage on section 21, under 
careful tillage and supplied with excellent improve- 
ments. The fine residence, with its attractive rural 
surroundings, is represented by a view on another 
page. It is furnished with all the modern conve- 
niences, and gives evidence in its adornment and 
air of conifort that its interior is presided over by 



a capable and tasteful housewife. Mr. Ferguson is 
the son of the Rev. Levi Ferguson, who was born 
in Vermont in 1808 and enjoyed an enviable 
reputation among his neighbors .as an intelligent 
farmer and local preacher. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject, Mr. 
Austin, W.1S a substantial citizen of Oswego Count}-, 
N. Y., and was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. Among the large family of daughters 
whom he reared was Ursulla, who was born in New 
York. The father of our subject passed through 
many trials and adversities in his early life. When 
only fourteen years of age he walked a distance of 
two hundred miles looking for work, which he 
found in Oswego County, N. Y., with Mr. Austin, 
who afterward became his fatber-in-law. For one 
year he worked at the trade of a blacksmith, and 
remained in that vitinity until he was twenty-five 
years old. He was for some time captain of a 
canal p.acket on the Erie Canal. One day a little 
girl fell overboard, and although he could not 
swim he jumped into the water and saved the child. 
She belonged to a family who were moving to 
Michigan and in later days he met the same family 
in their Western home. He w.as also a captain in 
the New York State militia. 

Levi Ferguson was married to Irsulla Austin 
in Oswego County, and coming West in 1838 set- 
tled at Maple Corners in L3"ons Township. His 
brother-in-law, J. H. I{owe, who came with him 
and settled in the same locality, was also a very 
[)Opular man and w-as Postmaster and hotel-keeper 
for many years at Maple Corners. He was a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church, in which his father 
was a Deacon. About twent^'-seven years ago Mr. 
Howe removed from this community to Hillsdale 
Count}', where he died a few 3'cars later. 

The father of our subject was in real poverty 
when he settled at Maple Corners on an unbroken 
farm. He cut down trees to build a log house, 
cleared his eighty-acre farm and b}' hard work and 
strict economy finally acquired two hundred acres. 
He was a man of sterling sense and good natural 
ability, but with little learning. He was one of 
the pioneer preachers of this scctiim, beginning this 
work when about thirty years of age and being 
ordained as a mini.ster in the >{ethodist Episcopal 



640 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALEUM. 



Church. He used to travel about fifteen miles in 
every direction from his home, meeting preaching 
appointments. He once sent Lewis, tlien a boy, 
ten miles to tell a congregation that he could not 
be there, and for theic to go on and hold prayer- 
meeting. He preached about forty years, and was 
finally called to his heavenly home in 1885. His 
good wife had gone before him in 1862. They 
were the parents of two children, the brother of 
our subject being Larmon Pilcher Ferguson, who 
is a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
residing in Miami County, Kan. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch 
first saw the light of day in Oswego County, N. Y., 
December 1, 1834. He was but three and a half 
years old when he came to Michigan, traveling 
from Detroit to the new home on a prairie schooner. 
After taking a common-school education he entered 
Olivet College for one term and took two terms in 
Albion College. When he reached his majority he 
hired out to his father and workeil for him for four 
years, being thus enabled to purchase forty acres 
of land, partly improved. He then married in 
April, 1857, Mary, one of the daughters of Nelson 
and Sophia (Pangborn) Tuttle. (See sketches of 
William Adgate, Almon Tuttle and Stewart Town- 
send which will be found elsewhere in this vol- 
ume.) Mrs. Ferguson was born October 22, 1840, 
in Palmyra, Ohio, and is a lady of refinement and 
culture. 

Mr. Ferguson improved and added to his farm 
until he had one hundred and sixty broad and pro- 
ductive acres. In 1870 he took the western fever 
and going to Kansas rented a farm in Johnson 
County' and remained there two years, but his fam- 
ily connections and happy remembrances of early 
life drew him back to Michigan, and returning he 
took an unimproved farm, nearly all timber, with 
only five acres under the plow. Here he has car- 
ried on mixed farming, erected a fine home and 
first-class farm buildings, increasing his acreage 
largely and is about to retire from active service. 
To him and his good wife have been born fire chil- 
dren, namely: Sophia, Mrs. C. I. Goodwin, the 
mother of three children, lives on section 16; Otis 
L., who married Mary Carbaugh, is the father of 
one phild and resjdgs jq Orange Township; Emery 



T. is operating the home farm and remains under 
the parental roof; William married Allie Ritten- 
burgh and lives on the home farm with their two 
children; and Elton L., now eight years of age. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Fergu- 
son has been a Steward. Socially he is a member 
of the Patrons of Industry and is in all respects a 
public-spirited man. He is a member of the School 
Board and deeply interested in politics, voting the 
Republican ticket. He is a very strong temper- 
ance man and leans to prohibition. Mr. Ferguson's 
ability to break and train young horses is some- 
thing remarkable and he is daily proving that the 
lower animals are directly amenable to education, 
lie has nineteen head of horses and breeds the 
Hambletonian stock. At the head of his stud 
stands a splendid six-j'ear-old dapple-bay stallion, 
"Medon Goodrich,'' by "Chauncy Goodrich" by 
"Marshall Chief." This young horse is one of the 
finest in the West, in style, build and disposition, 
and a better broken horse can nowhere be found. 
Mr. Ferguson has traineil horses for over thirty 
years and is eminently successful in this line of 
work. 



\¥'OIIN D. HARRINGTON is the oldest settler 
in Day Township, Montcalm County. He 
first came here in 1862, and has for more 
Ij^j// than thirty years occupied a prominent place 
in the community. Both his father William and 
his grandfather Richard were natives of Rutland, 
Vt., of English descent. The grandfather who was 
born in 1756, was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
army, and fought all through the war. After that 
he removed to Portage, now in Summit County, 
Ohio, and opened a large farm of two hundred anil 
sixty acres. He was a famous hunter and fisher in 
his day. The father of our subject, although only 
a boy of twenty-one when he went to Ohio, had 
seen service like a veteran, being one of the Green 
Mountain boys in the War of 1812. He bought a 
farm in Ohio and improved it. In 1853 he came 
to this State and settled in Woodbridgc Township, 
Hillsdale County, on a farm of tvyo hundred and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



G4I 



forty acres. Here he resirled, workinsir ami improv- 
ing the f.irm until August 24, 18C2. 

The mother of our subject was Mary, daughter 
of David Crawford. She was born in Rutland, Vt., 
and was of Scotch-Irish descent. Her father was a 
farmer who came to Summit County, Ohio, many 
years ago, and died in Portage County, tlie same 
Slate. Her motiier's last days were spent in tiie 
same county, an<l she passed from earth in Feb- 
ruary, 1848. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Talmage, Ohio, in 1823, Decern Iter 10 being his 
natal day. Here he spent his youth, helping to clear 
the land and improve the farm. When eighteen 
years old he apprenticed himself in a woolen manu- 
facturing establishment at Middleburj'. He was 
here eighteen months and began at coloring and 
worked his way up to the finer grades of work. 
Tlien he went to Monroe Falls, and after that to 
Chagrin Falls. Then he went to the factories in 
Akron, and remained until the year 1802, when he 
engaged in shipping coal to Cleveland. In 1853 he 
came to Michigan bringing his goods by team to 
Hillsdale County. He was accompanied by his 
brother with another team, and the balance of the 
family came by boat and rail. 

Mr. Harrington bought a farm of forty acres in 
Wooilbridge Township, which he proceeded to im- 
prove. He also purchased a threshing machine, but 
he did not remain here long. In the fall of 18C4 
he sold out his property and removed to Montcalm 
County. He was agrcat huntsman, and oncekilletl 
a bear in Douglas Townsliip. In 186.") he settled 
in Day Township, where he bought eighty acres 
of land, covered by pine and hardwood. There 
were no sawmills there, and very poor roads. He 
had to cut his wa^- into the timber, and haul out 
the logs. After awhile he added eighty acres more 
of adjacent land, but has now disposed of all but 
•forty-five acres, which border on llemmcnway Lake. 
When he settled here the Chippewa Inilinns were 
all about them. 

Mr. Harrington has a fine farm, raising good 
grades of stock, and liaving all improvements and 
out-buildings in first-class condition. He makes a 
specialty also of bee culture. He has spent a good 
deal of time in the logging business, and has run 



an engine at Weston. The wife of his youth was 
Miss Kllen Sickler. of Akron, Ohio. Their mar- 
riage took place in 1848, and she died while they 
were living in Hillsdale County, leaving three chil- 
dren: William; Kdwin, who has since died; and 
KImer 15. His second wife, Hosetla Robb, was born 
in Pennsylvania, and died in Hillsdale County, Au- 
gust, 1865, only two years after their marriage. 
The present Mrs. Harrington was before her mar- 
riage with our subject, Mrs. Martha Duel. She was 
a daughter of Lloyd F. Smith, a native of Massa- 
chusetts, who came to New York when a l)oy. 
There he engaged in farming and coopering, and in 
1855 came to.Iackson. Mich., where he wasemploye<l 
in the cooper's trade. He resided in different towns 
in Michigan, and sjient some time in Kansas and 
Arkansas. Of his nine children, the eldest was the 
wife of our subject. Hy her first marriage she was 
the mother of one child. Her second marriage gave 
her four ciiildren, all of whom are at home, except 
the eldest daughter, who is deceased. 

The subject of this sketch has held many posi- 
tions of trust in the community where he lives. He 
has long been Justice of the Peace, Highw.ay Com- 
missioner and School Trustee. He helped to build 
the first schoolhouse in the district. Since the pres- 
ent re-districting of the township, he has been Treas- 
urer of the new district. He is a true blue Repub- 
lican, and quite frequently serves his party as dele- 
gate to county and State conventions. He is the 
oldest remaining settler in Day Township, and is 
universally respected for his ability and character. 



^l^xAUL GALK. A traveler throughout Ionia 
County will see many beautiful farms, any 
one of whicii might be taken as an ideal 
rural liome. Amoig those of Portland 
Township that of the gentleman above named is 
conspicuous for its commodious resilience, accom- 
(laiiying outbuildings and orderly arrangement. 
The estate consists of one hundred and twenty acres 
which has been transformed into a beautiful tract 
by years of toil and careful oversight. The natural 



IL 



642 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



fertility of the soil has been retained bj' a proper 
rotation of crops and tiie use of such fertilizing 
agents and means of drainage as its situation and 
surface required. 

Orange County, N. Y., claims Paul Gale as one 
of her sons, -he having been born there July 19, 
1829. He is a son of vSamuel E. and Martha (Locli- 
wood) Gale and iiis father was a farmer and a 
soldier of 1812. When he was nine years old our 
subject went to live with an elder brother, who was 
a farmer and merchant, owning three hundred acres 
of land and a store stocked with general merchan- 
dise. The lad was emploj^ed in the store in the 
capacity of a clerk until he was seventeen j'ears 
old, when he went to learn the trade of a carpenter 
and joiner. He worked at this handicraft fourteen 
years. In 1856 he came to this State to visit a 
sister and his first work here was for A. F. More- 
house, lie subsequently formed a partnership with 
Joel Colbj' and put up a machine for cutting staves, 
which was the first of its kind in Portland. The 
firm carried on a cooper shop in which ten hands 
were employed and made about ten tliousand bar- 
rels per year. 

The connection continued about two years, when 
the sickness of Mr. Gale caused him to abandon 
the work, and he sold out to his partner, who con- 
tinued the business for a number of j'ears. For 
two years Mr. Gale clerked in Portland, but, his 
health continuing poor, he returned to his native 
State with a view to recruiting his strength. There 
he worked at his trade — carpentry — during the 
summer and at canalboat-Ijuilding in the winter. 
At the expiration of a twelvemonth he had so im- 
proved in health that he returned to this State. 
He bought eighty acres adjoining a forty he al- 
ready owned, and here he has remained, devoting 
bis attention to the cultivation and improvement 
of his property, to the jo\'s of domestic and social 
life, and the duties that devolve upon all good 
citizens. 

In 1878 the present dwelling of Mr. Gale was 
erected, but the wife, partner of his joys and sor- 
rows for so many years, was destined to preside 
over it but a short time. The j'ear after its erec- 
tion she was smitten by death's relentless hand, 
leaving her husband to bear his lot alone. Mrs. 



Gale was a daughter of Joel Colby and became 
tlie wife of our subject in September, 1858. Their 
marriage was blest by the birth of three children : 
Delia, wife of L. L. Smith, whose home is in the 
town of Portland; Hattie, wife of Asa Newman of 
the same place; and Chelsa, who died in childhood. 
Mr. Gale is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and for a score of years he and his wife 
worshipped together in the church at Portland. 
Mrs. Gale was a member of the congregation and 
was as earnest a believei and faithful a disciple as 
her husband. 



^^^^»" 



(fSAAC EMERSON THACHER, who is a well- 
11 known resident of Ionia, Ionia County, was 
/li born in North Wrentham, Mass., October 10, 
1833, and comes of excellent parentage. It was 
characteristic of the dwellers in New England to 
make mental acquirements prominent, and even 
those who had but limited school privileges were 
well grounded in practical branches, and all were 
instructed in high principles of living and imbibed 
the love of libert}' and justice with the air of their 
native hills and valleys. He of whom we write 
was given a good education prior to his seventeenth 
year, when he began his apprenticeship at his trade 
in Virgil, Cortland County, N. Y. 

Mr. Thacher came to Michigan in 1855, but 
soon after went to Henry County, 111., where he 
sojourned two and a half years. He then returned 
to Ionia and was married, October 2, 1860, to 
Miss Harriet Yeomans, daughter of Judge Eras- 
tus Yeomans, then a prominent resident of this 
county and now deceased. After his marriage 
Mr. Tliaciier turned his attention to fanning and 
for five years carried on the farm of his father-in- 
law, and with that exception has given his attention 
to his trade. He is a man who has been true to 
every obligation in life, and earnest and faithful 
in religious work, being a member of the Presby- 
terian Church and a Deacon in the congregation 
since 1870. He votes the Republican ticket; he 
belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
and is now Master Workman in that order. The 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



643 



cliildren born of tlie above union were four in num- 
ber anil were named respectively: Henrietta. Ilar- 
land Erastus; Morris, who died in infancy-; and 
Mary Myrtie. Tbe first-born died in December, 
187;{; llarland is a machinist in the Detroit, Lan- 
sing & Northern Railroad shops in Ionia, and 
Mar^' is at present engaged in teaching. Mrs. 
Thacher is also a meml)er of the Presliyterian 
Churcli, as is also their daughter Mary. 

The Tliaciicrs are a family of preachers, there 
not only being fouj' in the direct line of ancestors 
of our subject, but others of the same name and 
nearly related being ministers .is well. His early 
ancestor in America came to tliis country' from 
Salisburj-. England, and was the first pastor of the 
Old South Church, Boston. Peter Thacher, son of 
that gentleman, was also a minister and left nine 
children, the eldest of whom bore his father's name' 
and followed the same calling. In the family of 
this second Peter Tluicher was a son, Obadiah, 
whose natal day was July 31, 1757, and whose 
family has the following record: Elizabeth, born 
Miiy 7, 178i; Peter June 21, 1785; Stephen llicli- 
ardson, July II, 1787; Thomas, December 31, 
1789; Sarah Fisher (an adopted daughter) May 28, 
1790; Moses, November 11, 1795; Hannah, July 
31, 1799; Tyler, September 11, 1801; and Philena, 
August 30, 1803. 

'I'he birthplace of Jloses Thacher, whose natal d.iy 
is given above, was Princeton, Mass., but when he 
was eight years old his father removed to Penn- 
sylvania. There, during a revival, he m.ade a 
public proftssion of religion. Anxious to obtain a 
liberal education with a view to entering the min- 
istry, in April, 1814, he left his father's house with 
his pack upon his back and traveled on fool three 
hundred miles to Providence, R. I., arriving there 
with only lifly cents in his pocket. He sought 
employment and found it at ^12 per month, and 
subseiiuently went to work in one of the factories 
of the place. At the same time he entered upon a 
preparatory course of study with the Uev. N. Hol- 
man, and finally entered Brown rniversity, from 
which he w.as graduated in 1821. 

With the Rev. Otis Thompson, of Heliobotli. 
R. I., Mr. Thacher studied theology, and in 1823 
be was licensed to prcacli. The following year he 



was ordained to the ministr}' and installed as pas- 
tor of the Congregational Church of North Wrent- 
ham, M.1SS., and the relation continued until 1832, 
when he became pastor of a new society organized 
there. Four years later he left New England for 
Pennsylvania, and in Susquehanna and Bradford 
he had charge of Presbyterian churches several 
years. Thence he went to New York and in that 
State he ministered to various churches until 18C6, 
when he fallowed a son to Illinois. He organized 
a church at Munson, in Henry County, III., and 
supplied its pulpit two years, and this pastorate 
closed his active labors in the ministerial field. 

The active work of the Rev. Mr. Thacher ex- 
tended over a period of fort3'-six years and much 
of it was extremely laborious. His work was 
richly owned of God and many stars of rejoicing 
will be his on the last great day, when the verdict 
will be pronounced and the "well done" sound in 
the ears of the faithful Christians. While at North 
Wrentham. Mass., the Rev. Mr. Thacher edited a 
religious and anti-Masonic paper called the Boston 
Telegraph. He was an early anti-slavery man, 
and he was one of the twelve "good men and 
true" — the number including William Lloyd Garri- 
son, Oliver Johnson and others — who on January 
6, 1832, in the African schoolroom on "Nigger 
Hill" in the city of Boston, formed the New Eng- 
land Anti-Slavery Society. The first official a<l- 
dress of the organization to the public w.os from 
the pen of Mr. Thacher, and it was pronounced by 
Mr. Johnson to be "a striking and powerful docu- 
ment." His home was one of tiie stations of the 
"underground railroad." 

In August, 1868, the Rev. Mr. Thacher suffered 
a sunstroke, from the effects of which he never 
recovered, mentally or physicall3'. The remainder 
of his life was spent peacefully and quietly, 'uit his 
usefulness did not cease, his time being divided 
between his son in Illinois and his daughter in 
Ionia, Mich. He breathed his last in Cambridge, 
III., July 21, 1878. Of "Father" Thacher, as he 
was lovingly called in his later years, it may well 
be said, "Blessed are the dend who die in the Lord ; 
yea, for they rest from their labors and their works 
do follow them." 

The year that saw him licensed to preach was 



644 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



that during which the Rev. Mr. Tliaclier took a 
wife. On September 22, 1823, he was married to 
Miss Henrietta Willmarth, of Attleboro, Mass., 
and the happy wedded life extended over a period 
of forty-five years. The husband was called to 
part with his beloved companion in September, 
1868. To them had been born five children, the 
youngest of whom is the subject of this biographi- 
cal sketch and a worthy representative of the fam- 
ily name. The others were: Moses Willmarth, who 
died in Illinois November 3, 1882, while keeping 
an hotel, although he had formerly been a farmer; 
Stephen Richardson, an insurance agent now living 
in tiie State of Iowa; Martha, wife of N. E. Smith, 
and mentioned at length on another page of this 
volume. She died October 9, 1889. Slie was also 
a memljer of the Presbyterian Church. Thomas 
Henry is a resident of Lincoln, Neb. 

We clip the following from an article published 
January 18, 1870, in one of the papers in Sacra- 
mento, Cal., on the occasion of the death of the 
Rev. Tyler Thacher December 4, 1869, by the 
Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D. D. In speaking of him he 
refers to him as one of the eminent clergj-men of 
the State. We append the following in regard to 
his family history: 

"Tyler Thacher was born in Princeton, Mass. 
September 11, 1801; graduated at Brown Univer- 
sity in 1824, studied theology with the Rev. Otis 
Thompson, was licensed by the Mendon Associa- 
tion April 26, 1825, ordained as an Evangelist by 
the same association at North Wrentham. December 
4, 1827, installed pastor of the church in Hawley, 
Mass., May 14, 1834, as colleague with the Rev. 
Jonathan Grant, and was dismissed January 31, 
1843. Subsequent to his dismissal he preached as 
a stated supply at North Wrentham. 

"On the 20th of September, 1851, after a vo}- 
age of ten and a half months, he arrived with his 
fnmily in California, where he has remained ever 
since, teaching a portion of llie time and preaching 
to feeble churches or in neighborhoods where there 
were no churches. For the last six or eight years 
he has given his exclusive attention to the ministry. 
"Such a mind as 'Father' Thacher's works mainly 
interiorly, and gives few of its results to the public. 
Yet during his long sea voj'age he discovered 'a 



new method of determining the longitude at sea 
without recourse to the chronometer," and at 
different times he published articles of great vigor 
on issues then occupying the attention of the relig- 
ious world: as, 'Taylorism Examined,' 'Arminian- 
ism Examined,' 'Perfectionism Examined,' 'Chris- 
tianity and Infidelity." 

In the 'History of Churches and Ministers in 
Franklin County, Mass.,' by the Rev. T. Packard, 
from which several of the preceding facts are de- 
rived, there arc certain statements concerning the 
ministerial element in Mr. Thacher's ancestry, 
which I will transcribe as of great interest. "His 
paternal grandfather was the Rev. Peter Thacher, 
of East Attleboro,' who was the son of the Rev. 
Peter Thacher, of Middleboro,' who was the grand- 
son of the Rev. Peter Thacher, of Milton, who was 
the great-grandson of the Rev. Thomas Thacher, 
of Boston, who was the great-great-grandson of the 
Rev. Peter Thaclier, of Salisbury, England, and the 
last-named Peter Thacher's ancestors in England 
are said to have been ministers for nine or ten suc- 
cessive generations.' The Rev. T. Thacher leaves 
one brother, who is a minister, the Rev. Moses 
Thacher." 



^|/ACOB G. SUMMERS, an enterprising cili- 
I zen of Sheridan, Montcalm County, is in his 

j life an exemplification of the oft-repeated 

(^^// proverb that "there is no royal road to suc- 
cess," but it is also evident that in America pov- 
erty in boyhood is no bar to prosperity in maturer 
years. Our subject was born in Oakland County, 
Mich., on July 19, 1842. He is the son of William 
and Elizabeth (Young) Summers, both of New 
Jersey. Our subject resided at home with his 
father on the farm until he was twenty-one years 
of age, having but scanty advantages for obtaining 
an education as the country schools of that day 
were very poor and he was never able to go away 
from liome to school. 

At twenty-one years of age Jacob G. Summers 
rented a farm and began for himself, remaining on 
that farm until seventeen years ago, when in the 




^^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOURAPHIOAL ALBUM. 



647 



spring of 1874 lie icmoved to Montcalm County- 
and estal)lislic(l himself in the village of Sheridan. 
He began speculating in lands. When the village 
was incoipoiatcd he was elected Street Commis- 
sioner; this was in 187G. From 1880 to 1881 he 
served as United Slates Deputy- Marshal of this 
district under the appointment of Marstial James 
Monroe. About this time he was jnit forward for 
the oflice of County Sheriff and was elected by an 
overwhelming majority'. Other candidates on the 
same ticket were elected by about one hundred 
majority, while this young man received thirteen 
iinndred majority. lie filled the oHice for two 
terms after which he would have been re-elected 
again, had it not been that the law forbids a third 
term in that office, lie resided at Stanton during 
those four years. 

After he returned to .Sheridan, Mr. Summers be- 
gan farming and milling, ile has a hamlsome farm 
of eighty acres, just outside the limits of Sheridan, 
which is in a high state of cultivation and upon 
which he has an elegant farm house and commodious 
barns and outbuildings. He is the owner and oper- 
ator of the Sheridan Roller Mills which have a 
capacity of sixty barrels per day. .Some years ago 
he was himself an employe of this very mill, doing 
a common laborer's work. 

The marriage of Jacob Summers. June 2S, IKOl, 
to Mary Hartum, daughter of William Ilarlum, of 
Oakland County, was an event of great interest to 
all the friends. To them have been born two chil- 
ilren: S. Clay, born March 9, 18G3; .May, April I), 
\S6i). Tlis son has been married to Kdith Willit, 
of Montcalm County and the daughter is the wife 
of Lewis C. Welch, of Detroit. Our subject is a 1 
strong adherent of Republican principles, and be- ' 
longs to the Masonic order; he is a member of 
Stanton Chapter, No. 1 10, R. A. M. 



•^^E 



^^^ 



EDWIN R. BKRRY. The portrait presented 
on the opposite page, will be recognized by 
• many of our readers as that of a gentleman 

who is extensively engaged in raising horses and 
sheep, giving special attention to Clydesilale horses. 



He has lived in Michigan since he was eleven years 
old, and for a number of years his interests have 
been in Ionia County. In 1882 be bought ninety 
acres of land on section 8, Otisco Township, where 
he is now pursuing the labors of life, surrounded 
by manifestations of good judgment aTid prosperity. 
He W!is born in Bradford County, Pa., January 26, 
183'J, but is descendeii from old New York and 
Vermont families. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
John and Elizabeth (Klliott) Berr^-, natives of \'er- 
monl and New York. His father was Joseph, who 
was born in New York, but in his early life went 
to Pennsylvania, and was marrie<l in Bradford 
County-, February 8, 1838, to Caroline Galusha. In 
1850 that couple came to this Slate and bought a 
Gfty-acre farm, but sold it in a short time, buying 
instead one hundred and twenty acres in Eureka, 
and one hundred and sixty in Oaklield Township, 
Kent County. On the latter they made their per- 
manent home. Notwithstanding his advanced years 
Mr. Berry entered the Cnion army, enlisting in 
18(;4 in Compan}- B, Twenty-fifth Michigan In- 
fantry, and died while in the service, December 1st 
of that year. 

The wife of Joseph Bcrr}' was a daughter of Oli- 
ver and -Vbigail ^^Curtis) Galusha, natives of New 
York. They came to this State in 1805, and Mr. 
Galusha died in Kent County in 1873, and .Mrs. 
Galusha in 1880. Their home was on a farm, agri- 
culture being the lifework of the husband. He was 
a solilier in the War of 181^. To Joseph Berry 
and his wife the following children were born: 
Edwin R., Betsey, Harriet, John, Nancy, George 
and Charles. Harriet and Nancy now live in Beld- 
ing; John and (ieorge arc farmers in Kent County; 
Charles is night watchman in a silk mill in Beld- 
ing; and Betsey is deceased. 

The gentleman wiili whose name we iiitrodncc 
these paragra[)lis w.as a lad of eleven years when he 
aecomi)anieil bis parents to this .State, anil he re- 
mained with them until he was of age. He then 
followed farming for a year, after which he laid 
aside the implements of his peaceful occupation, 
doiineil the army blue and went forth to battle for 
his country. He enlisted August 8, 1,SG2, and was 
discharged June 25, 1805. As a member of Com- 



648 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



pany B, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, he did 
gallant service during the Atlanta campaign and 
elsewhere, among the prominent battles in which he 
fought being Kingston, Resaca, Nashville, Kenesaw 
Mountain, Atlanta and Altoona. 

When Mr. Berry went to Southern battlefields 
he left behind him a young bride, formerly Miss 
Frances Tower. Their marriage rites were solemn- 
ized August 30, 18C2, in Otisco Township. Mrs. 
Berry is a daughter of Josejjh and Philura (Bald- 
win) Tower, natives of New York who came to 
Michigan at an early day and located in Oakland 
County. The widowed mother is now liying in 
Belding and has reached a ripe old age, being in 
her seventy-ninth year. 'J"he father died in 1875. 
Mr. and Mrs. Berrj' have two children, Lena and 
Joe, both at home. Joe, a youth of eighteen years, 
w.as graduated from the Belding High School in the 
Class of 91. 

As would naturally be supposed Mr. Berry be- 
longs to the Grand Arm^' of the Republic, his Post 
being Dan S. Root, No. 126. He is also a member 
of the Patrons of Industry, and belongs to Beld- 
ing Lodge, No. 32, A. O. U. W. In politics he is 
an uncompromising Republican. He has been 
Higiiway Commissioner two years, and has done 
much iu improving the facilities for travel. 

— ^— ^^— ^— 

AVID E. COLEMAN, whose home farm 
** is on section 29, Orange Township, Ionia 
County, is the son of Beckett Coleman, a 
woolen manufacturer and farmer, who was 
born in Connecticut about 1805, and of Harriet 
(Stratton) Coleman, born in 1817, in New York. 
The parents of our subject were married in New 
York State and resi<ied there until 1837, when they 
removed to Huron C^ounty, Ohio, and in 1844 came 
to Michigan and settled on section 26, of Orange 
Township. This farm when taken from the Gov- 
ernment was all raw land, and the settlers had plontj' 
of neighbors of a certain kind — bears, wolves and 
deer, with Indians for variety. 

Mr. Coleman and his two sons built a log house 
with iHincheon floor, and cleared their eighty acres 



of trees. They struggled successfully with the 
discouragements and trials of a pioneer life, and 
from their deep poverty have arisen to a comfort- 
able competency and the possession of a pleasant 
home. Mr. Coleman lost his wife in 1859, and 
afterward married Phrebe (Stratten) Coulson, dying 
in 1875. His second wife lived until 1878. There 
were no children V>y"the second marriage. The first 
Mrs. Coleman was the mother of Eli A., David E., 
Louisa. Mrs. Douglas; and Esther R., Mrs. John 
Wells, who are all living. George, William, Hiram 
J., Lucy and Ruth are deceased. Hiram J. enlisted 
in the Ninth Michigan Infantry, and after a year's 
service in the late war was taken prisoner and 
paroled. Returning home he went to Illinois and 
enlisted in the Sixth Illinois Cavalry. He was 
again taken prisoner and died in Andersonville. 
The parents of our subject were Free Will Baptists, 
and the father was a Republican for years before 
his death. 

The subject of this notice was born October 7, 
1829, in Jefferson County, N. Y., where he received 
a common-school education, and at fifteen j-ears of 
age came to Michigan with his parents and helped 
his father on the farm until he reached his majority. 
He then began work for himself, but staid at home 
until after his mother's death. He first bought 
forty acres of raw land on section 26, but after- 
ward purchased eighty acres on section 27, and 
traded off his original forty acres. He built a log 
house and began clearing off the land, and had 
about forty acres cleared at the time of his mar- 
ri.age. This important event took place December 
23, 1860. His wife bore the maiden name of Phi- 
lena N. Smith, and was a daughter of Ebenezer F. 
and Nancy (Merrifield) Smith, both of New York 
State. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had emigrated to 
Michigan in 1828, and were pioneers of Oakland 
County. 

When the Smith family first came to Michigan 
they settled upon what appeared to be an aban- 
doned sugar camp of the Indians. In the spring 
they were startled by finding themselves sur- 
rounded with the Indians, but they were able to 
compromise the matter and had no trouble with 
their savage neighbors. In 1844 they came to 
Ionia County, where they made their permanent 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



649 



home. Mr. Smith was an officer in the Toledo 
War. lie dicil iu June, 1862, at the age of fifly- 
eiglit years. His wife died in 18G6, in iier lifty- 
ninlli year. They were tlie parents of eijjht ciiildrcn : 
Klionezer F., Jr., and William T., defeased; George 
J.; Milam G.; Hannah J., deceased; Philena N., 
Mrs. Coleman; Ozera M.; and Mary K., Mrs. S. W. 
Rillenburgh. Three of these sons, Ebenezer F., 
Milam G. and Ozem M., were soldiers in the Civil 
War. Elienezer F. served for nine months in the 
Ninth Michigan Infantry', and coming iionie sick 
died in 1862. The parents of lliese ciiildren were 
members of the liaptis'- Church, and they took an 
an active part in church and .Sunday-scliool. 

Mrs. Coleman was born July 9, 1839, in Oakland 
County, Mich. After marriage she settled with her 
husband upon a farm on section 27, where tliey 
resideil until 1887, when they removed to their 
present home. He had cleared off one hundred 
acres on the old farm, and now has forty acres of 
improved land on Ids new place. Mr. and Mrs. 
Coleman were the parents of two children: Fda, 
horn June 21, 1869, is the wife of John A. Sullen- 
brirger; they live with our subject and are tlie 
parents of three children — Emma I.. Carrie a>)d 
Orman. The second child, Archie, born October 
7, 1874, died February 1, 1882. Mrs. Coleman is 
a member of the Free Will Baptist Church. Her 
liusband takes an interest in politics and votes the 
Hcpublican ticket, and is a member of the Patrons 
of Industry. Mr. Coleman has had excellent 
health and prospcritj', except that in March, 1850, 
he broke his right thigh and w-is laid up for four 
months. 



li^^l^B^K 



^^^EORGE F. CLARK is one of the mos 
ll ,— . prominent young business men of Wrstvilh 
'^\^j| Montcalm County. Although he lias nc 



one of the most 

,-ille, 

:iot 

long been a resident of the village he is thoroughly 
liked and .admired by all, and on account of his 
ollicial work in the post-ollice he is known by 
every one. He is an ardent Republican and will 
probably i)e a strong factor in local politics. He 



fine farm of forty acres adjoining the village. 
Upon this farm is a handsome residence and excel- 
lent outbuildings. His fatlier, Daniel Clark, was 
born in New York; his grandfather, Reuben was 
a solflier in the War of 1812, wliile his grand- 
father on his mother's side was an eaily settler in 
Livingston County, N. Y., and later of Allegany 
County, N. Y. He was a cooper and farmer and 
was the son of Thomas Bennett, who was the owner 
of the Housatonic bridge. This old-timer kept an 
hotel in Connecticut and entertained La Fayette 
and other Revolutionary heroes many a time. The 
family is of English descent. The mother of our 
subject remendjers the Seneca Indians very well 
and could talk with them in their own language. 
She now resides with her son in Westville and is 
an earnest and efficient member of the Baptist 
Church. 

The subject of this sketch is one of eleven chil- 
dren of the parental family; there were six girls 
and five boys. The girls were all teachers, having 
graduated at the High School. Alma taught thirty- 
three terms, and the record of the six daughters 
together counted upsixty seven terms. The daugh- 
ters were by name Matilda, Emily, Alma, Maria, 
Adell and Helen. The live sons were Stephen, 
Arthur, Daniel, Henry and George. Our subject 
w.is born in Granger, Allegany County, N. Y., 
January 29, 1852. and had the common-school 
advantages. When he was twenty-one he took the 
home farm in partnership witli his father, but the 
next year he went to Nebraska and bought a farm 
of one hundred and si.xly acres in Saunders County, 
but he was not contented there and sold his farm 
at the first opportunity and going to Iowa lor'ated 
near Indian Creek and remained there for some 
lime. Three years from the time he left home 
ho returned, and again took charge of his father's 
farm, which he carried on until July, 1887. In 
the meantime his father had been called away from 
this life, lie then came to Day Township. Mont- 
calm County, and bought the farm and residence 
where he now lives and also some lols in the vil- 
lage of Westville. In the spring of 18S9 he was 
elected Justice of the Peace and in December, 
1890, took his position in the post-olfice. He is 



fills the position of Justice of the Peace and has a i active and earnest in whatever he undertakes and 



650 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tbere are no half-way measures with hitii. Daniel 
O. Clark, brother of our subject, was a member of 
Company H, One hundred and Thirty-sixth New 
York Regiment, in the late war and served three 
years, until the close of the war, winning an hon- 
orable record as a soldier, and is now a farmer in 
Allegany County, N. Y. 



APT. E. M. ALLEN is a gentleman of 
marked military talents of no mean order, 
and in the late Civil War he had an oppor- 
tunity' of developing this disposition. His farailj' 
were of long standing and high renown and as we 
trace back their history we find them full of pa- 
triotism, struggling for the freedom of their coun- 
try in the Revolutionary War. At successive 
periods they are always found loyal to their coun- 
try. Their devoted ambition to home and native 
land as ^matter of course descended to the son, 
and we naturally Find him acting with great single- 
ness of purpose and zeal in his various positions 
as an officer in the Civil War. 

Capt. Allen was the only son of Peter and Jane 
(Maynard) Allen and was born in Williamson, 
Wayne County, N. Y., November 18, 1840. The 
home of the father of_Capt. Allen was during slav- 
ery days a depot for the underground railroad and 
when the Captain was a boy he carried fugitives 
to Pultneyville, a little port on Lake Ontario from 
which they sailed to Canada. His ancestors were 
from Dutchess County, where they were loyal and 
liberal supporters of the American cause in the 
Revolution. The paternal great-grandfather of 
Capt. Allen during the Revolution loaned the Gov- 
ernment money toaid in sustaining it, which was 
never paid hack to him, while his maternal grand- 
father was a soldier in the War of 1812. 

E. M. Allen was reared on a farm but was more 
anxious to secure an education than to do the 
drudgery of farm labor, hence took an active inter- 
est in his studies. At seventeen years of age he 
became a teacher in a district school in Ingham 
County, Mich., but after the first winter returned 
to New York, where he attended the Marion Colle- 



giate Institute. He was here a pupil and teacher 
in all more than four 3'ears, alternating attendance 
with teaching to enable him to meet expenses. He 
was engaged in this school as teacher when the war 
broke out. While pursuing his studies in the 
Sophomore Class, at his country's call he bade good- 
bye to his school and in October, 1861, enlisted in 
Company I, Ninety-eighth New York Infantr3^ 
He served through the war and was discharged 
with the rank of Captain of the same company in 
which he enlisted. 

At the organization of the company he was 
elected Second, then First Lieutenant and subse- 
quently promoted to the Captaincy. He was with 
his company with McClellan in the Peninsular 
campaign and after this was ended was sent to 
North and South Carolina, where he served until 
1864, when they were sent to the Department of the 
James. He marched with the Eighteenth Corps to 
meet Grant at Cold Harbor, and was engaged in 
the siege of Petersburg, participated in the fight at 
the mine and crossed the James with Butler to 
attack the defences on the north side of the river; 
was wounded in the charge upon and capture of 
Ft. Harrison. His was one of the very first regi- 
ments to enter Richmond and it was Adjutant J. 
K. R. Oakley of his regiment who first raised the 
Stars and Stripes over the State House in Virginia, 
and although history gives the honor elsewhere, the 
truth is, his regimental flag was taken down and 
replaced by another — after the order of Americus 
Vespucius' usurpation of the name of Columbia. 

At the close of the war, like Cincinnatus,Capt. Al- 
len returned to the plow and was engaged in farm- 
ing when he was elected Superintendent of Schools 
for one half of Wayne County, N.Y., having charge 
of one hundred and four districts, a position which 
he held for six years. In 1874 he came to Port- 
land, Mich., where in connection with Mr. May- 
nard he commenced the banking business under the 
firm name of Maynard & Allen, which business 
still continues. 

While at home on a furlough, November 29, 
1863, Mr. Allen was married to Miss Annie C, 
daughter of Robert and Electa Smith, of Will- 
iamson, Wayne County, N. Y. This union has 
been blessed bv the birth of three children — Wini- 



PORTRAIT AND 15I0GRAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



651 



fied, now wife of A. V. Bell, of Seatile, Wash.; 
Gertnule and Clifton. 

Capt. Allen is a Hoyal Arch Mason, of Porlliind 
Lodge, No. 32, and a member of .John Mcgerrali 
Post, G. A. II. of which he has been Comin.andcr 
and in wl.ich he takes great interest. His wife and 
himself are members of the Methodist Ciiurcb. 
Politically he is a stanch as well as active Roi)uh- 
lican. Nearly every campaign finds him on the 
"stump" in the interests of his party. Me has 
always and uniformly refused offlce of any kind 
since coming to Michigan, and is of a jovial and 
hospitable nature. His estimable wife vies with 
her husband in making their home a pleasant place. 



AVID KILBORN',a farmer on section 27^ 
Calo Township, Montcalm County, was born 
in Oxford County, Canada, May 17, 182G- 
He is a son of Whiting and Mary (Wood) Kilborn, 
both of whom were natives of Brockville, Canada. 
After marriage they took up their residence in Ox- 
ford County. Canada, where they both spent the 
remainder of their lives. They were lifelong mem- 
bers of the Weslcyan Methodist Cliurch and very 
active in cliurch work. They had eight children, 
namely: Laura, Jared, Hannah, Mary, William, 
David, Jane and Wilbur. 

The subject of this sketch was reared ui)on his 
father's farm in Canada, receiving a common-school 
educatitm and spending his early manhood also 
upon a farm. For eight years prior to his coming 
to the Slates be was engage<l in the mercantile 
business. In 18G1 he came to Michigan aiul made 
his home where he now lives in Cato Township on 
eighty acres of land then all heavily limbered. 
Here he built him a log house and, bringing on his 
family made his home within its rude walls. This 
old home is still standing and sheltered the house- 
hold until quite recently, when the present hand- 
some two-story frame residence was erected. His 
farm is now one of the finest in the township, lie 
has turned it over to his son Oscar who is manag- 
ing it and the father is now living a retired life, 



David Kilborn became connected with the church 
early in life and upon coming to Michigan he waa 
impressed with the great need of religious instruc- 
tion and Christian ministry in the new country. 
He began preaching and has. from that lime to this, 
given constantly more or less of his lime to the 
ministry as a local preacher. He is a man who 
enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow- 
men, and is well informed. His political convic- 
tions are with the Uepublican party. 

In 1851 he chose .as his partner in life, Lavania 
Bowers, of Waterloo Connly, Canada, who was 
born there May 3, 1832, a daughter of Samuel and 
Lydia (Sowers) Bowers. Their marriage took place 
May 21, 1851. Six children have been born to 
this union namely: Oscar, Frank, Julie, Elsie, 
Mary and Walton. Oscar farms the home farm ; 
his wife was Miss Agnes Aldrich of this county, 
and she is the mother of four children — Ethel; 
Vernie, Fernie, twins; and Leon. Frank is a pho- 
tograi)her in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He married 
Mary Carty of Lancaster, Ohio, and has one child, 
Kllcn. .iLdic is the wife of (George C. Youngman, 
a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this 
volume. Elsie is the wife of Augustus K. Varney 
a merchant tailor at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mary is 
a photographer in Cedar Rapids, and Walton pur- 
sues the same business in Nevada, Iowa. 



HARLES W. .lOSLIN is one of the business 
men of Smyrna, Ionia County, his occupa- 
/' tion being that of a merchant. He carries 
a stock worth from $3,000 to*5,000, which includes 
the many articles that are classed under the head of 
general merchandise. His home is on section 21, 
Olisco Townsliip, where he was born April 25, 
1845. His father, .lohn .1. Joslin, had come this 
State from New York in the '30s, and had made his 
home in Macomb County. Thence he removed to 
Oakland County and later to Ionia County, where 
be permanently remainetl. In Macomb County he 
was married to HeUey M. Wales, a daughter of 
Solomon and Urania (Wright) Wales. Her par- 
ents, natives of Vermont, came to this Suite in 1820, 



652 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and she herself is believed to be the oldest contia- 
uous resident of the coinmonwealth. Mr. Joslin en- 
tered into rest in 1886 mourned by six cliildren — 
Blin 1)., Americ M., John T., Martha U., Charles 
W. and George 8. 

Tiie jfentleman who is the subject of this brief 
life history, had no unusual experiences in his boy- 
hood and youth, save that at the age of seventeen 
l>e took up the profession of teaching, wiiich he fol- 
lowed during the winter season six or seven years. 
When twenty-one years old he learned the carpen- 
ter's trade, at which he worked about a decade. 
From that time until 1881 he was variously occu- 
pied, and he then entered upon his successful career 
as a merchant. In connection with that business he 
does considerable as an api)le-dryer. 

At the liead of the pleasant home in which Mr. 
Joslin finds rest from his business cares, is the wife 
to whom he was married in 1871. She was known 
in her maidenhood as Miss Adelaide Campbell, and 
is a daughter of Henry M. and Anna (Smith) 
Campbell, natives of Massachusetts. A bright 
group clusters around the fireside, being made up 
of the following sons and daughters: Blanche, Cora, 
George, Frank, Marion, Jiin and Elva. 

Mr. Joslin has never aspired to public office, but 
is a faithful adherent of the Republican party, to 
which he gives the full weight of his influence. He 
is one of the originators of Smyrna Temperance 
Lodge No. 1, and fills the chair of President. In 
carrying on his business he displays good judgment 
and an honorable consideration for the rights of 
otliers, and all who deal with him are assured of 
courteous treatment. 



ON. SANFORD A. YKOMANS. The 
name of Sanford Yeomans is well known to 
the citizens of Ionia County as tliat of one 
of its earliest pioneers, as well as a man of 
l)rominence in various relations of life. His many 
friends will be pleased to read this account of his 
life, even though time and space forbid a more 
detailed recital of his experiences and labors. He 
is now President of the First National Bank of 



Ionia and is one of the large landowners of the 
county, his home farm being in Easton Township. 
It consists of four hundred and fifty acres, well 
developed and well improved, and other tracts add 
many acres to his landed estate. His stock in the 
aforesaid l)ank is rated at #12,700 and he has 
*2,000 in tlie Fifth National Bank at Grand Rap- 
ids. The influence that comes from abundant 
means belongs to Mr. Yeomans, and coupled with 
it is that stronger power exerted by mind and 
character. 

The parents of the Hon. Mr. Yeomans wore 
Erastus and Pliebe (Arnold) Yeomans, natives of 
Connecticut and Rhode Island respectively, and 
the mother a daughter of a Revolutionary soldier. 
The father fought in the War of 1812 and became 
a pensioner of the Government on account of his 
services. The parental home was in Herkimer 
County, N. Y., where our subject was born No- 
vember 29, 1816, and there they continued to re- 
side until the child had reached his seventeenth 
year. They then, in the spring of 1833, made a 
removal to Ionia County and located in Easton 
Township on section 24. They were practically 
in the woods, although the old homestead where his 
father settled is now included in the corporate 
limits of Ionia. Erastus Yeomans was the first 
Postmaster of this i)lace, was County Superintend- 
ent of the Poor and Associate Count}- Judge. He 
occupied his original estate here until his decease 
in 1883, at the age of nearly ninety-two years. 
The venerable man was a well-known figure in the 
cit}' and was valued as one of the best of citizens 
and the most useful of the old pioneers. 

As the eldest son in the parental family Sanford 
Yeomans necessarily bore an active part in improv- 
ing the homestead, and early in life developed a 
strengtli of character and vigor of bod\' that seems 
to liave been characteristic of the members of the 
pioneer families. His education was well advanced 
in the district schools of his native State, and was 
added to after coming West whenever opportunity 
offered. As the curriculum of that day was not 
extended, he is self-educated in many branches. 
He made his home under the parental roof until he 
was twenty-four years old, when he started out to 
enter upon his personal career. In 1840 he settled 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



653 



upon liis i)resent farm, whieli was partially timber 
and partly level plain, and was in the primitive 
condition of a country whose only inhabitants had 
been Indians. 

Mr. Ycomans first put up a small frame house, 
which he occupied a number of years but which 
was finally replaced by a more ample and commo- 
dious residence. lie developed the farm and added 
to the forty acres which had been given him by his 
father until he brought the home place up to its 
present acreaji;e. Among the other tracts now 
owned by liim is a part of his father's homestead. 

In January, 1841, Mr. Yeomans was married to 
Miss Abigail Thompson, a native of Vermont, who 
shared his fortunes until 1818, when she closed her 
eyes in death. To the union there came four chil- 
dren, three of whom are livini; — Eraslus, Olive and 
Walter. The daughter is now tlic wife of William 
J. Just. Mr. Yeomans won for bis second wife 
Miss Marietta A. Stebbins, who was born in Franklin 
Count}-, Mass., March 6, 1829, and is a daujjiiler of 
Chancey M. and .Sophia Stebbins. .She .accompa- 
nied her parents to Ionia County in 183G, and is 
therefore nearly as well acquainted with the pio- 
neer history- of the county as her husband. Her 
surviving brothers and sisters are: .Sej'mourM.; 
Cteorgc and Albert, living in Kaston Township; 
Armanella, wife of Hiram Moss, in Clinton County; 
Chester, in Montcalm County; and Julia, wife of 
Anilrew Ross, in Easton Township. By his second 
marriage Mr. Ycomans became the father of seven 
children, three of whom are living, their names 
being Willard S., Frank H. and Edwin. 

Like his father before him Mr. Yeomans is a 
stanch Republican ami a man of undeniable [)ublic 
spirit. For twenty years he litis served as County 
Superintendent of the Poor and he has been Clerk 
of Easton Township for many years. He served 
two terms in the Lower House of the Michigan 
Legislature, the one in 1877 and tlic other in 187'J. 
In 1807 he was a delegate to the Michigan StJite 
Constitutional Convention, representing the west 
half of Ionia County. In the archives of the State 
may l)e found his legislative record and in the 
memory of his constituents it is also engraved. 
That Mr. Yeomans possesses more than ordinary 
financial ability is attested by his broa<l acres and 



other evidences of wealth. That he is well versed 
on general topics and is thoughtful in his consider- 
ation of the issues of the day is Soon learned in 
conversation with him. The hospitality of him- 
self and wife is almost unboundeil, and the con- 
fidence and esteem in which they are held testify 
to their excellent characters. 



^ 



^^EORGE I. STRACHAN is a prosperous 
[if sf farmer residing on section 24, Ronald Town- 
^^l ship, Ionia County. He was born in North 
Plains Townshi|) in this county, February 20, 1860. 
His father, James, was a native of Ireland, where 
he was born in 1820. He came to Can.-ida at the 
age of eighteen years, is one of a family of 
tw?lve children, and received his schooling in the 
old country. Aft^r he came to Canada he served 
five years and six months in the British array. 
Afler his discharge from the aray he came to the 
United States. 

In 1849 the father of our subject took to himself 
a wife in the person of Mary Delzell, a native of 
the Emerald Isle. Their marriage took place in 
Wayne County, N. Y., but in 1855 they came to 
Michigan and located in North Plains Township, 
on an unim|)roved farm. Their log house was mi- 
nus doors and windows, but it was not minus the 
happy home spirit. They made their home there 
until 1883, improving not only the house but the 
farm. They then came to Ronald Township. Mrs. 
James Slrachan was called away from earth in 
January 25, 1890. The father of our subject still 
resides with him and is a prominent citizen of the 
township. He has been Highway Commissioner 
and Pathmaster of the township. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics, and with his son enjoys the com- 
munion of the Christian Church. A strong l)ond 
of union exists between the father and the youngest 
son of the family. 

October 12, 1881 saw the happy mariiagc of 
George I. Slrachan and Lcona Allen. This lady 
was born in Pennsylvania, August 4, 1800, and 
came with her parents to Michigan when a little 
child of five years. The first home of this youiij; 



6.54 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



couple was in North Plains Townsliip, but the fol- 
lowing year they removed to their present resi- 
dence, on the farm which is owned by the father. 
One little son has blessed their home, J. Lee. 

General fanning and stock-raising occupy our 
subject, his specialty being a fine grade of hogs. 
lie began liuying graded hogs in 1885, and each 
year has increased his stock from the best sources. 
He makes a specialty of breeding and shipping, and 
takes first premium almost every fall at the fair. 
He has taken more money in this way at the fairs 
than any one else in the business in Ihe county. Of 
his one hundred and forty acres of land, one hun- 
dred and ten are in cultivation, and the rest in tim- 
ber. He has filled positions of trust in the town- 
ship, having been Highway Commissioner and 
Drainage Commissioner. For four years past he 
has been a Trustee in the Union Church. 



ASS T. WRIGHT, of the firm of F. N. 
Wright & Co., Greenville, Montcalm Coun- 
ty, is one of the most influential business 
men of the place. The firm of which he is a mem- 
ber deals in iron and steel plows, undressed lum- 
ber, lath, shingles, and all kinds of dressed lumber. 
They are also engaged in buying and selling pine 
linds, and altogether are carrying on an extensive 
business. They bought the Greenville Plow Works 
in 1890, and employ a number of hands in the 
manufacture of plows, and they are also making 
brick and flour, in the milling business being 
engaged with the Wright Bros. The mill was built 
in 1881, is fitted up with a first-class roller system, 
and has a capacity of one hundred and fift3' barrels 
per day. 

Mr. Wriglit is a native of Brown County, Wis., 
and a son of Lucien B. and Marryette (Thompson) 
Wright, both of whom were born in Lake County, 
Ohio. The father had been engaged in the lumber 
trade, and moving to Wisconsin in 1833 he con- 
tinued that occupation and also engaged In farm- 
ing. In 1866 he came to Greenville, and here lie 
carried on the sale of lumber until his death, two 
years after his reraoval. He was an active member 



of the Methodist Ejjiscopal Church, and his widow 
who still lives in Greenville, is a worker in the 
same denomination. Mr. Wright was a Democrat 
In his younger days, but in the beginning of the 
war he joined the Republican ranks. In Wiscon- 
sin he held the position of County Clerk, and 
served in township offices also. The i>arental fam- 
ily, numbering nine children, is now represented by 
Cass T. ; Annie, wife of O. W. Green; Lucien H., 
E<lwin R. ; and Ida, wife of C. J. Abbott. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
Hoel and Aurilla (Cleveland) Wright, who were 
natives of Vermont and who died In Wisconsin in 
1876 and 1886 respectively. Grandfather Wright 
went to Ohio in an early day, and in 1833 came to 
Brown County, Vi'ia. He was a surveyor, l)ut after 
he went to Wisconsin he added lumbering to his 
professional work. In 1866 he came to Greenville, 
which was his home four years, and he then 
returned to Wisconsin and located in Winnebago 
County. He had a family of eighteen children. 
His parents were Samuel and Rebecca Wright, who 
were born in A'ermont and spent their last years in 
Brown County, Wis., whither they went about 
1836-37. Their children were six in number. 

The subject of this biographical notice opened 
his eyes to the Hglit June 30, 1846. He was nearly 
of age when he came to Greenville, and the years 
l)rlor to that time were spent on the home farm and 
In pursuing practical studies which fitted him for 
business life and usefulness. After his parents 
came to this State he learned something of the 
business in which he Is now engaged, and at the 
death of his father he went into the establishment 
with his uncle, F. N. Wright. In addition to the 
extensive enterprises before mentioned in which 
the firm of F. N. Wright & Co. is interested, our 
subject is a shareholder in the starch factory of 
Greenville, which is the only establishment of its 
kind in the United States. lis capacity is two 
thousand bushels per twenty-four hours, and forty 
hands are employed. Mr. Wright established the 
electric light system in Greenville in 1888. He has 
thirty arc lights and two hundred and fifty Incan- 
descent lights In the city. 

The wife who presides with gracious dignity in 
the residence of Mr, Wright was known in her 




RESIDENCE OF LEWIS Ti. BET-I EDICT, SLC'S . 22 &. 23. ORAMGE T P. IONIA CO MICH 




RESIDE! 



, GREENVILLE, MICHIGAN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



6.1; 



inaidenbood as Miss Helen Fuller. She is an edu- 
cated, refined lady, whose former home w.ns Mid- 
dleville, Barry County, where she wns married in 
1868. She is the iiiotlier of six cliiidren, named 
respectively, Lucien W., Eliiel, Jess, Fairchiliis N., 
Karl and llngh. Mr. Wright has made a stiuly of 
political questions, and keeps himself well informed 
regarding the issues that are before the peoi)lc 
from year to j-ear. He costs his vote wilii the 
Rcpuhlicans. He was at one time the occupant of 
the Mayor's chair, and did good work in his offi- 
cial capacity, but his wide Ijusiness interests pre- 
vent his taking any great part in public affairs, 
except in so far as his duty as a citizen lies. His 
reputation as a financier and the manager of exten- 
sive interests has s|)read over the country, and in 
business circles his name is prominent. 

One of the most attractive homes in Greenville 
is that of Mr. AVright, and we are pleased to pre- 
sent to bis friends and acquaintances a view of his 
elegant residence. Mr. Wright also has about as 
fine a stock farm as is to be found in Michigan, 
with a substantial stock barn, and about tiiirty-five 
head of the finest strains of Hamblelonian and 
Wilkes registered horses in this Slate. 



I^I^C^Sl^^' 



KWIS N. BENP:DICT. One of the most 
attractive locations in Ionia County is occu- 
pied by tlie farm of the gentleman above 
named. The mistaken townsman who believes that 
country life is devoid of attraction will fin<l con- 
clusive proof to the contrary on this estate, which 
is beautiful to behold, the source of a fine income, 
and the scene of a happy liome life. A view of 
this pleasant homestead appears on another page. 
It bears every mark of careful and intelligent till- 
age, is divided into convenient fields by good 
fencing and is supplied with a full set of farm 
buildings. 

Mr. Benedict is the son of Hiram Benedict, a 
New York farmer, and Anna (Hungerford) Bene- 
dict, a native of the same Slate. There thej were 
married and always afterward resiiled. Hiram 



Benedict was born March 24, 1797, and died March 
29, 1876. His wife was born April 13, 1806, and 
is still living at the ailvanced age of eighty-five 
years. They were the parents of six children, who 
grew to maturity and all but one are now living. 
Our subject was born March 10, 1827, in Oswego 
County, N. Y. When nineteen years of age he 
went to Jefferson County and served three years as 
apprentice to the trade of carpenter and joiner. 
In that apprenticeship he received in cash the first 
year 14 jier montli; tlic next year ^6, and the third 
year $10. Afterwards as journeyman he was paid 
^l per day. He worked there until 1865 when he 
came to Michigan and settled at Ionia, continuing 
to work at his trade. In 1852 he married Pamelia 
Cliase, of Watertown, N. Y., and the}' v.-ere llie 
[larents of two children — Ella, the wife of J. W. 
Bandfield, who lives at Orange Township with her 
husband and two children; William F. has married 
Carrie Nickerson and lives in Ionia Township — he 
has two cliildren; The subject of this sketch lost 
his wife November 17, 1882. 

Mr. Benedict married for his second wife Adeline 
(Bariett) Hall, widow of A. K. Hall. Her fatlier 
was a Connecticut farmer and her mother, Dalmatia 
(Crosby) Barrett, was a native of Vermont, and 
they were married in Volney, Oswego County, N. Y. 
Mr. Barrett died in 1827, when only twenty-five 
years of age. His widow in her second marriage 
was united with David Hall and resided for several 
years in New York until 1840, when they came to 
Michigan and settled on a raw farm in Montcalm. 
Their first home was in an old sugar shanty until 
they built a log house. Tliej' were surrounded by 
Indians and wild animals. David Hall dieil in 
1872 and his wife in November. 1882, at the age 
of seventy-seven years. Mrs. Benedict was the 
only diild of tlie first marri.age. By the second 
marriage there were six children, three of whom 
are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett were mem- 
bers of the Melhoilist P^piscopal Church, taking an 
active i)art in church matters and giving special 
assistance in the line of music. 

Mrs. Benedict was born January 15, 1H28, in 
Oswego County, N. Y.;she left home when eleven 
vears old and came to Michigan when thirteen 
years of age. She received a good district school 



653 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



education, and worthily fills her sphere in life. 
FebriTary 5, 1843, she married Alexander K. Hall, 
son of Daniel and Jerusha (King) Hall of New 
York. They early settled near Oswego where they 
died upon their farm. They were the parents of 
eight children. Alexander Hall was born in May, 
1815, and in 1838 came to Michigan and settled 
upon a raw farm of eighty acres, which he cleared 
and embellished witli all its present improvements. 
During his early settlement here bears, wolves, deer 
and other wild animals abounded, while Indians 
were numerous. At one time Mr. Hall learned 
there was a letter for him in the post-office at Port- 
land. He put a bushel of wheat in a sack and 
carried it on his shoulder to that village expecting 
to sell it, but when he arrived there, a distance of 
six miles, he could not sell it for enough to pay the 
postage on the letter which was twenty-five cents. 
Fortunately an acquaintance there took the wheat 
and gave him twenty-five cents with which he got 
his letter out of the office. 

After a busy and useful life, Mr. Hall passed 
from the busy scenes of earth in August, 1878. 
His funeral services were the first held in tlie Meth- 
odist Fipiscopal Church known as the Hall Cliurch, 
of which he was Trustee, and to which he had 
given an acre of land. He and his wife were the 
parents of five children, as follows: Daniel A., who 
married Martha Zacliarius, lives in Orange Town- 
ship, with Ills wife and seven children; Jerusha, 
Mrs. Hazel Bartlett died, leaving a family of two 
children; Lydia L., Mrs. William Miner, lives in 
Orange Township and has three children; Charles 
O., who married Belle Decker, lives in Eaton Ra|)ids 
and has two children; Alice I. is the wife of Will- 
iam Welman and lives on the home farm. 

A. K. Hall was a member of the Methodist Kpis- 
copal Church and in every way was a substantial 
Christian character. He was strictly temperate in 
his habits, and in all these good qualities his chil- 
dren follow in their father's footsteps. He was at 
various times School Inspector, Justice of the Peace, 
Road Overseer, Road Commissioner, and for five 
years Supervisor of Orange Township, being the 
first one after the organization of the towusbii). 
He kept himself fully informed in regard to the 
political situation and on national matters voted 



the Democratic, but in local elections he always 
voted for the best men. 

Mr. and Mrs. Benedict are members of the 
Methodist fclpiscopal Church, in which he has been 
a Steward; he has been chorister for many years, 
and for about forty years has served as Class- 
Leader. Both have taken an active part in the 
Sunday-school in which Mrs. Benedict is a teacher 
and he for a long time has been both Superintend- 
ent and teacher. He made his public profession of 
Christianity in 1842. He is temperate and while 
he votes the Republican ticket in general elections 
casts a Prohibition vote when opportunity allows. 
He has been a member of the Sons of Temperance 
and also of the Union League, and is now a mem- 
ber of the Patrons of Industr}'. They carry on 
mixed farmmg, raising grain and stock, and are 
very successful in raising houseplants for the adorn- 
ment of their home. 

\il^AOLNEY C. VAN LIEW, M. D., is a prom- 
^m' inent physician and a prosperous druggist 
^ in the northeastern part of Montcalm 
County. He has a large practice in Richland and 
other townships, is exceedingly successful in his 
profession and a verj' popular man as a friend and 
nrighbor. He is descended from an old and well- 
known family of New York Stale, who were pio- 
neers in Kent County, Mich., settling near Cortland 
Center. 

The parents of our subject, Cornelius and Lucy 
(Smith) Van Liew, began life together in their 
native State, New York, and coming to Michigan 
bought a farm which they proceeded to improve, 
but the happy family life was soon interrupted, 
ft.)r in 1862 Cornelius enlisted in Company F, 
Sixth Michigan Cavalry. He was captured at 
Brandy Station and sent to Libby prison. Thence 
he was transferred to Belle Isle and from there to 
Andersonville, where he died after a terrible im- 
prisonment of eleven months. This brave man 
enlisted as a private and when captured had been 
promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant. He 
was a highly intelligent man, a strong' Abolitionist 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



659 



and an ardent Republican, a member of the Melli- 
odist Episcopal Church in which he had long been 
Class-Leader, and a valued and honored mcuiberof 
society-. 

The widowed mother of our subject faithfully 
reared the children whose training now devolved 
upon iier alone, and brought up to manhood and 
womanhood, not only her own five little ones, but 
also two children of her husband by a previous 
marriage. Later in life she married Mr. Nickerson. 
.Shedied in Nelson Township, Kent Count}', in 1885. 

Young Volney was born in Oakfield Township, 
Kent County, March 31, 1858; was reared in Cort- 
land until he was ten ^-ears of age when the family 
removed to Sand Lake. When onl^' eleven years 
old he began to work out during the summers in a 
shingle factory. When eighteen years of age he 
had worked his way up and was a shingle sawyer. 
His winters were spent in study. After completing 
his course at the district schools he attended the 
High Sciiool at Rockford and then went to liatlle 
Creek College for three j-ears. After teaching one 
year he made an engagement as clerk in a store and 
at the same time studieil medicine at Ravenna 
under Henry Hull, a prominent physician there. 
After remaining with him one year he entered tlie 
old Detroit Medical College in the fall of 1880. 
After his one year of stud}- here the young man 
began practice at Croton, Muskegon Count}', where 
he remained for three years. Keeling, however, that 
his course of study had not been sufli'jient to enable 
him to achieve success in the profession he entered 
the Michigan Medical College at Detroit, in the 
fall of 1883, and the following S|)ring received the 
degree of Doctor of Medicine. 

The young Doctor located at Newaygo for one 
year and then removed to Coral in this county, 
where he practiced until 188(5, after which he re- 
moved to Vestaburgh, where he has built up a 
large and lucrative practice, and where he soon 
started in the drug business. His success is due to 
thorough preparation, hard work, close application 
and devotion to duty. 

The happy home life of our subject and tin- com- 
forts of his home have aided largely in sustaining 
him in the arduous labors of his profession. Mrs. 
Van Liew bore the maiden name of Nettie Routaon. 



She was born in Ohio and was educated at Muske- 
gon, completing her schooling in the High School 
there, and was for four years a teacher, previous to 
her marriage in 1882. 

Dr. Van Liew is filling the position of Health 
Officer in his town, and in the Knights of the Mac- 
cabees to which he belongs he is the official physi- 
cian, and examining physician for several insurance 
companies. He is a member of the Michigan State 
Pharmaceutical .Society. In his political affiliations 
he marches with the Republican party and has often 
been made a delegate to county and other conven- 
tions. 



ARTIN .1. MINKR. This enterpri^ng citi- 
«i zen of Montcalm County is one whose life 
affords an exam[)le of that whicii m.-i}- be 
accom])lished bj' a man of determined 
spirit, good habits and persistence. He began his 
career in life as a poor man, and has acquired a 
good property, coiisisting of a fine farm in Bloomer 
Township, and has business interests in Carson City 
that have been potent in the upbuilding of that 
place. Ilis farm consists of two hundred and forty 
acres of fine land, under careful and intelligent cul- 
tivation, and well-stocked with domestic animals 
and farm machinery. The barn is of more than 
average value, and the house is attractive in de- 
sign, convenient in arrangement, and well fur- 
nished. Mr. Miner keeps good horses, but cares lit- 
tle for stock-raising, although the animals he has 
are of good breeds and well cared for. 

In the village of Natural Bridge in Jefferson 
County, N. V., Mr. Miller was born March 18, 1830. 
His |)arents were Anderson and Delilah (Arm- 
stroLg) Miner, both of whom were born in Nor- 
wich, Vt. The father was a blacksmith and the son 
learned the tra<le, working for his father until he 
was of age, and afterward giving eight or ten years 
to similar work for his own advantage. He had 
but meager school privileges, as the benefit of the 
summer terms was not his, and the education he 
obtained was limited to a fair knowledge of the 
common branches. By the means that are open 



660 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to all who desire information, he has added to his 
store of learning, and is now a well-informed man. 

In 1844 the father of our subject came to this 
State and located in Palmyra, Lenawee County. 
Thence he went to Libert^-, Jackson County, and 
after sojourning tliere about three years, lie settled 
in Montcalm County, December, 1851. In 18.52 ho 
gave every man a dinner in the town of Bloomer 
one town meeting day, and the ballot box was 
Mother Miner's knife box. He was one of the ear- 
liest to establisii a home in this section, and he was 
seventeen days in cutting trees to open up a road 
to the farm now operated by the son. Clearing 
was begun, and a blacksmith shop was opened, and 
as time passed the property became valuable and 
pleasant to behold. The father died in 1879. He 
was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his father 
in turn fought in the Revolution. A sister of our 
subject taught the first school in Carson City. 

The marriage of Mr. Miner and Lucinda Hawley 
solemnized at the bride's home in Ionia County, 
August 23, 1852. Mrs. Miner is a daughter of 
Alpheus Hawley, whose n.ame will be recognized 
by man}' of our readers. There came to brighten 
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Miner, two children: 
George H., born November 28, 1854; and Lucena 
A., born August 11, 1856. Both are happily mar- 
ried and living in homes of their own in Montcalm 
County. George married Nettie Yates; and Lu- 
cena is the wife of Theodore Freshoucr. 

In the year 1878 Mr. Miner erected a large brick 
building now occupied by the State Bank of Car- 
son City. The previous spring he and others had 
united in building the east side elevator, and he 
had the active management of it until the last year, 
when it became his personal property. He and Mr. 
Webber owned and platted the forty acres between 
the business part of the town and the elevators, and 
put it on the market. Mr. Miner was also con- 
nected with the Savings Bank of Carson City, the 
business of which the stockholders are now closing 
out, and he was Vice-President of the corporation 
all the time. Notwithstanding tliese interests he 
did not neglect his farm, but improved the land 
and put up the buildings that stamp it as the home 
of a man of good judgment. 

Jn looking bayk oyer the years he has spent in 



this State, Mr. Miner speaks of a time in I8&4 when 
he and his family lived eight days without bread, 
and when starvation stared them in the face on 
more than one occasion. He and his wife have sur- 
vived their trials and (Mscomforts, and are now en- 
joying the fruits of their honest industry and the 
many comforts that make farm life so pleasant in 
well-settled districts. Mrs. Miner is interested in 
curiosities and has the space over the windows in 
her home adorned with various articles, and has a 
table composed of curiosities of all possible kinds, 
rising in pyramidal form in the center. 



HARLES MILLARD, for half a century a 
resident in Ionia County, has been making 
his home in the county-seat since October, 
1889. Some j'ears before he was obliged to give 
up farming, which had been his life work, on ac- 
count of his wife being crip[)led by an accidental 
fall and he removed to Pewamf), where he lived 
from 1 877 to the year above mentioned. He was 
born in Berkshire Count3', Mass., March 13, 1819, 
and comes of old Puritan stock. The Millard fam- 
ily was established in this country by tvvcj brotliers, 
Robert and Nathaniel, who came from England 
about the middle of the seventeenth centuiy, hav- 
ing been driven from their home by persecution, 
the^' lieing Baptists. The parents of our subject 
were Doctor and Alvira (Atwood) Millard, who 
were born in Massachusetts and Connecticut re- 
spectively. The given name of the father was occa- 
sioned by his being the seventh son of his parents. 
Our subject was eight years old when his father 
removed to Yates County, N. Y., and there he 
remained with his parents until he was twenty years 
old. He then established his own home, being 
married January 9, 1839, to Catherine, daughter 
of Ira and Margaret (Thompson) Eisher, natives 
of the Empire State, and the father a shoemaker. 
In the fall of 1840 Mr. and Mrs. Mill.ard came to 
this State, making their memorable trip from De- 
troit with an ox-team. They stopped in Clinton 
Count}', hut before a jear had passed they came to 
Lyons Township, Ionia County, and bought a tract 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



661 



of land near the present site of Pewamo. The sit- 
uation of affairs at that time is best told by Mrs. 
Millard herself. 

'•All the coiintri' east of this place was an un- 
broken wilderness, the only inhabitants roving 
bands of Indians and wild animals. St. John's, 
Fowler and P«wamo were not even thought of. 
There were few settlers on and around East Plain, 
but north of IMapIc River but two white men had 
located land and were clearing up farms as homes 
for themselves and families. Nathaniel Sessions 
lived one mile west of where Matherton now lives, 
which was then only an Indian planting ground, 
and Mr. Tabor lived one mile north on the road 
now leading to Ilubbardston. One other man 
named Glass had ventured farther north, but prev- 
ious to 1810 the family were murdered and the 
house burned. The act was attributed to the Ind- 
ians who stoutly denied the accusation, yet the 
white settlers became greatly alarmed and held a 
meeting to fix upon some plan of defense in the 
event of any further disturbance. A site for a 
fort was selected on the highlands this side of Ly- 
ons, the intention being to provide a place to which 
tho^- could remove their families if danger threat- 
ened. But as the Indians remained friendly the 
fort was never built and subsequent events gave 
rise to the suspicion that Mr. Glass had murdered 
his wife and children, burned the house to hide llie 
crime and then fled the country. 

"At that lime and for many years after, merchan- 
dise and provisions not raised on the ground were 
brought from Detroit to Lyons witii teams, requir- 
ing about four d.ays each w,ay if horse teams were 
used and if oxen much longer. .Some enterprising 
persons at last placed a small steamboat on Grand 
River, which ran up as far as Lyons and greatly 
f.acilllated transportation. Man^' a load of wheat 
was drawn to Lyons with ox-tearas and sold for 
three shillings and sixpence per bushel, half cash 
and the balance in store tr.ade, ^l.oO per pound 
being the price of tea, twenty-five cents per yard 
ihe cheapest calico and other, goods in proportion. 
Letter postage was twenty -five cents and could not 
be |)repaid and it may well be supposed that in ti.eir 
isolation from friends the settlers carefully hoarded 
their twenty -five cent pieces so that they might get 



the precious news from the old home. It was rarely 
that a man could get cash for work and if he did 
it was but fifty cents." 

Mrs. Millard is almost always called u|)()n in 
gatherings of the old settlers to read an essay or 
recite some old-time experience, and from her pen 
comes the following. After staling that no whites 
ill this vicinity were ever known to have been 
killed by the Indians and speaking of the drunken 
son of a chief who was soundly flogged by his fa- 
ther for firing at a white man, she goes on to say: 
'•I assure you it did make the blood quicken in our 
veins and the heart beat a little faster to hear the 
latch slyly lifted and see, sometimes, a dozen or more 
stalwart Indians file into the room — husband out in 
the woods chopping and wife and child alone. 
However, we soon got used to such visits and spent 
many an hour talking .as best we could with the 
squaws, telling them the names of articles about the 
room and learning what they called the same. In 
this way we learned to converse and tr.ade with 
tliem, and after a time all fear of our dusky frien<ls 
left us and we felt not quite so lonely when their 
camps were near. This was often the case, espec- 
ially during the sugar-making season. In this work 
thej- were extremely filthy, as thej- were in every- 
thing. We have been iu the sugar camps on a 
bright, sunshiny d.ay, have seen long troughs hold- 
ing several barrels filled with maple sap and per- 
haps half a dozen nude pai)pooses paddling about 
therein, ducking themselves and having a grand 
time. The same sap was afterward boiled into 
'sinsebouquet' and sold to white settlers, but I was 
not among the purchasers. They would also throw 
meat or corn into the boiling syrup, skimming it 
out when cooked, while the process of reducing the 
liquid to sugar still went on. 

"They seldom offered any other article of food 
for trade but it was generally baskets or bits of 
"pnckawaon" (calico) left of the squaws' short 
gowns, or tobacco, but never their ornaments of 
which the^' were extremely fond. The squaws 
sometimes wore ten or a dozen strings of beads 
about their necks, with silver brooches from the 
size of a twenty-five cent piece to thatjof a small 
tea saucer. I liaveseen their upper dress, or short 
gown, literally covered with these silver ornaments 



662 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and the fine work on their leggins would shame the 
most proficient builder of crazy work in these days. 
But very rarely during the early 3ears could such 
articles be bought of them. 

"In the summer of 1841 it was thought best to 
hold a celebration on the 4tii of July, for you see 
we had lost none of our patriotism by coming to a 
new country. There was no hall in which to spread 
a repast and no modern appliances to make beauti- 
ful the surroundings, but nature provided the gar- 
niture. The spot selected was literally a garden of 
beautiful flowers, as all the i)lain lands were before 
disturbed by the plow. AVe must needs have a flag 
or our patriotism would lack the pi'oper stimulus. 
We were too poor to buy and there was none at 
hand. So, taking some strips of blue calico, red 
flannel and white sheeting I manufactured a flag 
that at an altitude of about sixty feet was quite 
presentable although, I remember, the orator, Mr. 
Libhart, referred to it as quite a common affair. 
Still it was the stars and stripes, semblance of the 
dear old flag. After the oration all sat down to a 
free dinner. About one hundred Indians had come 
to join in the festivities, in their best gala dress, 
the squaws ablaze in beads and silver brooches and 
the Indians resplendent with feathers, tiny bells 
and bright colors. They were served with dinner 
the same as ourselves, and so ended the first na- 
tional celebration in this section of county and, I 
think, the first in the township outside the village 
of Lyons. 

"In 1842 there was a scarcity of bread stuffs, the 
great influx of settlers having created a demand 
far beyond the supply, and before harvest we lived 
for three days on nothing but a few half-grown 
flat turnips with a cup of lea, and man^' other 
fared .as badly; but ere long there was an abun- 
dance to live upon, and as the resources of the 
country were developed there was plenty for all. 
Yet we missed the privileges of the more thickly 
settled States and when, after about twenty years, 
we learned that we were to be united to the outer 
world by iron rail, there was gladness among the 
people. We well remember the first excursion 
given by the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad. Flat 
cars were used on which boards were arranged for 
seats, but no happier party ever took their first ride 



on the cars than enjoyed that day's excursion." 
Mr. and Mrs. Millard are consistent members 
of the Baptist Church and are interested in the Odd 
Fellows fraternity, Mr. Millard having taken all 
the degrees and his wife belonging to the Rebecca 
lodge. He is a firm supporter of the Republican 
party. The record of their family is as follows: 
Fidelia E., born Februarj- 20, 1841, is now the wife 
of Henry J. Sturtevant; Alvira M., born June 27, 
1843, wife of John Dickson; Charles Leroy, born 
March 9, 1851, now a resident of Texas; Lucy V., 
born October 23, 1853, died April 15, 1865, at the 
age of twelve j'ears; Ira D., born November 9, 
1855, died May 9, 1857. 



AVID GATES is the son of Harry P. 
Gates, a native of Madison County, N. Y., 
born in 1813, and a grandson of Zepha- 
niah Gates, a native of Connecticut, born 
in 1769. The grandfather was deeply interested 
iu the War of 1812, and raised a company for 
the contest to which he was chosen Captain, 
but finally remained at home. His wife was 
Abigail (Griffith) Gates, a native of New York, 
in which State they lived on a farm until their re- 
moval in 1838 to Indiana where they died, he in 
1841 and she in 1843. Of their twelve children, 
three are now living. David Gates' mother, w.as Sal- 
lie (Stevens) Gates, a native of Cheshire County, 
N. H., born in 1815, adaughter of Roswell Stevens, 
a Connecticut farmer, and of Lydia (Phillips) 
Stevens, a native of Rhode Island. After their 
marriage in New Hampshire they removed to Niag- 
ara Count}', N. Y., thence to Pennsylvania and 
in 1845 came to Michigan and settled on section 5, 
Berlin Township, Ionia County, where they com- 
pleted their lives, he dying in 1853 and she follow- 
ing him in 1869. Thej' were the parents of nine 
children, four of whom are now living. 

The parents of our subject were married in 1835, 
in Pennsylvania, where they resided for a few 
years before removing in 1843 to Indiana. They 
came on to Michigan in 1845, and settled on sec- 
tion 5, Berlin Township. It was all new land so 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



663 



tbat lie bad to clioii out and blaze his own road to 
Saranac. In the log bouse whicli he built there 
was but one single board, which be found in a 
creek and made a door of. Their most numerous 
neighbors were Indians and wild animals, among 
wbieb might be named bear, deer, wild lurkcj's and 
wolves, lie liad little or nothing in bis possession 
upon reaching Michigan, and afler settling upon 
sixtj' acres and paying for the land bis means were 
eiHirely uscil up, but be was a hardy man and 
cheerfully undertook all hardships. His indus- 
trious wife willingly turned her hand to any means 
of helping the family along. At one time she 
made a coat for a neighbor and received in pay- 
ment sixteen bushels of potatoes. Some time later 
he added eighty acres to his farm, which addition 
he afterward gave to his sons. He has cleared 
altogether over one hundred and twenty acres of 
land. His first vote was cast for Martin Van IJu- 
ren and he has ever since been a stanch Democrat 
in politics, and in religion a Baiitist, being a Dea- 
con in that denomination. They were the parents 
of four children: Lydia, born August 20, 1836, 
wife of Wiliard Bisbrow; they live in Osceola 
County, and have seven children. Zepbaniah, born 
May 22, 1838, married Laura Granger, and lives 
in Montcalm County, with his wife and five ehil- 
<lren. Clinton, born December 18, 1840, married 
Elizabeth Vibber — they live on section 5; he has 
seven children by a former marriage with Jennie 
Andrews (deceased). 

David Gates was born March 26, 1850, and was 
the youngest of his father's family. He attended 
his first school on his father's farm. Upon reach- 
ing his majority he took charge of the home place, 
and has always continued in that line of work. He 
now owns the old homestead and has ad<led seven- 
ty-five acres to it, having now one hundred and 
thirty acres, one hun<lred of which are under the 
plow. He carries on mixed farming and keeps 
registered Poland-China hogs. 

The subject of this sketch married December 23, 
1871, Miss Charlotte Andrews, a daughter of Sam- 
uel T. and Rebecca (Hunt) Andrews, the former a 
native of New Yorkan<l the latter of Rhode Island. 
After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews in 
New York they came to Michigan in 1858, settling 



in Kalamazoo County on a farm, but later remov- 
ing to Decatur Township, in Van Buren County 
where they died, he in 187'J and she ten years 
later. Of their five children three now survive: 
Burritt lives on the old homestead in Van Buren 
County; Marilla, Mrs. Kmery Tuller, lives on sec- 
tion 31, of Berlin Township, and has two children. 
Mrs. Gates was born July I, 1850, at Penn Van, 
N. Y., and was educated at Albion, N. Y., and in 
Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Gales have been blessed 
with two children: Bertha, born ftlarch 7, 1875, 
aiirl Charles, February 2, 1880. They are both 
attending the district school. Mrs. Gates is an ac- 
tive member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Gales 
has been useful to the community as Director of 
Schools for nine years. He is a member of the 
Grange where be has been Overseer, and now be- 
longs to the Patrons of Industry. His political 
atlilialions are with the Democratic party and he 
has alw.ays taken an active interest in politics. In 
1885 he held the office of Township Treasurer of 
Berlin, and in 1886 he was elected Supervisor of 
Berlin Township, which office he has held continu- 
ously ever since. He was a candidate for the State 
Legislature in the fall of 1890 on the Democratic 
ticket, and has been frequently appointed a dele- 
gate to the countj', congressional and State con- 
ventions. When the celebrated Watkins trial was 
going on in October, 1889, he was one of the jurors 
in the United States District Court. 



"if? OSHUA S. GUNN. For more than a quar- 
ter of a century this gentleman has been a 
potent factor in the financial progress of Se- 
bewa Township, Ionia County, where h« has 
carrietl on agricultural work and saw-milling, add- 
ing to the value of land here and increasing the cir- 
culation of the medium of exchange. He now 
devotes his attention entirely to agriculture, rais- 
ing both crops and stock, and feeding all the pro- 
ducts of his farm except the wheat. He does not 
invest in fancy stock but kee|)S reliable grades and 
is successful as a stockman. His farm consists of 
two hundred and eighty' acres of good land, upon 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



which are substantial buildings and the other im- 
provements that belong to a well-regulated estate. 
The barn was remodeled and added to by him and 
the dwelling is wholly his work. The latter was 
put up in 1880 from the best of material, mostly 
sawed in Mr. Gunn's mill, and the cash outlay for 
the edifice was about $2,000. 

Jacob Gunn, father of our subject, was born in 
Pennsylvania but was quite young when his par- 
ents removed to Sussex County, N. J. There he 
lived until long after his marriage to Mary Ogden, 
who was a native of New Jersey and whose father 
was a Drum Major in the Revolutionary Army. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Gunn the following 
children came, named respectively: Experience, 
Williara, Elizabeth, Susan; Isaac, Jacob E.,Ephraim, 
Sarah, Samuel, Uannaii, Theodore, Mary Ann, 
Joshua S. and Phcbe. After tlie birth of all their 
children Mr. and Mrs. Gunn removeil to Susque- 
bannah Countj-, Pa., where the wife died in 1858, 
and the husliand two years later; both belonged to 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The subject of this notice was born April ;>, 1835, 
and was five years old when his parents left New 
Jersey for the Keystone State. His educational 
privileges were not good, generally confined to 
three months in the winter, and after he was old 
enough to know the value of learning, averaging 
less than two months per year. His education 
therefore was mainly acquired at his own fireside 
and by practical self-effort. He has been a constant 
reader and his reading has covered a wide ground 
and given him a fund of miscellaneous informa- 
tion. Mr. Gunn did not begin his personal career 
until he was of age and iiis first work then was as a 
renter of his father's farm. After operating it 
thus two years he bought it and continued to work 
upon it five years longer, then sold and came to 
this State. 

After spending one summer in Lenawee County, 
Mr. Gunn located in Ionia County in 1865. He 
and his brother Samuel bought two hundred acres 
of partially improved land, p.nying $18 per acre. 
The tract was divided beween them, our subject 
taking one hundred and twenty acres of the least 
improved part, but for two years the brothers 
farmed together. At the expiration of that time 



Joshua Gunn and three other men bought a sawmill 
and placed it on section 23, where the firm of E. 
Shaj' & Co., operated for two years. Mr. Gunn 
then traded his interest for eighty acres of land and 
that in turn for a tract adjoining his original pur- 
chase here. The next four years were devoted to 
farming and he then, with his brother Theodore, 
built a mill near their home, which was run six 
years under the style of Gunn Bros. The invest- 
ment proved a good one, but our subject finally 
decided to give his attention exclusively to agri- 
culture, and he sold out to his brother who re- 
moved the mill to the big woods on Pine Lake. 

September 19, 1869, was the daj' on which the 
marriage of Mr. Gunn and Miss Rachel Rider took 
place. The parents of the bride were Stephen and 
Elsie Ann (Sisson) Rider, natives of New York, 
who came to Washtenaw County, this State, in 
1839. There their daughter Rachel was born No- 
vember 23, 1840, she being one of seven children, 
the others named Henr}' E., Betsej' A., John C, 
Stephen V., David and Daniel. Mr. Rider devoted 
the greater part of his life to carpenter's work, he 
having learned the trade with his father, but dur- 
ing his latter years he carried on a farm. P'rom 
Washtenaw County he came to Ionia County' and 
established his home on section 29, Sebewa Town- 
ship. There Mrs. Rider died M.ay 22, 1855. Her 
husband survived her a quarter of a century, pass- 
ing away February 5, 1880. Both had good stand- 
ing in the Baptist Church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gunn are the parents of three 
children, the youngest of whom, Sherba, died in 
childhood. The survivors are Rosetta and Fred J., 
and Mr. and Mrs. Gunn have taken into their 
family a little girl — Bessie May — who came to 
them at the age of fourteen months and knows no 
other parents save those who are so lovingly car- 
ing for her now. The schools of the district are 
good and the children of Mr. Gunn have had the 
advantages of them to the fullest extent. Miss 
Rosetta has also studied music and has made fair 
progress in that art. 

In the affairs of the township Mr. Gunn has 
been fairly active and is now serving his fourth 
term as Treasurer. He has frequently been a 
school officer and is now serving as School Asses- 




(>;^, ^>&^i^^A>L^''^i^ 








\ M 




■-^^ 







■i 







8. l^a^^iJjiOi 



Oi/n-o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



669 



sor for tliG third time. In mfillers connected witli 
school he li!is been energetic and crticient, .ind in 
any public station to whicli he is called he is relia- 
ble and painstaking. lie is allied with the Demo- 
cratic parly, which he has served as a dulej^ale, but 
is not particularly active in politics. The entire 
family belongs to the I'atrons of Industry at Sebewa 
Center and Mr. Gnnn l;as on several occasions rep- 
resented their lodge as a delegate. Mr. (Uinn is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Chiircli, while 
Mrs. (iunn and her daughter llosetla belong to the 
Haptist Church in Sebewa. The family liave high 
standing in the coninuinily and number their 
frien<ls among theljest people of the county. 

(^LMON HOSKKRANS. Few of the aged 
((sOI men i'l Ionia County are more widely 

I Ift known than Jlr. Rosekrans, whose portrait 
(Q/J with that of his wife appears on the oppo- 

site page and who has been identilied with the 
progress of Lyons Township for half a century. 
He came here when tlie country was but sparsely 
settled and Indians were much more numerous than 
white men, and like other pioneers he endured 
many hardships and privations. During the secon<l 
year of his residence he hauled grain to Detroit, as 
he could get no money for wheat in the county', 
and his milling was done at I'ontiac, one hundred 
miles distant. While working by the month for 
the means of subsistence, he began clearing off a 
tract of land he h.id secured, and when he had a 
patch ready for planting he had only o.xen with 
which to continue its cultivation. Today the one 
hundred and forty .acres of highh'-cultivated land 
he possesses is stocked with horses and other ani- 
mals of good grades, and tilled by means of im- 
proved farm machinery, such as was unknown when 
he came here. 

The parents of our subject were Warren and 
Margaret (Ilindman) Rosekrans, who were born in 
New York and married in that .State January 30, 
1812, when nineteen and seventeen years old re- 
s))eclively. They located in what was calleil the 
Holland Purchase, in Niagarat'ounty, and remained 



there as long as they lived. Mr. Rosekrans died 
.September 30, 1822. They were the parents of 
eight children, the eldest of whom was about thir- 
teen j'cars old when left an orphan. All are now 
ileceasetl except our subject. He w.as born May 3, 
1817, and was thrown on the world when but seven 
years old. He was reared by Rosekrans Holmes, 
remaining in his native |)lacc until 1825 and re- 
ceiving his fundamental education there. He then 
came with Mr. Holmes to this State and lived with 
hira in Tlymouth, Wayne County, until nineteen 
years old. He then worked by the month until he 
had earned *100, which he gave to his guardian for 
his time, thus becoming a free man. 

Mr. Rosekrans had nothing but his strong hands, 
willing heart and active brain with which to make 
his way in the world. He came to Ionia County 
and worked by the month for a Mr. C. Reynolds 
about two years, his wages being 112.50 per month. 
Prudent and economical, he saved means with 
which to bnj' a piece of lanfl in Clinton County, 
but soon disposed of it and purchtised that on 
which he is now living. Continuing his work by 
the month he gave every moment he could find to 
work on his own land, and built a log house in 
which he established his home soon after his mar- 
riage. Encouraged b^' his goo<I wife and aided Uy 
her prudent management, he continued to develop 
the land, and year by year made liis home more 
comfortable and the property more valual)le. 

The lady who on April 2G, 1840, united her for- 
tunes to those of Mr. Rosekrans was Miss Caroline 
Hrown, a native of the Empire State, born in Sen- 
eca County September 28, 1822. She was the elder 
of the two (laughters making up the family of her 
parents and i)y her early training had become com- 
petent to take charge of a home. Mr. and .Mis. 
Rosekrans have had eight children, all of whom 
were reared on the homestead except one, whom 
they buried in its infanc}'. All have left the shelter 
of the parental roof for homes of their own, but 
several are living (piite near the parents. Arthur 
resides in Bengal Township, Clinton County; Ern- 
est E. in Hay County ; Orson I', in Clinton- 
County, just over the line; .ludson T. in Grntiot 
County; Lorinda S. is the wife of Howard Wright 
and lives in Lyons Township; Leslie W. has a home 



670 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in Clinton County; Margaret, wife of Harry Wood- 

wortlj, lives in Lyons Township. 

Orson Roseki-ans now operates his father's farm 
as well as his own. He was married in 1887 to 
Miss Susan Mclnnis, who was born in Canada but 
reared in Michigan. They have a little daughter, 
Rena. She is one of twenty-three grand -children 
of our subject and his good wife and the eldest of 
the number is nineteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. 
Rosekrans of this notice celebrated their golden 
wedding on the place which has been their home 
since November 26, 1840. They look back with 
strange feelings to the days when they sold wheat 
for forty-one cents per bushel and occupied the 
little log house around which wolves howled and 
deer frequently passed, and rejoice greatly in the 
wonderful changes their eyes have seen. They 
have a source of gratitude in the fact that notwith- 
standing their early poverty there was never a 
mortgage on their land and that they never con- 
tracted an obligation until they saw their way to 
an immediate payment. Mr. Rosekrans has always 
been a Republican until the last general election 
when his vote was cast for Prohibition candidates. 



^i7 BANDER MILLARD is one of the most 
I jJg) prominent men in Ionia County. He owns 
jlL\v large tracts of land and is well known and 
highly respected. He is strictly temperate in his 
habits and has been all his life. His strict integrity 
in money matters is proverbial. He never sued 
any one and never was sued in his life, neither 
does any man ever have to ask him for the payment 
of a debt or a note, as he pa^^s them promptly the 
dav they are due without giving opportunity for 
a dun. His fine farm is situated on section 14, 
of Ronald Township. 

The subject of tliis notice was born in ISLassa- 
chusetls, March 21, 1824. He is a son of Dr. Mil- 
lard of Massachusetts and grandson of Joshua 
Millard, a native of Ireland and a soldier in the 
War of 1812. The mother of our subject was born 
and reared in Massachusetts. Her maiden name 
was Alviua Atwood. After the marriage of Dr. 



and Mrs. Millard they remained for several 3'ears 
in Massachusetts and then removed to Starkey, 
Yates County, N. Y., where for several j^ears they 
made their home on a farm. In 1841 they removed 
to Michigan, coming by team from Detroit to 
Lyons Township, Ionia County. Here on a farm 
they established a happy home and spent the re- 
mainder of their days. The Doctor passed from 
earth in 1880, having been bereaved of his wife in 
1861. He had been all his lifea man of wide inter- 
ests. He was a Republican in politics and while in 
New York was captain of a rifle company. His 
military qualifications were noteworthy and were 
appreciated b}' his comrades; he was promoted to 
the position of Colonel. He was ever active in 
political affairs and worked hard at times of elec- 
tion. He and his sons were all vigorous supporters 
of William Henry Harrison in 1840. He was a 
member of the Baptist Church and helped to build 
the church in his home in Yates County, N. Y., 
and to procure a pastor for it. He was an officer 
in this church and with his wife warmly supported 
its work. All their ten children are now living 
exce))t the oldest son John. The survivors are 
Malinda, Betsey, Charles, Bolton Y., Leander, 
Nancy, Gordan J., Lydia and Matilda. 

Leander Millard was brought hy his [larcnts to 
Yates County, N. Y., when an infant of one year. 
Here he was reared and received his early educa- 
tion. When his parents came to Michigan he 
accompanied them. When he reached his majority 
he took up a farm in the woods, five miles from 
any white man on Majjle River. Here he bought 
a place and lived alone, doing his own cooking 
while he cleared the land. For two years he lived 
here and then went b.ack to his father's and worked 
for him about two years. 

The subject of this sketch was in December. 
1846, united in marriage with Sarah Van Yleck, who 
was born in Ulster County, N. Y., April 22, 1822, 
Her early training and education were conducted 
in Delaware County, N. Y., whence she had removed 
with her parents when an infant of one year. Her 
parents were Mathew and Deborah (North) Van- 
Vleck. The father's father was a Hollander. 

Although Mr. Millard's farm was in Montcalm 
County', he did not like to take his bride there 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



671 



because llie country was in sucli a wild coi)(lilk)ii 
and liiey were so far removed from white neigiibors. 
.So be bouglit one acre of improved lan<) in Ronald 
Townsliip, Ionia County, and built a house of 
hewed logs. He improved this i>lacc and lived 
upon it for eight years. The family then removed 
to the village of Palo, which place was laid out on 
INIr. Millard's farm. Here they did double duty, 
keeping an hotel and running the farm. In 180,5 
they removed to sections 11 and 12, a partiall}' 
improved piece of land. Here our su1)ject pro- 
ceeded to improve the properly. In 1884 he 
bouglit the |)lace where he now resides. Here he 
is engaged in farming and fish-raising and has a 
line lisli [)ond on his place. 

Four sons and one daughter have blessed this 
home, namely: Mathew, Sesmour, Frank, Van Vleck 
.•iiid Vena I). Mr. and Mrs. Millard have three 
hundred and eighty acres of land mostly under 
cultivation. He is a Republican in politics and in 
his religious belief is a Baptist, although not now 
ciinnected witli any local church. At one time he 
handled a great deal of fine stock. He bought the 
(ii-st fine sheep that were ever brought into the 
county. He paid !f50 apiece for them and paid 
*100 for one little ewe lamb. He w.as a great 
huntsman in the early days of the country and had 
frequent opportunities to prove his reputation as a 
good shot. His farm boasts of one of the liiiost 
springs in the country and he has utilized it by 
attaching a watermill which does the churning and 
keeps the current of water stirring through his fish 
poud. Winter and summer this spring never 
ceases to flow, furnishing water in abundance for 
house and farm. His home is located in a. beauti- 
ful grove in one of the garden S|)0ts of Michigan. 



• I I g -^^cS^-sH-S— 



,|r> RADLKY li. CRAWFORD is a stock-raiser 
|L>C of considerable note in Ionia County and 
l(^yjl the country round about. He is a breeder 
^^' of Xorman horses. Merino sheep and Dur- 
ham cattle, the horses found upon his estate being 
especially fine. The place which he now owns and 
occupies consists of one hundred and sixty acres on 



section 4, Otisco Township, and bears a set of good 
buihiings, including every necessary and conveni- 
ent arrangement for the carrying on of the work in 
which he is engaged. He does not give his entire 
attention to the stock business, but successfully' 
cultivates much of his land, marketing a share of 
the croi)S harvested thereon. 

Mr. Crawford has Revolutionary bloocl in Ids 
veins, his grandfather, Robert Crawford, a native 
of Nova Scotia, having fought in the struggle for 
independence and afterward received a pension for 
his services. The i)arent3 of our subject were 
Anson and Electa (ColT) Crawford, wfio were mar- 
ried in New York, the father being a native of Sar- 
atoga County. The mother was a daughter of 
Roswell Coff and was born in the old Bay State. 
In 1835 Mr. and Mrs. Crawford came to this State 
and for forty years they were numbered among the 
residents of Shelby, Macomb Count}'. They then 
remove<l to Lansing, where Mr. Crawford died in 
187;», and Mrs. Ciawford in 1881. They had two 
sons and five daughters named res|)cctivel3', Brsid- 
loy B., Milburn L., Angeline, Laura, Caroline, 
Fatima and Fidelia. Mr. Crawford was a farmer 
anil owned one hundred and twenty acres of land 
in Macomb Count}'. He was .lustiee of the Peace 
two terms. 

The subject of this biographical notice w.as born 
in Livingston County, N. Y., July 6, 182G, and 
was a lad nine 3'ears old when he accompanied tlie 
other members of the family to this State. He re- 
m;iined with his parents until he was twenty-three 
years old. after which he left their roof to make a 
home for himself. He settled in Montcalm County 
and remained there until 1880, when he came to 
his present location. He was married January I, 
18.)1, to Mary J. Dickon, daughter of John and 
Jemima (Cass) Dickcn, natives of England and 
New York respectively. Her brothers and sisters 
are John, Andrew, William, Lewis. Nelson and 
Lottie. Her own children are Charles, Ja}-, Nora, 
John, William, Belle, Emmet and Lottie. 

The intelligence, honor and good judgment of 
Mr. Crawford have been recognized by his associ- 
ates and he has served them in several capacities. 
In Montcalm County he was Supervisor of Fair- 
plains Township, Township Clerk fourteen y<ars 



672 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and Justice of the Peace sixteen j-ears. In the 
same county he was Superintenclent of the Poor 
eighteen years. lie is and always has been a Re- 
l)ublican. He is a member of the Patrons of In- 
dustry, now President of the Otisco Union Associ- 
ation aud Vice President of the Montcalm County 
Association. He is Master of Montcalm Grange 
and Secretary of the County Grange, and has been 
for twenty years. He belongs to Eureka Lodge, 
No. 91, I. 0. O. F., at Greenville. Mrs. Crawford 
is a member of the Congregational Church; she is 
a well-informed and kindly woman, earnest in her 
efforts to do her duty to her family aud those in 
whose midst her lot is cast. 



I RAM SACKETT. This veteran of the 
Civil War was one of those who enlisted at 
tlie first tap of the drum, entering the ser- 
vice at an age that made it necessary for 
him to have the written consent of his parents. He 
is now agent for the American Express Company in 
Edmore, Montcalm County, and also carries on a 
grocery store and superintends a farm in Home 
Township. It will readily be understood that he is 
a busy man and abundantly supplied with energy 
and "push." His store is the seat of a thriving 
trade, as it is well supplied with the articles that 
are in demand for family use, and is managed in 
accordance with good business principles. 

Mr. Sackett was born in Carlton, Orleans County 
N. Y., April 22, 1843, and reared on a farm. He 
was the third in a family of eleven and the eldest 
son that lived to maturity. Much work, therefore, 
rested on his shoulders, and at an early period in 
his existence he began the labors by which he helpe<l 
to suppl3' the wants of the other members of the 
family. His school privileges were very limited and 
his entire attendance at institutions of learning 
amounted to less than three terms. He was not 
able to write when he entered the army, but 
whenever the duties of camp life would allow he 
practiced the art that he desired to learn. His in- 
structor was an Englishman, George E. Ashby by 



name, to whom he gave a watch in payment, and 

whose life was afterward saved by the time-keeper 
tliat prevented a bullet from piercing his body. 

During his youth j'oung Sackelt worked out as a 
farm hand, his earnings going to his parents. When 
the war began he was anxious to enter the service 
and his parents consented to his enlistment. May 
31, 1861, he was mustered in at Elmira, N. Y., his 
name being attached to the muster roll of Com- 
pany K, Twenty-seventh New York Infantry. He 
was one of those who took part in the first battle 
at Bull Run, and he afterward fought at Center- 
ville, Cat Lick Station, West Point and Mechanics- 
ville. Being taken with typhoid fever he was sent 
to the hospital at Washington and lay there from 
July to November, 1862, and was reported dead. 
When convalescent he was put on detailed service 
in Virginia until able to rejoin his regiment, which 
was in March of the following year. After the 
battle of Frederieksburg, his time having expired, 
he was honorably discharged May 30, 1863. 

After a few months spent in the North Mr. 
Sackett again entered the service, enlisting Septem- 
ber 15, 1863, in Company L, Second New York 
Mounted Rifles. He was mustered in at Buffalo 
as Corpoial and early in the following March went 
South. The regiment had not been able to get 
mounts and so took muskets and went to the front 
as did the infantry men. Mr. Sackett was in the 
second battle of the Wilderness, North Anna and 
Cold Harbor, the siege of Petersbui'g aud the fight 
at Pegram Farm, before the regiment was equipped 
and mounted as a part of Gregg's Cavalry. This 
was in December, 1864, and the boys participated 
in Belfield raid. In the battle at Stony Creek March 
31, 1865, Mr. Sackett received a gunshot wound 
through the right shoulder blade and was laid up 
until September. He was sent to a hosjiital at 
Washington and during his period of suffering had 
twenty-seven pieces of bone removed from his 
shoulder. He was honorably discharged at Elmira, 
N. Y., September 16, and for three or four years 
was able to do but little, owing to the effect of his 
wound and his long confineinent. 

In 1866 Mr. Sackett came to this State and for 
two j'cars he was engaged in farming in Penfield 
Township, Calhoun County'. The next year was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



673 



spent in similar work near Lowell, Ionia Countj'. 
In 1873 he removed to Union City and for two 
years lie was incapacitated for worii by an abscess in 
Ills sliouldcr. He then busied liiniself at various 
occupations and acted ns Constable and Marshal. 
He was Deputy Sheriff of Branch County six years. 
In September, 1882, he came to Eilmore and the 
following spring became the American Kx press 
agent. A big business was done by the company 
when Mr. Sackelt first took tlie agency, and his 
earnings while working for it during the first years 
gave him his financial start. Two years after he 
came to Kdmore he began buying butter and eggs 
for both wholesale and retail trade, and from this 
he drifted into the grocer3' business. His farm land 
consists of eighty-five acres on section 26, with 
good buildings and other improvements and an- 
other im|)roved tract of forty acres on the same 
section. lie has also real estate in Edmore. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Hiram Sackett, a native of Pennsylvania, and an 
early settler of this State, to which he came in the 
fall of 1844. He located in Hillsdale County and 
improved a farm near Moscow. He was of Welsh 
descent. The father of our subject was Luther 
Sackett, who was born in Pennsylvania in Decem- 
ber, 1816, but reared in Orleans County, N. Y. He 
farmed there until 18C5, then located in Calhoun 
County this State, not far from Battle Creek. He 
subse({uently removed to that city and died there 
in January, 1887. Politically speaking he was a 
Hepublican. He married Sallic Strickland, who 
was born in New York near Argyle, Washington 
Count}-, in September, 1816. She is an earnest, 
humble Christian, and has been a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church since she entered I'.er 
teens. She is now living in Battle Creek. Her father, 
Jesse Strickland, was a native of Vermont, but 
lived in New York during the greater part of his 
life. His occupation was fanning. 

In Ionia February 21, 1867, the ceremony was 
performed that made Miss Persenia L. Beach the 
wife of our subject. The bride, who is a daughter 
of Harlon D. and Amy Beach of theEnipire State, 
was born in Orleans Count}', N. Y., and was engaged 
in school-teaching prior to her marriage. It has 
been her aim to keep up with the limes in her 



knowledge of events that are transpiring, and to do 
her part in aiding the wheels of progress in the 
community of which she forms a part. 

Mr. Sackett is a Mason, belonging to Edmore 
Lodge and Council, and the ChajUer at Stanton. 
He is also connected with the Knights of the Macca- 
bees in Edmore. As might well be supposed, he 
belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and 
for four years he has been Commander of J. T. 
Borrell Post, No. 130, at Edmore. He often attends 
State and National encampments and he is now 
Deputy Department Inspector of the organization. 
He is also a charter member in the Independent 
Order of Good Templars and has held all the otlices. 
In his polilScal views, as in other opinions, Mr. 
Sackett knows where he stands and is stanch in his 
support of that in which he believes. He is a 
Republican and during the campaigns is active in 
his efforts to advance the affairs of the party. 



ANIEL STOIDT, a prosi)erous and re- 
spected farmer of section 26, Noith Plains 
(®^ Township, Ionia County, came uji to his 
present happy condition from deepest 
l)over1y. He commenced to work out by the month 
on farms as soon as he was old enough, for his 
father was very poor, and having a large family 
found himself unal)le to support them all, so this 
little boy lived in one pl.ace and another away from 
home from the time he was seven years old, and 
all the schooling that was given him was what he 
could gain in the winter terms of the district 
school. 

This representative of American push and prog- 
ress w.as born in Summit County, Ohio, M.ay 4, 
1838. His father, John Stoudt, was a native of 
Pennsylvania and a school-teacher. The mother 
bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Dick. This 
worthy but unfortunate couple were married in 
Ohio and died there. They struggled hard l<i 
bring up their ten children to become honest and 
honored men and women. The marriage of our 
subject with Tryphena Huffman, a native of Ohio, 
took pl.ace ^in that State in 1859. By this union 



674 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIC \L ALBUM. 



tliere were eleven children born, seven daughters 
and four sons, namely, Edward; Nora, Mrs. Barker; 
VVnlter; Sarah, Mrs. Ilaight; Ada, Mrs. Goodwin; 
Eli, C.iddic, Daniel, Jessie, Minnie and Grace. 
The mother of these children was called from earth 
March 29, 1884. Mr. Stoudt chose as his second 
wife P:mmranca AVillard, a native of North Plains 
Townsiiip. She was born in 1858 and the eldest 
chiht of Harvey and Maranda (Baker) Willard. 
This m.arriage took place in 1885 and two children, 
Edna and Ora were born, both being taken away 
in infancy. 

AVhcn Mr. Stoudt first removed to Michigan 
from Ohio in 1863 he came to Ionia County and 
located where he now resides, buying eighty acres 
of unimproved land, five acres only of it being 
partially broken. In a log house 18x24 feet which 
he erected here he made his home and proceeded 
to clear the trees from the land. His present line 
farm of two hundred and sixty-one acres is a mon- 
ument to the tremendous amount of work which 
he has accomplished by his own hands. Only 
twenty-five acres have been cleared by any one else. 
His fine square two-story brick house cost over 
*3,000. His good barn and many outbuildings 
mark a first-class farm. 

The specialty on this farm is fine wool sheep, of 
which this enterprising farmer has over one hundred 
and twenty-five head. He was a poor man when he 
came to this State and had to borrow money to 
start with. He belongs to the Democratic party 
and is a member of the Patrons of Industry. lie 
is a conscientious member and earnest worker in the 
United Brethren Church in wiiich he holds the oflite 
of Steward. 



'TTILIA G. WILSON, a Deacon in the 
(S^/ZJII Baptist Church, is a valued man in the 
community. He has gained his prosperity 
through much hard work, and has seen the 
depths of poverty. In his early life he was so 
hard beset with debts at one time, as to offer to 
give his property to any one who would pay the 
debt on it, but fortunately for him no one came 
forward to accept this i)roposition, and he managed 



at last to clear himself, and is now living in com- 
fort in his handsome two-story frame house on sec- 
tion 14, Ronald Townshijj. He was born in New 
York, November 4, 1829. His father, John, was 
also a native of New York, and of Irish descent. 
His wife's maiden name was Amy Coon; she is a 
native of New Y'ork, where siie was brought up. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were married in New York 
and coming West they located at Detroit, Mich., in 
1836, and then came on to Adrian by team, making 
their new home some three miles west of Adrian, 
where he undertook to run a sawmill. Here he 
lived for four 3'ears and bought some land in Lena- 
wee Count}', in the township of Hudson. Then he 
sold out and removed to Hudson, where he re- 
mained eight years and returned again to farm life. 
His father was called away from earth in 1882, and 
his mother followed liim in 1888. They were the 
parents of eight children, four of whom are now 
now living, namely: Marcus D. L., who resides in 
Niles, Mich.; Mary, Mrs. Ladd, of Hudson; Char- 
lotte; and the subject of this sketch. 

This last named son was five years old when he 
came with his parents to reside in Michigan. He 
received his schooling in a log schoolhouse, and 
when he readied his majority he borrowed $b and 
started out for himself. He went to Grand Haven. 
There he sawed slabs two weeks for his board, and 
secured work in the sawmill at $16 a month with 
board. This work he followed until in August, 1840, 
when he was taken sick. His sickness cost him all 
that he had gained and he returned home and re- 
mained with his father a year. He llien went to 
work again bj' the month on a farm at $11 per 
month. In 1855 he bought the place where lie 
now lives. 

On October 1, 185G he took to himself a wife, 
Mary J. Heath, a native of Pennsylvania, born Au- 
gust 30, 1835. She came to Michigan with her par- 
ents when quite young. Here she was reared anil 
received her education in the district schools. The 
first home of the young married couple was a log 
house 14x16 feet. There was plenty of wild game 
all about. On one occasion Ihey saw seven deer in 
their enclosure. They became the parents of four 
children, two sons and two daughters. Two of 
these survive: John D., who resides in Port Huron, 



i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



075 



and teaclies in the business college there: and Ida, 
who is still a schoolgirl. Mr. Wilson has one hun- 
dred and thirty acres of land, all under line culti- 
vation except thirty-five acres, which he keeps in 
tiiiiliui. His home is in a two-story frame house, 
whicli he erected at an expense of about :5!2,00(). 
Here he resides and carries on general farming and 
stock-raising. He is a Republican in politics, and 
often has the offer of nominations to office wiiich 
be never accepts. 



|I[__^ ON. ABIKL S. .STANNARD. Some of the 
ijj] early settlers in Ionia County are still liv- 

JV^^ ing and rejoicing in the prosperity to 
(^) which they have contributed and whose 
gradual growth they have witnessed. One of this 
number is Mr. Stannard, a fanner and stock-raiser 
on section 29, Boston Township. He came hither 
with his parents about the time he entered his 
teens and at once set to work to aid his father to 
clear a large tract of land. At that lime there was 
but little clearc^J land in what is now Boston Town- 
shi|) and settlers were few and remote fiora each 
other. Indians were numerous but peaceable, and 
often invited the settlers to their dances. Wild 
animals of course were numerous, railroads un- 
known, and travel from house to house was done 
over a trail or an almost invisible wagon track. 
When the Stannards arrived hei'e there were Init 
four families in the township, and these occupied 
three log houses. 

The parents of our suliject were of Knglish de- 
scent and both were born in Newport, N. H. The 
father, whose given name was Jeremiah, carried on 
a farm in his native State until 1824, when be re- 
moved to Hardwitk, Vt. In the spring of 1837 
he brought his family to Ionia County, traveling 
principally by water to Detroit and there buying 
teams, by means of which lie continue<l the journey. 
He had come to this State in the fall of 183() and 
bought two hundred and eighty acres of land where 
our subject now lives, and after making some prep- 
arations for his future work he returned to the 
East for bis family. They lived with Mr. White 



about three weeks, while a bark shanty was being 
built for their occupancy, and they then took pos- 
session of the rude structure, occupying it six 
weeks and doing their cooking out of doors. Dur- 
ing that time Mr. Stannard built a log cabin into 
which the family removed. 

No doors were hung in the ru.Ie cabin, but 
blankets were used over the openings. Furniture 
was limited and rudely made, though much of it 
was very substantial. Our subject now has in his 
possession a chair made by his father in 1838, the 
frame of which is of hickory and the bottom of 
ash splints. The sound of the woodman's ax 
scarcely ceased from morning until night lono- 
after the family had come to their Western home. 
When a small clearing was made it was jilaced 
under cultivation and as rapidly as po.ssible the 
work of improvement was carried on. Trading was 
done at Kalamazoo, sixty miles distant, and the 
trip to and fro was made with ox-teams. I'he Stan- 
nard farm was transferred from a wilderness into a 
fertile tract, upon which comfortable buildings 
stood, and around it similar improvements were 
made by others and schools and churches finally 
sprang up in the vicinity. The original owner of 
the tract lived upon it until November 2.i, 1H8G, 
when he entered into rest. His capable wife, whose 
maiden name was Sophia Call, hail preceded him 
to the silent land, breathing her last March 22, 
1876. They were earnest Christians and discharged 
every duty .as far as they were able. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Newport, N. H., December 28, 1823, and was 

the first-born of bis parents. He has two sisters 

Eunice S., widow of Becket Chapman, and Persis, 
wife of J. E. English, both living in Boston Town- 
ship. His early education was obtained in the 
Oreen Mountain State and he h.ad little opportunity 
for schooling after he came West. He, however, 
gainecl a wide fund of knowledge, principally by- 
reading, and is well versed in all topics of the dav. 
He not only takes papers which keeps him iu'touch 
with the world at large, but has a large library <if 
well-selected volumes and devotes much lime to 
their perusal. 

Mr. Slannnrd assisted his father until he was of 
age, and afterward continued lo live on the home- 



676 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



stead, of which he took charge in 1847. He has 
continued successfully the work begun so many 
years ago, and has the entire tract under good cul- 
tivation, furnished with a complete set of substan- 
tial farm buildings and stocked with good domestic 
animals and modern machinery. The original 
acreage was two hundred and forty, but this has 
been reduced to two hundred acres. This is a tract 
capable of supplying the wants of the family and 
leaving a surplus from which to draw in time of 
need and aid those who are less fortunate, or to join 
in public enterprises. 

Mr. Stannard was fortunate in winning for his 
wife Miss Hannah E. Fletcher, with whom he was 
united in marriage December 18, 1853. She is a 
daughter of John G. and Eunice (Baxter) Fletcher, 
well known iu Ionia County, to which they came 
in the spring of 1845. Mr. P^letcher was born in 
Rutland County, Vt., and was a carpenter and 
joiner by trade. For some time he carried on his 
work in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. IMrs. Fletcher 
was born on Baxter Island, in the St. Lawrence 
River, and is of Irish ancestry. She is still living 
on the Fletcher homestead, in Boston Township, 
with her son Asa. Mr. Fletcher died in 1885. He 
was a member of the Baptist Church and his widow 
is identified with that religious body. Mr. and Airs. 
Stannard have two cliihlren, named Jay D. and Gates 
L. The elder is a surveyor in Weld County, Col., 
and the 'ounger is farming on part of the home- 
stead. Ja3' D. married Miss Frances Buell and 
they have two children, Glyn and Carlos Abiel. 
(iates married Jessie Story, and they have two 
children, Ethel and Carl Harold. 

In exercising the right of suffrage Mr. Stannard 
uses a Republican ballot as his faitii in the future 
of that i)arty is strong. He has served the people 
of this section in local offices and in the Legislative 
halls, and to whatever position he has been called 
he has brought an earnest desire to act well his 
part and advance tlieir best interests. He has been 
School Trustee, was Supervisor four terms and in 
1867-69 was a member of the Legislature. He 
was quite an active member of the Grange for ten 
or twelve years. He helped to organized the 
Lowell National Bank and was a Director and 
stock-holder in the corporation as long it was in 



existence. Liberality in supporting all public enter- 
prises and earnest work for the upbuilding of the 
community have characterized Mr. Stannard as a 
citizen, and industry and forethought have marked 
him as a man. 

EORGE W. STANTON, a resident of Sid- 
ney Township, Montcalm County, and sou 
of James and Martha (Niles) Stanton, both 
of New York, was born in Greene County, N. Y., 
and reared on the Hudson River about one huntlrcd 
miles from New Y'ork City. His educational ad- 
vantages were mostly confined to the country 
schools, as he spent his early life on the farm, yet 
he attended two terms of school at Renssalaerville, 
Albany County. He began life for himself at the 
age of twenty-one years, when he engaged in farm- 
ing and speculation. Iu his twenty-eighth year he 
removed to the western part of the State, where he 
engaged in lumbering and farming on the Genesee 
River. He sold clear lumber for $8 per tiiousand. 
Two years later he made anew home in Winnebago 
County, 111., on the Rock River, one hundred miles 
from Chicago. He bought a half-section and im- 
proved it, farming and speculating in livestock for 
twelve years, buying and selling slock of all kinds 
in Chicago. From there he came to Sheridan, Mich., 
where he arrived July, 1869, in company with his 
brother, a resident now of Ionia, whose biography 
also a|)[)ears on another page in this Aluum. 

Mr. Stanton was married in Illinois September 
16, 1856, to Nellie Bry, of Delaware County, 
N. Y., and they have become the parents of 
the following children: M. A., deceased ; Milton 
B., Henry N. and George L. After coming to 
Michigan he engaged in the lumber business, clear- 
ing off timber and milling at Sheridan, on Pearl 
Lake. He continued in this Imsiness about sixteen 
years, hauling all the products of the mill to Ionia, 
a distance of sixteen miles for the first five years. 
He helped to plat the town, and when the railroad 
company was negotiating with the city, they gave 
$4,000 to insure the coming of the road through 
that place. He has always been active in promo- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



677 



S^ 



ling the interests of the town and erected its first 
store buihling, where he engaged in tlie mercantile 
husint'ss while carrying on lumbering. 

He is a Republican in politics, and is actively in- 
teresleil in ])olitical questions. He has long been 
Supervisor and also President of the village as well 
as Treasurer for a number of terms. He is an ac- 
tive promoter of ail educational movements, and 
generously assisted in putting up a !^3,000 school- 
house. He has a nice farm of one hundred and 
sixty acres, and built a beautiful residence in the 
city about nine jears ago. His two sons are pro- 
gressive young business men; one is engaged in 
the drug business in this place, and the other is 
superintending the lumbering Ijusiness in Cataract. 



"JJ^AMKS M. CHASE is one of the pioneer 
breeders of Ued-l'olled cattle in the State, 
and on his farm in Ionia County has some 
fine specimens. In his herd there are seven 
head of thorougli-brcds and a large number of 
high-grade. Mr. Chase also takes a deep interest 
in Poland- China hogs and has a number of regis- 
tered animals. The property which is the seat of 
his stock-raising and upon which he also cultivates 
various grains, is located on section 2, Ioni:\ Town- 
ship, and consists of one hundred and thirty-two 
acres of land, over one hundred of which is im- 
proved. 

Mr. Ch.ise is of Knglish lineage and traces the 
family from the mother country to New England 
and thence to New York. His grandfather, George 
Chase, was a native-born Yankee, but went to 
New York and there reared his son .Fohn B., father 
of our subject. John I!. Chase married .Sarah A. 
Stone who was born in Livingston County, N. Y., 
May 10, 1828. She came to this State in 184C and 
made her iiome with her brother Darius until her 
marriage in 1849. Her parents were Orrin and 
Betsey (Cowell) Stone, natives of Connecticut antl 
New York respectively, who die<l in tlie latter 
State in 1842 and 1815. After their marriage Mr. 
and Mrs. John B. Chase settled upon the land that 
is now the home of their son, our subject, it being 



at that time in almost a primitive condition. They 
settled in one of the first frame houses in the town- 
ship and placed the land under thorough tillage. 
Mr. Chase died here March 9, 1890, and his wiclow 
still stirvives. He was a member of the School 
Board, belonging to the social order of the (irange 
and was a Republican in politics. For nearly forty 
years he belonged to the Christian Church and his 
wife too was a member. 

The family of which our subject was a member 
consists of five children, three living and two de- 
ceased. The other survivors are George W., whose 
wife was formerly Rela A. Cam|)field and who has 
six children, and Zach C, who married Mary Jane 
McDunnel and has three children lives in Muir. In 
the farmhouse that he still occupies .lames M. Chase 
was born, November 16, 1851. His father having 
lost a leg by the bite of a dog in 18G1, the lad was 
obliged to remain at home and therefore lost much 
schooling. After arriving at man's estate he still 
sojourned under the parental roof a few years, then 
married and settled one-half mile south of his old 
home. He remained there six 3-ears, then returned 
to the homestead and gave his attention to its 
further development and to the raising of fine 
stock. 

The marriage of our subject to Miss Hattie Fea 
was solemnized Juue 15, 1876. The bride is a 
daughter of Charles and Mary Ann (Strouts) Fea, 
natives of England who came to this State at an 
early day. They returned to their Jiativc land but 
came again to America and after living for a time in 
New York located in Jackson, Mich., in 1856. 
They came to Ronald Township, Ionia County, in 
1865. They have had ten children, nine of whom 
are now living. Mrs. Chase was born in New York 
State August 27, 1853. She obtained a common- 
school education and other useful knowledge, in- 
cluding the Christian principles that animate her 
life. Two children have been born to her — John 
B., now aged eleven j'cars, and Myrta A., aged 
nine. 

Mr. Chase is a straight Republican and lakes 
suflicient interest in politics to understand the is- 
sues of the day and visit the polls at the proper 
time. He has been a member of the Grange and is 
identified with the Patrons of Industry. He is a 



678 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



man of strict temperance principles and he and his 
wife belong to the Christian Church. He is a 
Deacon of what is known as the Union Church in 
Norlh Plains Township and lie and his wife aid in 
Sunday-school work. Intelligent, hospitable and 
l)ublic-spirited, Mr., and Mrs. Chase are well re- 
garded by their neighbors. 



AMUEL J. YOUNGMAN, a farmer and 
lumberman residing on section 29, Cato 
Township, Montcalm County, was born in 
Oxford, Oakland County, Mich., February 
21, 1848. He is the son of Samuel P. and Sarah 
J. (Dowse) Youngman. The father was born in 
Tioga County, Pa., in April, 1811. There he was 
brought up and lived until he was a }0ung man, 
when he came to Michigan early in the '40s, and 
worked on a canal in Macomb County, then in 
course of construction. A little later he went to 
London, Canada, and kept an hotel when the (Chi- 
cago <fe Grand Trunk Railroad was being built. 
Later, when the McKenzie Rebellion broke out, 
he found himself in an unpleasant position, as his 
sympathies were with the United States, so he re- 
turned to Michigan and made his home at Oxford, 
Oakland County, until November, 1855, when he 
settled on a farm in Monti-alm Count}-, where his 
son now resides. He died April 10, 1890, aged 
eighty years. He took the land under the Govern- 
ment land laws of that dale. 

The whole countrj- was heavily timbered and 
from Langston to the point where Mr. Youugman 
made his home the}' were compelled to go ahead 
with their teams and cut the roads; a compass was 
necessary to get the direction. He went to work 
on his one hundred and sixl}' acres of wild land, 
which is now in a high state of cultivation under 
the management of our subject and his bi'Other. 
The nearest railroad station at that time was fifty 
miles away at Ionia. The nearest market was 
Greenville, eighteen miles away. Indians and wild 
game were abundant. The first house erected by 
Mr. Youngman was built of logs, 12x24 feet in 
dimensions, with a single roof. Here this cour- 



ageous and contented family lived for several 
years. At that time there was not a clearing of 
ten acres within twelve miles of them. This 
brave pioneer has followed farming all his life. He 
was a Republican and has hehl some minor offices 
in his town. The family is of German extraction. 
He was a member of the Church of the United 
Brethren. He was twice married, first to Mercy 
Bentley in Pennsylvania. Her two children, John 
B. and Mar}' A. (Mrs. George Churchill), have 
both passed away from earth. His second wife 
was born in Little, Mass., in 1827, and died in the 
home in Michigan in 1868. Of her five children 
only two have lived to ages of maturity, our sub- 
ject and his brother George C. 

Samuel J. Youngman was but eight years old 
when he came in 1855 with his parents to the farm 
in Cato Township. His education was received 
in the old schoolhouse in Cato Township. The 
logs were covered with bark, the floor was of punch- 
eon and the seats were of slabs. His education 
was supplemented by attendance upon the com- 
mon schools at Greenville. When he was about 
twenty years of age he purchased of Gov. Crapo 
forty acres of land on section 28, at 15 per acre. 
He has since added to this, and now has a splendid 
farm of four hundred and eighty acres, all in one 
body, with about three hundred acres of it well 
improved and in a high state of cultivation. His 
barns are the largest and finest in the township 
and his farm carries the highest tax of any in 
Cato, wbile bis residence is a credit to the section 
in which he lives. 

The subject of this sketch carries on extensive 
farming interests and deals largely in stock. He 
is i-aising thoroughbred Durham cattle. His large 
barn is 44x88 feet with basement and eighteen- 
foot posts. His root cellar in connection with it 
is 20x40 feet. For many years he has been deal- 
ing in logs and lumber, handling several thousand 
dollars worth of logs each winter and owning con- 
siderable timbered land in different parts of the 
State. He has made all that he has by his own 
exertions, starting out on his own account when 
he was twenty-one years old. 

Mr. Youngman is a Republican in politics and 
has held some of the responsible offices in the gov- 



roUTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



679 



eminent of the town. He is also a Royal Arch 
M.nsoii. On February 22, 18G9, he was in.arrie(l to 
Miss Maria Welniore, of Cato. !Shc was Ijorn in 
Ingliara Count}' in 1852, and was a daugliter of 
Ambrose and Jane Wctuiorc. Mrs. Yoiingnian 
(lied in 1870, a year after licr marriage. Mr. 
Youngman's second marriage united him, August 
'J, 1871, witli Miss Elizabeth Newsome, of Milford, 
Oakland Count}', where she was born February 1 1, 
1842. Siie is a daugliter of Jerrod and Mary 
Newsome, of Oakland County. 

'ii — 7 RED ORTH. Among the many men who 
%^^Q\ have done well, financially speaking, by 
_!') ' tilling the soil in Ionia County, is Fred Ortli, 
who is located on section 26, Ronald Township. 
He has a fine farm consisting of two hundred acres 
of land, all under eullivation except thirty-five 
acres of timber. The farm is supplied with sub- 
stantial barns and other outbuildings, incluiling 
ever3'thing that is necessary in order to slan)p it a 
first-class estate. The dwelling is a pleasant one 
and neatness an-J order prevail in and about it. 
When Mr. Orth settled on this place in 1867, the 
hind he now owns was largely undeveloped. Ninety 
acres had'becn partially improved, but it was still 
better developed and the rest reclaimed by his own 
good man.agement and much personal labor. 

The father of our subject was Mathias Orth, who 
was born in France and emigrated to America when 
of age. He established himself in l'liiladeli)hia, 
I'a., engaging in the business of a baker, and there 
he married Miss Caroline Guyer, a native of (jer- 
many who had crossed the Atlantic when young. 
In 1861 Mr. and Mrs. Orth came to this Slate, 
traveling with a team from Detroit to Eaton Count}- 
and locating on land near the home of their son. 
After some years they removed to Ionia in order 
to enjoy greater ease, abandoning farm life and 
hard work. There Mr. Orth died in 1878 and his 
widow still lives. They had eleven children, and 
four daughters and four sons grew to mature years. 
Of tliese Magdalene is now deceased; Fred will be 
mentioned below; Caroline lives in Ionia; Jacob G. 



is R resident of Ronald Township; Elizabeth lives 
in Ionia; Lewis V. is a resident of Travers City; 
Susan makes her home in Ionia; and Charles M. 
lives in Virginia. 

The birthplace of Fred Orth was in Pennsylvania, 
seven niiies from Philadelphia, and his natal day 
November 28, 1835. He was but a year old when 
his parents removed to Summit County, Ohio, and 
there he received his first schooling. He remained 
with his father until he was twenty-four years old, 
and then began working on the Ohio Canal, an 
occupation in which he continued five years. He 
next took up the business of saw-milling in Summit 
County and after eight years of work there moved 
to Saginaw, Midi., where he carried on the business 
three years. He next came to his present location 
in 1867 and turned his attention to agricultural 
work, in which he has continued to exercise his 
skill. It needs but a glance over his farm to show 
that he is a capable agriculturist. 

In Summit County. Oiiio, March 24, 1864, Mr. 
Orth was united in marriage with Miss Sarah C. 
Baxter. This amiable and eflicieiit lady was born 
in the Buckeye State and was the third of four 
children comprising the family of Rinaldo and 
Elvira (Swan) Baxter. .She is the only one of the 
number nov living and her parents are likewise 
deceased. Her father was a native of New York 
and hi>r mother of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. 
Orth are the parents of nine children, named re- 
spectively: William II. married March 11, 1891, to 
Miss Addie Boltz; Kllie E., Alma R., Inez Irene, 
Fanny C, Charles W., Esther Estelle, Sarah C. and 
Ola Olive. All are at home except two married 
daughters — Eflie, whose home is in Grand Rapids, 
she being the wife of .loliii Boltz, and Alma, now 
Mrs. William Hunter, who lives on a farm near 
Muir. 

In his religious views Mr. Orth inclines to the 
Lutheran Church and in politics he is a Democrat. 
He is a prominent member of one of the best- 
known social orders, and has been a Mason for 
twenty-six years. His name is on the roster of 
Palo Lodge, No. 203, in which he has filled every 
chair' and was Master for a period of four years; 
he is now Senior Deacon. He is also connected 
with the Chai)lcr at Lyons. Mr, Orth was Presi- 



680 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



dent of the Patrons of Industry two terms and 
Secretar3' two years. Notwithstanding his busy 
life as a farmer and stofk-raiser he takes an active 
part in all the affairs that are conducted by his 
lodge, and joins in all worthy enterprises that are 
promulgated for the general good. 



^t^USON P. GIFFORD. This veteran of the 
|IW| Civil War has been Postmaster at Saranac, 
I' — ;^' Ionia County, since June, 1889, and is num- 
bered among the most prominent business men of 
that thriving town. He is engaged in the sale of 
general merchandise, carrying one of the largest 
stocks to be seen in the place, and finding a room 
30x80 feet none too large for his use. The build- 
ing that he occupies is a substantial brick put up 
by him in 1884, and at that time fitted up for the 
purpose which it now serves. Mr. Gifford has not 
always been a merchant, but in otiier lines of man's 
work has borne an honorable part, ever manifesting 
the sturdy qualities that win respect from his 
associates. 

Mr. Gifford was boin in Oswego County, N. Y., 
August 6, 1832, and is a sou of Thomas and Julia 
(Ricii) Gifford. His father was born in the Empire 
State and was of English and German descent and 
his mother was a native of Connecticut. In his 
earlier j'enrs Thomas Gifford followed the trade of 
a mason, but he gave up that work for millwright- 
ing, at which he was engaged until his decease, 
which occurred in Madison County, N. Y., about 
1859. He had been bereft of his wife some years 
before, her eyes having closed to earthly things in 
1848. She was a member of the Methodist Churcli. 

He of whom we write spent the first twelve years 
of his life in the village of Fulton, then accompan- 
ied his parents to Otsego Count}', where he con- 
tinued his early education. When fifteen years 
old he began to learn the millwright's trade with 
his father, but after the family removed to Madi- 
son County he again took up his books and at- 
tended the academj-. He had, however, prior 
to this time, had some experience in teaching. 
Upon leaving the academy he turned his attention 



to the work of a millwright, and when he was 
twenty-two years old went to Ottawa, III., and put 
in machinery. He worked at various occupations 
in that State about three years, then came to Micli- 
ignn and put in machinery for mills in Kent County 
along Mill Creek. About 1857 he bought eighty 
acres of land there, which he began to clear and 
improve. 

In the fall of 1861 Mr. Gifford entered the army 
and was enrolled in Company U, First Miciiigan 
lingineers. About the first of December the regi- 
ment was ordered to Kentucky, where our subject 
was engaged in such duties as fell to the lot of an 
engineer corps until the following fall. He was then 
detailed for recruiting service and spent about two 
years in this State, raising troops, and during that 
time he was promoted from thirst Dut}- Sergeant to 
be Senior First Lieutenant of Company L, and four 
months later to be Captain of Company M. After 
rising to the rank of Captain he was stationed in 
Alabama anil when Sherman started on his march 
to the sea Capt. Gifford had charge of a battalion. 
He moved around in Alabama and Tennessee, as 
the ])lan of the commanding Generals made neces- 
sary, and at length came home on a ninety days' 
furlough. He rejoined his command at Goldsboro, 
N. C, and followed Johnston until he surrendered, 
then marched with Sherman's army to Washington. 
Thence he was ordered back to Nashville, 
where he remained until September, 1865, when 
his command was mustered out and coming to 
Jackson was paid off and discharged. 

About a month after his return to his home Mr. 
Gifford went to Nashville, Tenn, and built a grist 
and sawmill on the Cumberland river. He oper- 
ated them about eighteen months, when they were 
destroyed by an incendiary fire caused by the 
antagonistic feeling toward him as a Northerner. 
Realizing that life in that vicinity was not likely 
to be pleasant, he returned to this Stale and until 
December, 1868, busied himself as a millwright. 
He then came to Ionia County and bought eighty 
acres of land in Campbell Township, on which 
there was a sawmill. He carried on the farm and 
mill until 1881, when he sold them and moved into 
Saranac in order to take personal charge of a store 
he had bought some time before. While on the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



681 



farm be liad added to its extent and when he dis- 
posed of llie place it included four iiundred acres. 

In September, 1853, Mr. Gifford was united in 
marriage with Miss Martha A. Manchester of Mad- 
ison Count}', N. Y. Politically lie is and always 
has been a Republican. For four years he was 
Supervisor of Campbell Township and for an equal 
length of time he was County Sheriff. He has also 
been Supervisor of Boston Township and for four 
years has held the station of Village Trustee. He 
is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows 
lodges and of the Grand Army I'ostin Saranac and 
was the organizer of the last named. During his 
army life he conducted himself as became a loyal 
citizen, whose valor could not be questioned and 
whose enthusiasm on the side of right never flagged. 



\t7 S. CROTSER. M. D. The spirit of enter- 
l| (^ prise and laudable ambition is finel}- excni- 
jj "--^\ plified in the career of Dr. Crotser, a popular 
and successful physician and surgeon of Edmore, 
Montcalm County. He made his way through col- 
lege, won his diploma from one of the best medical 
schools in the countrj', and in a few short years 
built up a wide and lucrative practice — all accom- 
jilished by indomitable will, tliat made the most of 
his natural talent, and excellent judgment, both 
native and acquired. Dr. Crotser came to Edmore 
when there were already eight doctors here, and has 
outstaid all of them, gaining followers each year 
as his professional skill became more widely known. 
He is proprietor of the City Drug Store where first 
class drugs are compounded and dispensed. 

The grandfather of Dr. Crotser, Jacob by name, 
was born in Bucks County, Pa., and was a farmer. 
He went from that section to Medina County. Ohio, 
itibout 1837, and passed the remnant of his days in 
the Buckeye State, dying in 18.58. His son C. C, 
father of our subject, was a native of Bucks County 
also, and was sixteen years old when the family 
went to Ohio, traveling by team. He remained on 
the homestead until he w.as twenty two years old, 
tlien engaged in mercantile pursuits at Harrisville. 
In 1864 he removed to this State and made settle- 



ment in Kalamazoo County, at Wakeshma. He 
bought a farm and mill and combined the occupa- 
tions of a farmer and miller, and later engaged in 
the sale of agricultural implements. He is a suc- 
cessful business man, and hfis a good property, 
consisting of two hundred and forty .acres of land. 
He has been Township Treasurer for years, votes 
the Democratic ticket and is an active member of 
the German Reformed Church. His wife, mother of 
our subject, was a native of Bucks County, Pa., 
was known as Barbara Kulp and was a daughter of 
Samuel Kulp, an earl}' settler in Ohio and a Penn- 
sylvanian by birth. She breathed her last in Jan- 
uary, 1878, leaving two sons — A. F., now living at 
the old home and L. S., the subject of this record. 

Dr. Crotser was born in Meilina County, ()hii>, 
.lunc 8, 1 858, and was si.x years old when he accom- 
panied his parents to this State. He grew toward 
manhood on a farm and was early set to work at 
such t.asks .as ail farmers' sons learn, and pursued 
his studies in the district school until he had entered 
his teens. He then became a pu[)il in the Union 
City school and attended there nearly three years, 
after which h* gave the winter months to teaching 
for five years. He began his professional career 
when but sixteen years old, but young as he wjis, 
succeeded well and took pains to increase his effl- 
cienc}' by careful -thought and continued study. 
At the .age of seventeen he took up the Normal 
Teachers' Course in Ypsilanti, and was grfiduatcd 
in 1879, after having paid most of his own ex- 
penses in college. 

In the fill! of 1880 Dr. Crotser enterol the medi- 
cal department of the State University at Ann 
Arbor and was graduated in the first three-years 
class that receivfd diplomas in 1883. The class 
numbered one hitndred and seventeen members and 
our subject was among the ten of highest standing. 
He at once located in Kdmore and set himself to 
make a reputable name and win subsistence in the 
line of life he hail chosen. His skill was soon de- 
monstrated and his deep sympathy in the sufferings 
of those to whom he was called to minister, to- 
gether with his evident interest in the advancement 
of the section in all true growth, added to his rep- 
utation, and the passing years brought him a prac- 
tice that grew lucrative an<l extended. Dr. Crotser 



682 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was ii 1,000 in debt when he located for jji-actice, 
but he was economical and prudent and ere long 
was relieved of the incubus and felt free to make 
other uses of his savings. In 1885 he bouglit the 
drug stock of D. O. Long and has continued the 
business. 

The jjleasant home of Dr. Crotser is presided 
over by a capable housewife, educated, refined and 
noble. The lady who possesses these qualities was 
known in her maidenhood as Miss Delia Bunu. She 
was born in Athens, Callioun County, and is a 
daughter of George and Hannah (Fear) Bunn, who 
are identified with the agricultural cla.sstliere. She 
was educated in the town school and taught willi 
success five years. Dr. and Mrs. Crotser liave an 
adopted daughter — Marguerite. 

The Doctor has been Village Trustee and is now 
Clerk of Home Township. He always casts a 
Republican l)allot, having a firm trust in the prin- 
ciples of tlie party. His social nature leads him to 
take much interest in the prominent orders and he 
is connected with the following lodges: Edmore, 
I. O. O. F.; Wakeshma, No. 254, F. & A. M.; Stan- 
ton, R. A. M. ; Edmore Council and Edmore, K. 
O. T. M. He has passed the chairs in the first 
named and is Examiner in the last. He is e.xamin- 
ing physician for various insurance companies and 
is Health Officer of Edmore. He belongs to the 
State Medical Society and the Northern Michigan 
Medical Association. His nature is essentially lib- 
eral and openhearted, and he is read^- to aid in 
every good work and give support to that which 
will elevate iiumanity. He is universally liked as 
a man and citizen. 



i^«f-»«tfW:^ 



«-3S5»«-;s;^ 



"f¥)ESSE S. HOLCOMB, a veteran of the War 
of the Rebellion, was born in Macouib 
County, Mich., December 25, 1844, and has 
(^/j always retained his residence in the Wol- 
verine State. He is the son of Benoni and Lucy 
Ann (Wedge) Holcomb, both living in Ionia 
County, while he makes his home in Sidney Town- 
ship, Montcalm County. When our subject was 
three years old, his father removed to Ionia County. 



Here the boy remained until he reached the age of 
eighteen years, when he gained the consent of his 
parents to join the army, and enlisted in Com- 
pany D, Twenty first l\Iichigan Infantry. He was 
sent to Kentucky and was attached to Gen. Grant's 
army under Col. Stevens, of Saranac, Mich. His 
principal engagements were at Perry ville, Ky., Lu- 
vcrne, Tenn., Steward Creek, Stone River, Tulla- 
homa, Tenn., Elk River, Chickaroauga, Chancel- 
lorsville, Brown's Ferry, Mission Ridge, Savannah, 
Ga., and Averysboro and Bentonville, N. C. 

Our young soldier was mustered out of the ser- 
viceat Detroit, June 8, 1865, and at once returned 
to Ionia County where he engaged in farming, 
but four years later he decided to sell out his prop- 
erty there, and removed to Montcalm County, 
where he has made his permanent home. He set- 
tled first at Stanton, and entered the grocery busi 
ness, but he did not like this indoor life, and be- 
gan teaming. He served for awhile as police 
officer, and ;it different times was in the ice busi- 
ness, and had charge of the city sprinkler, sprink- 
ling the streets of the town. 

But farming at last claimed the services of Mr. 
Holcomb, and in 1883 he purchased one hundred 
and sixty acres of choice land within one mile of 
Stanton, and undertook its cultivation. The spring 
after he returned from the war he took to himself a 
wife, Mary Ann Clifford, of Ionia Count3', to whom 
he was united Maj' 27, 186G. Their three children 
are as follows: Benoni, born March 27, 1867; Sam- 
uel O. W., July 12, 1868; William H., April 16, 
1870. These sons are all living, and are doing 
well, the two eldest having engaged in business for 
themselves. 

In politics our subject is a Republican. He has 
acted as Constable several times, and is Alderman 
in one of the wards of Stanton. His advantages 
for an education were very poor, and realizing this 
be with commendable foresight attended scliool the 
season after his return from tlie war. He has given 
to his children what he missed in his own bo3'- 
hood, good advantages for education. 

About four years ago J\Ir. Holcomb came near 
meeting bis death by the attack of a ferocious bull. 
His chest was crushed and many bones broken, and 
he was confined to his bed for four months, but 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



683 



slninge to relate be recovered, and lias gained his 
former good bealtli. His well-improved farm near 
the city, and the houses and lots which he owns in 
Stanton, attest his industry and enterprise. He is a 
member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and is 
Past Sir Knight of the order. 

--*> "•^-*^* "^ — 



<« felLLIAM S. WHITTLKSEY, Clerk of Mont- 
\ij\J// calm Count3% was born in Livingston 
Wi County, N. Y., July C, 184C. He is a son 
of William and Clarissa (Sanford) Whittlesey wlio 
were likewise natives of the Empire Stale; the fa- 
ther is a farmer. The son obtained a thorough 
common school education, and coming to Michigan 
entered upon a course of legal study and was grad- 
uate<l from the law department of the University 
of Micliigan in 18G9. Two years later he estab- 
lished himself in Hig Rapids and began the i)ractice 
of his profession. After six years of residence 
there he removed to Lowell, Kent Count}-, and in 
liS78 established himself in Edmore, Montcalm 
County. 

Mr. Whittlesey rapidly made friends and ere long 
was elected President of Edmore Village, and he 
also served as Supervisor three years. In 188G 
the Republicans nominated him by acclamation 
for the odiec of County Clerk and in November 
fuilowing he was elected. With such fidelity did 
he serve that he was again nominated h}' acclama- 
tion in 1890 and re-elected. He is not only careful 
and cHicicnt in keeping his records and looking 
after his official duties, but he is genial in his inter- 
course with all who have occasion to visit the 
office as well as witii those whom he meets in a 
social way. 

In 18C9 Mr. Whittlesej' was united in marriage 
with Miss Sarah (!. Tidd, a native of New York 
Stale. The marriage has been blesseil by the birth 
of two children — Stephen T. and William S., Jr. 
The latter, who is now sixteen years old, is pursu- 
ing his studies in the High School at .Stanton. The 
parents met with a sad allliction in the death of 
their first-born, wiio was drowned in Nevins I>ake, 
July 4, 1890. The family were not alone in their 



sorrow, as the young man w.as a general favorite 
with both old and young, those of mature years 
recognizing the worth cf iiis character and the 
promise of his future. 

Stephen Whittlesey was born December 8, 1873, 
and possesseil those qualities which lead to the 
highest success — singleness and definiteness of aim 
and the capacity and susceptibility to receive ai<l 
from without and above. He showed that individ- 
uality of character, self-reliance and ambition to 
excel which gave promise of a noble, useful life, 
an<l his actions were in harmony with all the good 
forces and powers about him. The close compan- 
ion and friend of his father, he was at the same 
time an active and generous participant in the 
pleasures of his young associates. As a member of 
the High School class of '91 and President of the 
Christian Endeavor .Society of the Congregational 
Church, he inspired the young to better deeds and 
to greater efforts for advancement. 

Mr. Whittlesey is identified with the Odd Fel- 
lows order, and the Re|)uli!ican party has no stanciicr 
adherent than he. He and his wife belong to the 
Congregational Church and have excellent stand- 
ing among its mcml)ers and the genuine resi)ect of 
those who know their character. 



•Wla^W"" 



I EWIS NEY OLMSTED is one of 

II ^ men who, being natives of Mich 
11^^ been familiar from their earlies 



\f EWIS NEY OLMSTED is one of the young 

ligan, have 
est recollec- 
tions with the history of their State, and whose 
social and material development has progressed 
siile by side with that of their native county. Mr. 
Olmsted who resides on section 1, Ionia Township, 
Ionia County was born in North Plains Township, 
January 12, 1852. His parents, Jay and Anstrus 
(Case) Olmsted, were both natives of New York 
State where they were married and whence they 
came to Michigan in 1836. Our subject was the 
youngest of their four children and his first and 
only schooling was received in the district schools 
of his native place. 

Jay Olmsted died when Lewis was but twelve 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



years old and the boy started out for himself at 
the early age of sixteen 3'ears. He then com- 
menced to build and to cultivate on the land where 
he now resides. He chose for his partner in life 
Lizzie Hayes, a native of Michigan. The3' were 
married October 10, 1871. She is the eldest 
daughter of George and Frances (Stone) Hayes 
and was born in Ionia County, October W, 1855. 
Mr. Olmsted had made many improvements on 
his farm before he took his bride there to live, so 
that he was able to settle there without undergoing 
so many hardsliips as some had to encounter. Three 
children were sent to this home: George Ney, and 
Ernest P., deceased, and Emanuel M. Two hundred 
and eighty acres of well-improved land formed the 
liome farm, and Mr. Olmsted owns two hundred 
and eight3'-flve acres more in Lyons Township. He 
makes a specialty of Short-horn cattle. He has 
altout fift^' head of cattle on the farm, one hundred 
head of sheep and a corresponding number of 
other stock. A handsome two-story frame house 
forms the home, and first-cl.ass barns show indica- 
tions of a careful hand and a wise farmer. He was 
at one time a candid ite on the Democratic ticket 
for State Representative. He is a Mason and was 
formerly a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows. 

^Bi' ■• 



^ AMES E. COOLEY is recognized as one of 
the foremost farmers of Odessa Township, 
Ionia County. Although he has not lived 
in the county as long as many of its citi- 
zens, yet his farm will compare favorably with 
those of men who have been here for forty years. 
The tilled land is carefully handled and its pro- 
ductiveness retained to the highest degree, and 
every necessary building has been put up on the 
farm, to which a fine orcliard adds further beauty 
and desirableness. The dwelling now occupied by 
the family was built in 1890 and is large and com- 
modious and furnished with an eye to the comfort 
of its inmates. Among the outbuildings the barn 
is conspicuous as first class in design and construct- 
ion. A view of the residence and pleasant rural 



surroundings appears on another page of this vol- 
ume. 

The parents of our subject, William and Ann 
Maria (Dove) Coole3', were born in Maryland and 
were ilescended from English ancestors. The father 
served his countrj' in the War of 1812, after which 
he w.as engaged in farming in his native State 
until 1832, when he was called from time to eter- 
nity. He was a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church and his widow is identified with the 
same religious bodj-. She has now reached the ven- 
erable age of eight3--seven years and retains her 
faculties in an unusual degree. She has five chil- 
dren, named respectivel3'; William T., .John, Ben- 
jamin, Mar3' Ann and James E. 

The birth of James E. Coole3' took place in 
Maryland, January 8, 1832, five days after his 
father had departed this life. The child was two 
years old when the mother removed to Ohio and 
there he remained with her until he was seven. He 
then went to live with a man with whom he re- 
mained eleven years, during which time he received 
a common-school education in a district school. He 
accompanied Mr. Owens to Noble Count3', Ind., 
when he was sixteen, and two 3'ears later left him 
and returned to Ohio ^nd worked out in Williams 
County three 3-ears. 

In 1854 Mr. Coole3' came to Ionia Count3' and 
bought land where he is now living. His purchase 
was of two hundred acres of heavily timbered 
land upon which no attempts at cultivation had 
been made. He secured board near bj' and for two 
years busied himself in chopping and clearing and 
then, being taken sick, returned to his Ohio home. 
He remained in the Bucke3'e State about eleven 
years, devoting his time to farming as sonn as he 
recovered from his illness. He then sold out his 
interests there and went to Color.ado, where he was 
engaged in mining al>out two 3'ears. Returning to 
the Buckeye State he pursued agriculture there 
five years, and then in 1872 made a permanent 
settlement on his Michigan land. 

Mr. Coole3" put up a log house, in wiiicli he lived 
while carrying on the work of improvement, each 
3-ear seeing a larger extent of cleared land and bet- 
teF crops. Some time after purchasing tlie prop- 
erty he sold eighty acres, so that the estate now 



4 



'■'T!rT?T!TS??TTr?T'''r!'9r 



.I.J.\,J., l^^J.H* 




RESIDENCE OF J. C. E NGLISH , SEC . 31. BOSTON TR IONIA CO. MICH. 




RESIDENCE OF J. E. COO L EY, 5EC.20 ODESSA TP. t ON I A CO. M I CH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



687 



consists of but one liundrcil nnd tvvenl3\ He lias 
ninet\- acres under excellent tillage, and taken as a 
whole, the estate is one of which he may well be 
proud, particularly as its posscssi<jn is due entirely 
to his own exertions and good management. 

For a number of years Mr. C'ooley lias had the 
aid and encouragement of a capable wife, who in 
her own department of their affairs has shown wis- 
dom and ability. She bore the maiden name of 
Klizabelh Shock and became Mrs. Code}' Novem- 
ber 29, 1859. She has had five children, but two 
only are now living — Orris H. and George B. She 
is well known throughout the community and like 
her husband is held in high esteem by their 
acquaintances. Mr. Cooley has been a lifelong 
sup|)orter of the Democratic party. His religious 
nH'inbcrslii|i is in the Free Will Baptist Clitirch. 



>.^50Cr-.- 



ir 



■Sf] UDE C. EN(;LISII. Many changes have 
taken i)lace in Ionia County since this gen- 
lleman came hither and the retrospect of the 
'(^}) years that have passed affords him much 
pleasure, together with sad thoughts of the sorrows 
lie has felt and the losses he has suffered. The old 
ccjmrados do not now gather as they once did, as 
many of them have gone to another world, leaving 
their jjlaces to be filled by their tlescendants, or a 
new influx of emigrants. Mr. English looks back 
to the time when there were but twentj'-four voters 
in Campbell and Boston Townships, two houses in 
.Saranac, and Ionia was but a hamlet. Indians 
could be seen any day, and all kinds of wild fowl 
and much larger game liaunterl the forests. It was 
the custom of the settlers to assemble in the fall 
for a big boar hunt. 

The birthjilnce of Mr. English was Tunbriiige. 
Orange County, Vt., and his natal day March 20, 
1833. His parents, Edson and Abigail (Willard) 
English, were born in the (ireen Mountain Stale 
and both were of Scotch blood. The father was a 
farmer and followed his calling in his native State 
until 1810. when he came hither and located on 



section 21, Boston Township. Here he continucil 
his work as long as his strength would permit. He 
died May 20, 1883, at the age of eighty-three years. 
His wife survived a few j'cars, reaching the venera- 
ble age of ninety -one and passing away December 
31, 1890. Both belonged to the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Their family included seven chil- 
dren, the survivors being Elizabeth, widow of 
Herman Hunt who died in the array; James F., 
whose home is on section 28, Boston Township; 
Annette, wife of Reuben H. .Smith whose home is 
in Grand Rapids; our subject; and David H., who 
occupies the homestead. 

It will be seen that Mr. English was but seven 
years old when he came to Ionia County. His 
early education was received in the district school 
and he spent one term at Albion College. In I8,")4 
he bought eighty acres of land on section 31, Bos- 
ton Township, and four years later he took posses- 
sion of the property. He had previously been 
working on the place in the summer months and 
spending the winters in teaching. When he gave 
his entire attention to his farm he h.a<l removed 
much of the timber and underbrush which origin- 
all\' covered it, as be had gone to work with a will, 
and understood what he was doing, having helped 
his father in similar work. A hard-working man, 
prudent in management and thrift}' in his habits, 
he has steadily worked his way, adding to his orig- 
inal purchase and clearing and improving all. 

During the Border Ruffi.in War of Kansas in 
185G, a movement was set on foot to raise money 
in each school district to aid in making Kansas a 
free-soil State, and our subject took fpiitc an in- 
terest in the matter. He succeeded in raising over 
^17, the largest amount secured in his township. 
Anything that could be converted into cash was 
taken, such as corn, oats, etc., and our subject lakes 
just pride in the fact that his mite helped in the 
good cause. 

The land of Mr. English has been broiighl to a 
high slate of develo|)mcnt, is well-improved and 
stocked with good grades of horses, cattle, sheep 
and hogs. Mr. English now occupies a farm of 
one hundred and fifty-live acres, on which he built 
a large two-story brick dwelling in 1H80. He also 
put up an ample barn. He then decdeil the orig- 



688 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



inal homestead to his son, Charles S., who married 
Mary Roger. Mr. English used to trap a good 
deal, selling fox and mink hides. What he has 
accomplished in the way of building up a home 
and securing a competence has been due to his own 
efforts and those of his wife, who was faithful over 
the interests committed to her care and ever en- 
couraged him by her cheerfulness and love. Look- 
ing back over the rough roa<l they have traveled 
together, they rejoice in the fact that they have 
succeeded in a higli sense, winning esteem as well 
as lillliy lucre. 

Mr. English helped to organize the Grange in 
1873 and has been an active promoter of its suc- 
cess. He has been Purchasing Agent since the 
organization was perfected. He has served as 
School Trustee, but has no inclination for any other 
position of public responsil)ility. Politically, he 
is a true'Reimblican. His means are freely ex- 
pended for the building up of Boston Township 
and the advancement of Ionia County. His wife 
bore the maiden name of Persis A. Stannard which 
she changed for that she now bears April 28, 1858. 
Thev have had two children but the son before 
mentioned is the only one living. Ernest died 
wlien a child of three and a half years. 



OLIVER HOOVER. To one who is keenly 
observant of the agricultural districts of 
Ionia County it would seem that Keene 
Township lias an unusual number of German- 
American citizens. Many of her most prominent 
farmers were born and reared in the Fatherland, 
and there acquired the good principles and indus- 
trious and thrifty habits that have made them snc- 
cessful in ihe home they chose after growing to 
manhood. Beginning their career in America with 
little or no cash capital, they have worked their 
way to positions of comfort and competence by 
the exercise of their natural abilities and the ster- 
lin"' ways to which they wore reared. One of this 
class was Oliver Hoover, whose home is on section 



32, and whose life and character are the subject 
of the following paragraphs. 

The parents of the gentleman above named were 
Lawrence and Mary Hoover, whose birthplace w.is 
the Grand Duchy of Baden, where his eyes were 
also opened to the light June 24, 1825. He was 
fairly educated under the school system that in- 
sures a practical education to the sons of the Father- 
land, and since he came to the United States has 
become quite well acquainted with English. He 
crossed the Atlantic in 1854, leaving Havre on a 
sailing-vessel and being foity-six days on the 
ocean. After landing in New York he went to the 
Province of Ontario, Canada, where he remained 
until 1857. That year he came to this State, and 
choosing Ionia County as the scene of his labors, 
settled on section 18, Campbell Township. He 
operated on a farm there until the spring of 1858, 
and then took possession of that on which he is 
now living. His first dwelling here was a log 
shantj", but after a few years it was supplanted 
by a better house, and in 1877 a fine brick resi- 
dence was put up. A few acres of the land had 
been been partially cleared, but the major portion 
of the work necessary to bring the estate to its 
present condition was performed by Mr. Hoover 
himself. His farm consists of one hundred and 
twenty acres and is tlie source of an excellent 
income. 

For thirty years the jo^'s and sorrows, the labors 
and successes of Mr. Hoover have been shared in 
by a good wife, with whom he was united May 
11, 18G1. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
October 26, 1840, and bore the maiden name of 
Catharine Schoppey, being a daughter of Henry and 
Elizabeth Schoppe}^ Mrs. Hoover came to Amer- 
ica in 1854. Her mairiage has been blessed with 
the birth of nine children, but only four are 
spared to brighten the parental home. These are 
Caroline, Frank, John and OUie. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hoover take an active part in the 
social affairs of their neighborhood and are con- 
nected with the Roman Catholic Cliurch at Lowell. 
Mr. Hoover gives his political allegiance to the 
Democratic parly and never fails to deposit his 
vote in behalf of its candidates. The entire fam- 
ily are respected by their associates and display an 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



689 



interest in American iustitntions, particularly in 
the seliouls, and are ever ready, wlierever it is 
posslMe, to advance the interests of the comimi- 
nit3' by tlieir participation in tlie projects wiiich 
promise that result. 

On another page of the Alhim tlie readers will 
notice a view of the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Hoover. 

^^"^^ a^" 

j)ILLIAM S. STORY, an old settler of Ionia 
County, resides on section 19, Boston 
Township, and carries on general farming 
and stock-raising. He was horn in Lester, Living- 
ston County, N. Y.,.Ianuary 18, 1819. He is a son 
of Urii>s and Lucrctia (Smith) Story. The father 
was a native of New Hampshire and of Scotch de- 
scent. The mother was horn in Connecticut. They 
followed farming most of their lives and came 
West with their son, and resided with him until 
their death. The father died in April, 1861, his 
wife having prcce<led him to the other world in 
August, 1859. Both of them were members t)f the 
Congregational Church, and were conscientious and 
useful in their church relations. They were the 
parents of nine children, seven of whom are now 
living, namely: Lyman, Belsey, Caroline M., Will- 
iam S., Sarah C. George 1)., Arniinda A. 

The subject of this sketch was born and reared 
on a farm in Livingston County, N. Y., where he 
received his education in the district schools. He 
continued to reside with his parents until 1848 
when he came to Michigan and located in Boston 
Township, Ionia County', taking charge of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land where he now re- 
sides, which had been purchased b^' William P. 
Brown in 1838. Renting a farm near his own 
land he worked that for two j'ears and in the mean- 
while built a log house on his own place. In the 
spring of 1850 he moved onto his own farm, which 
was in a wild state and went to work chopping tim- 
ber and clearing brush. Year by year he cleared 
more and cultivated what he had free from trees, 
and now has it all under a good state of cultiva- 
tion and well improved. He has always carried a 



good grade of stock of various kinds, making a 
specialty of Merino and Sliroi)shlre sheep. 

Mr. Story has been an interested observer of and 
helper in all the changes that have taken pl.ace in 
the county from its Grst beginnings. He has ever 
been a public-spirited man, contributing liberally, 
according to his ability, to all enterprises looking 
to the welfare of the community in which he re- 
sides. He has hunted deer on land that is now in 
a high state of cultivation, and has seen the Indian 
and his wigwam supplanted by prosperous villages 
and white people of intelligence and culture. He 
is in politics a Republican. He has held the office 
of Supervisor one term, also that of Road Com- 
missioner, and is a charter member of the (i range. 

The sul)ject of this sketch was united in mar- 
riage with Harriet Harris, of New Haven, \'t., in 
October, 1844. They have two children living: 
Catherine H., wife of Levi Fletcher, who resides 
on the homestead; Jessie E., wife of (iates L. .Stan- 
nard, who resides in Boston Township. The good 
mother of these children was called to her final rest 
December 15, 1884. Mr. Story still resides with 
his daughter Catherine on the homestead, where be 
hopes to spend the remainder of his days. 



tp^ANIKL .?. M.\TTI.SON. Among the owners 
I )]j of large farms in Ionia County none are bet- 
\f^ ter deserving of mention in a volume of this 
nature than .Mr. Mattison, whose enterprise in car- 
rying on his work and good citizenship and charac- 
ter entitle him to respect. His residence is on sec- 
tion 35, Ronald Township, and his estate consists 
of three hundred acres, all under cultivation. Flocks 
and herds of goodly size an<l first-class breeds roam 
over the pastures, among them being one hundred 
and si.xty head of sheep. Kvery where on the place 
one can see the evidences of prosperity and it is 
manifest that the owner of this properly makes «f 
his occupation both an art and a science. 

Mr. Mattison is the youngest son of Allen .(.and 
Lucy ('I'homas) Mattison, of whom more extended 
notice is given in the biography of William H. 
Mattison on another [lage. He was born in Reus- 



690 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



selaer County, N. Y., February 12, 1841, and re- 
eeirecl his education in tlie district schools near his 
home. He continued to reside in liis native State 
until 1870 when he came to Michigan and located 
where he is now living. He had been married some 
three years before, but with liis wife had a place in 
the parental household, and upon coming West he 
was accompanied ]>y his father and mother. His 
mother, who has been a widow for several years, is 
still with him on the homestead and is now of ven- 
erable age. Since he came to this State Mr. Mat- 
tison has worked on the homestea<1. 

The marriage of Mr. Mattison and Miss Carrie 
S. Cranston was solemnized at the bride's home in 
New York, November 21, 1866. Mrs. Mattison 
was born in Stephentown Township, Rensselaer 
County, November 10, 1846, and received her 
early training and education there. She is the 
fourth of nine children born to Henry R. and 
Pha^be (Mattison) Cranston, who were likewise 
natives of the Empire State. She belongs to the 
Baptist Church and is an earnest, conscientious 
Christian, whose constant aim it is to discharge 
every duly which lies before her. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mattison have two sens — Harry A., born in 1869 
and Charles H. in 188.3. The elder is now attend- 
ing school in Ann Arbor. 

Mr. Mattison is a supporter of Republican princi- 
ples. Before his removal to this State he served as 
Township Assessor at his old home. He occupies 
a place in the front rank of farmers of Ronald 
Township and has an acquaintance which includes 
a large number of sincere friends. 






\fACOB J. HATINGER is one of the most 
active business men of Montcalm County. 
He is a manufacturer of shingles and lum- 
(^// ber, having a fine mill located on section 2, 
Jielvidere Township, although he makes his home 
in Day Township, where he has a tine farm of two 
hundred and eighty acres on section 2. His father, 
John, was a farmer in Wurlemburg, Germany, 
whence he emigrate'! soon after his marriage to 
Catherine Eitelbuss, a sister of J. J. Eitelbuss in 



whose biographical sketch her ancestry will be 
found. When in about 1853 Mr. John Hatinger 
first came to America he located in Northfield 
Township, Washtenaw County, this State, on a farm 
and remained there until his death at the age of 
fortj^-five years. 

The subject of this sketch was the second child 
of his parents and was boin December 27, 1855, at 
Northfield, Washtenaw County. Here he grew up 
on a farm and after his father's death, at eight 
years of age was greatly depended upon by his 
mother in the management of the farm. When 
fourteen years old he came to Montcalm County. 
He engaged in lumbering in the winterand worked 
on the farm in summer until he was twenty-one 
years of age, and his time and wages during this 
time went for the benefit of the family and he 
finally drifted into the manufacture of shingles in 
Ferris and Day Townships. He successfully ran a 
mill on Fish Creek, Ferris Township, then in Ever- 
green Township. In January, 1890, he started the 
present mill in Belvidere Township with a capacity 
of forty-five thousand shingles per day. Here he is 
doing a fine business. His farm is in a si)lendidly-cul- 
tivated condition and his handsome residence, large 
and commodious outbuildings and the general 
appearance of the farm are creditable in the ex- 
treme. He engages in general farming and stock- 
raising and feeds for market about one carload of 
cattle each year. He makes a specialty of graded 
Short-Horn cattle, and keeps excellent stock in hogs 
and sheep. His greatest interest upon the farm 
however, is in raising fine horses. He owns the 
fastest pacer in the State of Michigan, ''Benson H." 
sired by Lewis Napoleon, record 2:25^. He has 
paced the one quarter mile in thirty-one seconds 
which is at the rate of 2:04 gait. He also owns 
"Nettie H.," sired by ''Sweei)Stakes." She has a 
record of 2:40 as a trotter. 

Mr. Hatinger began in 1878 with an eventful 
celeliration, that of his marriage to Agnes, daugh- 
ter of Thomas Morse. This lady was born in Ann 
Arbor of one of the early families in that county. 
Her father was a farmer from New York and her 
mother, whose maiden name was Catherine Sabin, 
was born in Germany. In 1855 the Morse family 
located in Portland Township, Ionia County, this 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



691 



State, wheie they cleared and irainoved a farm and 
resided until the death of Mr. Morse. His wife, 
who survives him, resides at the old place. Mrs. 
Ilalinger is one of six surviving children. Much 
of her childhood and school days were spent in 
Ionia County, although her older girlhood she 
passed in Ann Arbor. She is the mother of four 
children, one of whom, .lesse, died in infancy. The 
surviving children arc Krnest, Earl and Leon. 
Mr. Hatinger is a prominent Republican and votes 
the straight ticket on all occasions. 



*7r LBERT B. GRANT, M. D. The medical 
profession is well represented in Ionia 
lii and liy men who in theoretical knowledge 
practical skill and professional zeal wou'd 
stand on a par with those in any of our cities. 
Among this number is Dr. Grant, who has a large 
and constantly-increasing practice. lie does not 
look ujion his profession as a book that, being 
read, is to be laid aside but as something of the 
nature of natural science, needing constant watch- 
fulness and continued investigation in order that 
no phenomena m.iy escape notice and no possible 
good result be missed, lie continues to study both 
books and men and is watchful of the welfare of 
his patients. 

The fimily from which Dr. Grant traces his 
descent is prominent in Germany and is entitled 
to a coatof-arms. The foreign spelling of the 
patronymic is Krauntz and was changed during 
Colonial times, when Marks Krauntz, grandfather 
of our subject, entered the Colonial army. That 
gentleman had emigrated from Germany a short 
time before the struggle for independence and lo- 
cated in the Mohawk V'alle}'. By some misunder- 
standing his name was entered on the eidislment 
and pa^' rolls of the Revolutionary army as Grants 
and he adopted that cognomen, which is retained 
by his descendants in the East. Grandfather 
Marks Grants came from Germany when be was 
seven years old and died May 17, 1841, aged 
seventy-nine years. Catherine, his wife, died Sep- 



tember l.*?, 1857, aged eighty-three years ami six 
months. Alarks Grants received from Gen. Wash- 
ington a medal for bravery during the Revolu- 
tionary War. The medal is still preserved by his 
relatives. His son David, who came to this .State 
in 1853, dropped the final "s". 

D.Hvid Grant was married in his native State to 
Miss Phiana P. Wilcox March 24, 1831, who was 
also born in New York, and who was a descend- 
ant of John Rogers, the martyr. She was a 
daughter of Heman and Naomi (Rogers) Wilcox. 
Upon their removal hither Mr. and Mrs. Grant 
located in .Tackson County, where the husband 
died March 7, 1873. Mrs. Grant survived until 
October 4, 1889, and breathed her last at Lowell. 
Their family included seven children, five of whom 
are living and the subject of our sketch is the 
youngest. 

Dr. Grant was born in Columbia, Herkimer 
Ccmnt^', N. Y.', June 15, 1849, and was therefore 
but a child when he obtained his first knowledge 
of this State. He received a common-school edu- 
cation which was sufliciently thorough to fit him 
for teaching, and he took charge of schools in 
Jackson County. Having determined to make 
medicine his calling, he did some preliminary re.id- 
ing and then entered a college at Cleveland, Ohio, 
and later the Detroit (Mich.) Homeopathic Col- 
lege, and holds a certificate from the Chicigo Poli- 
clinic Abdominal and Pelvic Surgery-, and is also 
a member of the American Obstretrical Asso- 
ciation anJ American Association of OriHcial Sur- 
geons. His favorite study is surgerj' and elec- 
tricity in nervous and chronic diseases. From 
the Detroit College he was graduated in 1875, 
and he at once located for practice at Muir and 
Lyons, Ionia County. He remained there until 
October, 1878, when he succeeded Dr. Amos 
Walker at Lowell. While in Lowell he held the 
offices of Health Ollicer and President of the 
School Hoard. In 1885 he removed to Ionia, to 
which place his reputation had preceded him. 

The lady who presides over the household af- 
fairs in the elegant residence of Dr. Grant bore 
the maiden name of Ada C. Fellows and became 
his wife November 19, 1873. Her parents were 
John A. and Jeanette L. (Emory) Fellows, natives 



692 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of New Yoik and Vermont respectively, and early 
settlers in Jackson County, this State. Mr. Fellows 
was of Welsli extraction and came of a long-lived 
faraily,and he himself re.iched the age of four score. 
The date of liis decease was March 13, 1890. One 
of the ancestors of Mrs. Grant was the Rer. Adiel 
fSherwood. Dr. and Mrs. Grant have two sons — 
Burdette F. and Hcraan Emory, who are receiving 
every possible opportunity to improve their minds 
and prepare themselves for future duties. 

Dr. Grant is much interested in tiie social orders 
and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having 
attained to the rank of Sir Knight; the Odd Fel- 
lows, Knights of Pythias and Grange lodge?. He 
was Corresponding Secretary of the llomceopathic 
Medical Society four years and in 1885-86 was its 
President. He was a member of the Board of Ex- 
aminers for Pensions during President Arthur's 
administration, was deposed for offensive i)artisan- 
ship by President Cleveland, but was reinstated 
by President Harrison, and now presides over that 
body. It will be understood from the, above that 
he is a Republican and that none are long in doubt 
as to his opinions on political questions. He and 
his wife belong to the Congregational Church. 
Dr. Grant is possessed of the manners of a true 
gentleman, and at the gatherings of the best circles 
his presence and that of his wife is sought. 



^,E ELBERT A. REYNOLDS. Among the 
))) pushing, energetic, successful business men 

-r of Lyons, Ionia County, is the subject of 
this biographical notice. Mr. Reynolds came to 
Lyons with his family in 1881 on account of its 
excellent railroad facilities, be being at that time 
en^awed as a traveling salesman in Michigan. In 
the summer of 1882, the Grand River J5^c7to, pub- 
lished at Lyons, suspended publication, and in Sep- 
tember, of the same year, the Muir Vidette met a 
like fate. Mr. Reynolds, in company with W. D. 
Pennington, Jr., bought the two plants, put in a 
quantity of new material and the necessary energy, 
launching the Lyons Herald in October, of the 
same year. From that time the business has con- 



tinued to grow until at this writing Mr. Reynolds 
is sole owner of one of the best newspapers and 
job printing offices in Central Michigan, from 
which is issued the Pati-ons' Guide. The current 
issue of this paper is a little over ninety-three thous- 
and copies, while it carries a pay-roll of over 
twenty men and women. 

Personally Mr. Reynolds is conservative, prudent 
and sagacious; editorially he is fearless, non-parti- 
san, and the terror of tricksters, political or social 
rings. Born in Isabella County in 1854, he mod- 
estly claims the distinction of being the lirst child 
born of white parents in that then Indian reserva- 
tion, and his education was such as could be ob- 
tained among the Aborigines. Young Reynolds 
spent his time in driving the cows to pasture and 
watching the hopper in his father's gristmill; nat- 
turally inclined to literary pursuits he also devoted 
considerable attention to the study of history, books 
of travel and current newspaper literature. Upon 
the death of his father in 1870, he went to Maple 
Rapids, where he finished his trade as a miller, but 
was soon taken with a protracted illness that kept 
his lungs in a very delicate condition and almost 
undermined his entire constitution. 

Turning his attention to the classics Mr. Rc}'- 
nolds soon fitted himself for teaching, which voca- 
tion he followed for eight winters, devoting his 
time during the summer months to the subduing of 
a small farm in Clinton County, and incidentally 
becoming strong and healthy. During the years 
spent on the farm he gave to the literary world 
some very choice productions, which have won for 
him a reputation as a writer, in which his friends 
take a ver^' commendable pride. The last eight 
j-ears of his life have found his leisure hours em- 
j)loyed in securing the data for what will be the 
crowning effort of his literary career. 

Mr. Reynolds is the only son of John and Catiie- 
rine Reynolds, of old Puritan stock; the former 
died in 1870, and the wife survived but two years. 
The other members of the family are: Mrs. Delia 
Davis, Mrs. Harriet Mullins and Mrs. Katie Helm. 
Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage in 1874 with 
Miss Seruah Vincent, and two sons — Egbert A. 
and Loyal W., have come to bless the union. 

Since the above sketch was written Mr. Rey- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



693 



nolds Una removed his printing business to the 
State Capital, Lansing, where in addition to his 
oihcr business he lias launched the Michigan Staffs- 
man in tlie interest of the now [)olitical party 
known as tiie Peoples' party. His residence, ollice 
building and other property interests he still 
retains in Lyons. 

?RANK R. CHASK, a dealer in real estate 
K) and a farmer on section 21, Otisco Town- 
ship, made his first entry into Ionia County 
in 1844 when a child five years old. He was born 
in Napoleon, Jackson County, Jlich., August 12, 
1839, but with the excei)tion of a few years his life 
has been spent in the county with whose interests 
he is now idertified. He gave his time and strength 
to the I'nion cause from August 10, 1862, until 
Se|)tetnber, 1868, and for a sliort time was engaged 
in mercantile pursuits in Illinois. He owns a tract 
of land comprising some five hundred acres and 
carries on quite extensive farming operations. 

The grandfather of our subject was Elisha Cli.ase, 
a native of Vermont, who came to this State in 
18,50 to make his home with his son, Norman G. 
He was a Sheriff in his native State, and during the 
Black Hawk War was a soldier. The son mentioned 
was born in the Green Mountain .State, whence he 
removed to Connecticut, thercc to New York and 
thence to Miciiigan and finally located in Smyrna 
in 1844, which was his permanent residence. He 
was a minister of the Gospel but in his new home 
he engaged in mercantile pursuits, beginning with a 
capital of "fliiO. He followed the business until 
186.3, anil was so successful in that and other work 
that he left a property valued at about iJC.OOO, after 
having given 140.000 to benevolent purposes. His 
death occurred in 1884 at the age of eighty-two 
years, anil his estate was willed to benevolent insti- 
tutions. He was Postmaster in Smyrna for many 
years, having been the first to hold that office. He 
was Townshii> Clerk and was a school officer dur- 
ing a long term of years. 

Norman Chase was married in New York to Lu- 
cinda Carroll, who was born in Connecticut and 



whose parents were John and Hannah (Th.-iyer) 
Carroll, also natives of that State. John Carroll 
was a cousin of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one 
of the signers of the Declaration of Inilei)eudence. 
Our subject is distantly related in the paternal line 
to another signer, Samuel Ch:ise. The children of 
Mr. and Mrs. Norman G. Chase were four in num- 
ber, three of whom died in infancy. The mother 
entered into rest in 1868. 

Mr. Chase, the subject of this notice, received his 
fundamental education in the common schools and 
increased his store of knowledge by attending 
school in Lansing and Kalamazoo each one j'ear. 
He also took a commercial course in the latter citv. 
When a young man of (eighteen years he began 
teaching, but followed that work only two terms. 
When of age he was taken into partnership with his 
father, with whom he continued in business until 
his enlistment in Company H, Twenty-fifth Mich- 
igan Infantry, with which he went to the Held as 
First Lieutenant. He served with his company and 
regiment until September, 1863 when, being dis- 
abled, he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve 
Corps and appoint<»d Adjutant of the Eighteenth 
Regiment. 

Lieut. Chase was sent East and participated in 
Grant's campaign of 1864 from P'redericksburg to 
City Point, .and then joined the forces against Gen. 
Early, who was making his famous raid on Wash- 
ington and the Baltimore & Ohio Railway. From 
December, 1863, Mr. Chase was on staff duly, 
serving as Adjutant of his regiment, Adjutant- 
General of the brigade in the field, and doing 
duty on the staff of Gens. Haird, Gregg. Mower, 
Sheridan, V.'ood and Buchanan respectively. After 
the cessation of hostilities he was ordered to New Or- 
leans, where he remained on duty until his resigna- 
tion, when ho came home with the rank of Major. 
Re-eng.aging in business .-is a merchant Mr. Chase 
remained in Michigan until 1870, then went to War- 
saw, III., which was his home for the ensuing two 
years. He returned to Smyrna in 1873 and here he 
continues to reside. 

Mr. Chase was married in Warsaw, III., in 1870. 
to Ilattie E. Flood, uneducated and refined young 
lady who stands side by side with him in the es 
teem of their acipiaintances. She is the danghier 



694 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Gen. Martin Flood, wlio was born in Massaclni 
setts, but for years resided in Wisconsin and went 
into tlie army in 1861 willi the Third Wisconsin 
Infantry. He was a member of the Legislature of 
that State. His death tooii place in Warsaw, 111., 
in July, 1873. His wife, a native of New York, 
bore the maiden name of I'ludence Darling. Their 
family included Capt. R. E. Flood, Hattie E., Mar- 
tin A., ALary A. and Edward E. Mr. and Mrs. 
Chase have two living children — Dora and Carroll, 
both at home; and they have lost a daughter. 
Bertha L., who died at the age of two years. 

In politics Mr. Chase is a stanch Republican, but 
he has never aspired to public honors, being satis- 
fied to do his duty as a private citizen and aid his 
party in quiet ways. He is high in the Masonic 
order, having taken the thirtieth degree. He takes 
an active part in the workings of the Belding 
Lodge, No. 355, and in the Consistory in which he 
is enrolled. He is Commander of Dan S. Root Post, 
No. 126, G. A. R., in Belding. He and his wife 
belong to the Baptist Church and have high stand- 
ing in that society. 



iEV. DAVID E. MILLARD started out in 
life under the fostering care of a brilliant, 
cultured and literary ancestor. His father 
I having traveled extensively in the old 
Continent and possessing a prominent professor- 
ship in one of the leading Theological Seminaries 
of the country, also with merited success acquiring 
the fame of an author, could by these influencts 
place his son upon a brilliant pedestal which he has 
utilized as a stepping-stone to his present promi- 
n(!nt position. 

Two brothers by the names of Robert and Na- 
thaniel Millard came from England to Rehobeth, 
Mass., about the middle of the seventeenth cen- 
tury. They were Baptists and fled to this country 
on account of religious persecutions. Robert was 
a minister of the Gospel and both lived to be 
aged and died and were buried in Rehobeth. The 
Rev. Robert Millard had a son Robert, and the 
latter also bad a son who bore the same name and 



like his ancestor was a Baptist minister. The third 
Robert lived to an advanced age and was highly 
respected. He was twice married, and the father 
of a large family. Among the children of his sec- 
ond wife, whose maiden name was King, was 
Eleazar Millard, who removed from Rehobeth, 
Mass., into Dutchess County, N. Y., and subse- 
quently to Stillwater, Saratoga Count}', where 
Nathaniel Millard, grandfather of our subject was 
born December 13, 1764. The Millard homestead 
was near the battle ground of Burgoyne's defeat. 

Nathaniel, when not quite sixteen years old, en- 
listed as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. At 
the surrender of Ft. Ann, he was taken prisoner 
and for several months was held in captivity among 
the Indians in Canada. In this place he was re- 
taken bj' the English and with others placed in the 
prison at (Quebec, where by sickness and starva- 
tion he nearly ended his days. He was taken to 
England where he was held in confinement sev- 
eral months, and after a series of hardships he was 
at length given his freedom and restored to his 
native land. In 1787 he found a most estimable 
wife in Mary Hunter, who was born in Antrim, 
Irclanfl, August 27, 1767, and who with her family 
emigrated to this country- and settled in »Ballston, 
N. Y'., in 1774. The fruits of this marriage were 
eleven children. Nathaniel Millard was killed 
August 7, 1829, by falling from a load of hay. He 
was a good man and died a Christian. His wife 
survived him a number of years, her death occur- 
ring in Rochester, N. Y'., Jul}' 8, 1850, aged eis^hty- 
three years. 

David Millard, the father of our subject, was 
born at Glenville, Schenectady County, N. Y., 
November 24, 1794. He began to attend school 
at the early age of four years, but after he was 
able to perform any kind of farm labor his school 
days never exceeded three months in each year. 
Before he was quite seventeen years of age he began 
to teach school near his childhood's home, in which 
avocation he was very successful. He was con- 
verted to Christ under the preaching of a lad}', 
Nancy G. Cram, whose ministry in Boston and 
elsewhere was remarkably successful. In 1814 he 
entered the ministry and preached his first sermon 
in Amsterdam, N. Y., July 16, 1815, and in March 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



695 



I81C left his home toenj^ago in the service of God. 
He promptly took a prominent position as a minis- 
ter anioni; the able men with whom lie associated 
nn(1 labored. 

On June 17, 1819, Mr. Millard married t'elia 
Hicks of Taunton, Mass., and having organized a 
Christian Church in West Bloomlield, N. Y., was 
for iliirl3'-six years the faithful and prosperous 
pastor of the church which he had founded. Here 
he [)ublished the 1 ntc Mcssialt and for three 3-ears, 
from 182;") to 1828, a montldy periodical known as 
the Gospel Luminary. Subsequently Mr. Millard 
traveled extensively in many States, preaching as 
lie went and was greatly blessed in his labors. In 
1841-42 he visited Malta, Egypt, Palestine, the 
peninsula of Sin-ii and Arabia Petra. He also spent 
several weeks in a lazeretto in Smyrna. On his 
return he published his book of travels which liad 
an extensive sale and received many flattering 
notices through the press. 

In 1814 Mr. Millard was elected Professor of 
Sacred Geography and Biblical anticjuities in the 
Meadville, Pa., Theological School which he held 
over twentj- years, spending one month each j'ear 
in lecturing on the above subject. In 1868 David 
Millard removed to Jackson, Mich., where the sub- 
ject of this sketch was serving as pastor of a Chris- 
tian Church. In that place he died, August 7, 
1873, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. His 
was an honorable and faithful life and he left be- 
him a noble record. He was twice married, his 
first wife Cclia Hicks, dying July 24, 1843. April 
24, 1844 he married Elmina L. Belote, who died 
May 7, 1885, at Lyndon, N. Y., in the seventy- 
fifth year of her age. Her only son, Channing 
Millard, lives in Chicago. 

David E. Millard w-as born in West Bloomfield. 
N. Y., March IG, 1829. His school advantages 
were of fine order and while at the seminary in 
1849 he was deeply impressed with the idea that it 
was his duty to become a minister, and in the 
autumn of that year he entered the Theological 
Seminary at Jleadsville. Pa., as a student of the 
ministry. In 1852 he grailuated and commenced 
l)reaching at once (as supply) in the pulpit of the 
Ernnklin Street Church, Fall Biver, Mass., where 
he w.as ordained December 9. His first sermon 



was <Ielivered at Springboro, Pa., when a student. 
The a|)pointment w.as made without his knowledge, 
and in vain he tried to beg off. The effort was 
declared by those who heard it to have been a 
brilliant one. 

Our subject was married April 24, 18.")4 in Port- 
land, Mich., to Esther E. Andrews, who has proven 
an excellent and most faithful co-laborer. After 
serving as pastor of the North Christian Church 
in New Bedford, Mass., and afterward at West 
Bloomfield, N. Y., he removed to Michigan Decem- 
ber 25, 1857. In this State the labors of both him- 
self and wife have been earnestly and successfully 
devoted to the Christian cause, as the work at 
Marshall, Jackson and Bclding shows. In 1865 he 
and his wife filled by appointment of Gov. Crapo 
and to his entire satisfaction, the odice of military 
agents at Washington, D. C. They have taken the 
village of Portland, Mich., for their adopted home 
and here Mr. Millard emploj's his pen in writing 
for several papers, religious and secular, and often 
supplies, to acceptance, the different pulpits of the 
place. It is most presumable that peace and hap. 
piness will flow gently into their remaining years, 
rounding them out and filling them with the bless- 
ings of life. 

IMEON RECTOK. Among those who, 
during the dark days of the Civil War, 
offered their services for the defense of 
the Union and served our country faith- 
fully is Mr. Rector, who is also a pioneer of this 
State. He came to Michigan in its earliest years 
and bought land, which he has redeemed from its 
primitive condition and made to blossom with 
harvests. Respected by all and prominent in Ionia 
County, we are pleased to present to our readers a 
brief outline of his life. 

Simeon Rector is a farmer residing on section 
1 1, Eastoii Township, Ionia Count}', and is a na- 
tive of New York. He was born August 30, 1822, 
and is a son of Teal and Lena Rector, who are 
said to have been natives of New York. Mr. 
Rector was reared to manhood in Yates County, 



696 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



N. Y., and from his early boyhood has been en- 
gaofed in farming pursuits. He received but the 
rudiments of an education in his early school days, 
as at that lime the present school advantages 
were not available. It was his aim, however, to 
improve his mind and store it with all possible 
knowledge, and in this way he mainly educated 
himself. 

Mr. Rector was married January 1, 1844, to 
Hannah Polder, who w\as born in Orange County, 
N. Y., April 15, 1820, and is the daughter of John 
and Penelope (Reynolds) Folder. Her parents were 
r.atives of New York and her paternal grandfather 
was a Revolutionary soldier. AVhen about thir- 
teen years of age Mrs. Rector, with her family, re- 
moved to Yates County, and was there reared to 
maturity and married. Mr. and Mrs. Rector are 
the parents of two children — George H. and Oscar 
D. In the spring of 1848, with his family, our 
subject emigrated to Michigan, coming by the 
way of tlie lakes to Detroit, and settled in Oak- 
land County, Mich., where he resided for several 
years. About the year 1855 he came to Ionia 
County and settled on a farm, where he now lives, 
and has been practically a resident here ever since 
with the exception of the lime si>ent in the service 
of his country. 

Purchasing eighty acres of heavily timbered 
land, Mr. Rector felled the first trees, and then 
erected a small rude log cabin, probably about 
14x16 feet in size. In this he lived a few years 
and later on in life built the fine residence where 
he now resides. When he first came to this county 
there were no accessible roads, and for six years 
he was obliged to travel in and out to his farm 
as best suited his convenience. He and his wife 
necessarily were obliged to endure the usual hard- 
ships subject to pioneer life. He now owns seventy- 
seven acres of land, and in the accumulation of 
this property has been ably assisted by his wife, 
who has been his helpmate and counselor for 
years. 

December 22, 1863, Mr. Rector enlisted in Com- 
pany E, First Michigan Engineer Corps. His 
duties in this company were principally to build 
corduroy and other bridges, tear up railroad tracks 
and build block houses, He was discharged Sep- 



tember 22, 1865. His son George was also in the 
First Michigan Engineer Corps and served nine 
months, after which he returned to Ionia County, 
where he has since remained. Mr. Rector and 
his estimable wife are esteemed members of the 
.Alethodisl Church and are among the representa- 
tive pioneer people of Ionia County, and now on 
the declining side of life they are enjoying the 
fruits of their early toil. None arc more deserv- 
ing of a place in this record than this worthy 
famil}'. It is, therefore, with pleasure that we 
present the biograph)'- of this typical man and his 
good wife with those of many who have by their 
hard labor brought Ionia County from its wild 
stale into its present improved condition. 



jIIOMAS a. STEADMAN. a pleasantly 
located and well-developed farm on section 
21, Lyons Township, is the home of Mr. 
Steadman, who is thoroughly at one with the inter- 
ests of Ionia County. He gives his attention to 
general farming, operating seventy-three and a 
fourth acres of good land, and derives from his 
estate an income sufficient for his wants. His resi- 
dence is comfortable and homelike and around it 
are the various farm buildings, such as every en- 
terprising farmer puts up, and the orchard and 
garden plats which every well-regulated farm has. 
Thomas Steadman, the originator of the family 
in America, is believed to have crossed the Atlan- 
tic on the ''M.a^- flower" and is known to have come 
from England during a very early period in the 
history of the Colonies. The same given name 
has been held by five men in the direct line and 
Rhode Island was the native State of three of them. 
The first was a sea captain, the second a farmer 
and the third a tanner by trade and a Baptist min- 
ister by profession. The fourtli Thomas Steadman, 
counting from the English ancestor, was born in 
Massachusetts but reared in New York, and was a 
carpenter and joiner by trade. In Orleans County, 
N. Y., he was married to Sarah Hollenbeck, a na- 
tive of the Empire State, and there the^' lived until 
1857-58. They came to this State and made their 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



697 



home ill Hloomingdale Tonnship, ^'an Huron 
County. The husband died there in 1861. The 
widow survived until 1890 and breathed her last 
when seventy seven j'ears olil. The family born 
to this good couple consisted of the followinjf 
children, Thomas A. being the first-born. His 
brothers anil sisters are Sarah M.. John ,1.. Herbert 
L., Alvira, Mary A., Alice and Ellen. John gave 
his life for his country', being killed during the late 
war and Herbert also took up arms in defense of 
the flag. 

Thomas A. Stead man was born in Orleans 
County N.Y., January 13, I83"2. His first school- 
ing was obtained in the home district and he fin- 
ished his education in the acadcm}' at llolley. He 
then learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which 
he followed industriously until the breaking out of 
the Civil War aroused hira from his peaceful occu- 
pation and made him anxious to fight for his coun- 
try. In 18G1 he enlisted in the One Hundred and 
Fifth New York Infantry and was sworn in as a 
private in Company C, but was promoted to a 
Captaincy-, October 13, 1862. The chief battles in 
which he participated were Cedar Mountain, the 
second Bull Run, South Mountain, and Rajipalian- 
nock Station. But these were not the only occa- 
sions on wliicli he led his men into datigcr or en- 
couraged them to valorous deeds. At Belle Plain 
where the command went into camp, the regiment 
was consolidated wtth another and the senior offi- 
cers were retained. Capt. Steadman, who was the 
youngest Captain in the regiment, was honorably 
discharged March 17, 1863, and returned to his 
former home in New York. 

For a time Mr. Steadman was employed in the 
reaper works at Albion, N. Y., but in September, 
1863, he dctermimed to make a home in Michigan 
and coming to this State he selected a location on 
which he now lives. While carrying on his farm 
work with sufficient zeal to make it profitable he 
has found time to act as public servant in official 
capacities to which he has been elected, to show 
considerable activity in social organizations, and 
make out crop reports for papers for which he 
corresponds. He has been Justice of the Peace and 
School Director, and has discharged the duties of 
the offices in a creditable manner. He was Presi- 



dent of the Farmer's Protective Society, and is now 
President of the New York Soldiers' and Sailors' 
Association of Central Michigan, and for two years 
has been its officer of the day. 

Mr. Steadman is past Commander of the Orand 
Army Post in Lyons and has held all the offices in 
Lyons Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M. He was Presi- 
dent of the Patrons of Industry lodge and is now 
the presiding officer of township organization. In 
politics he is quite prominent, is a strong tariff man 
and votes with the Republican part}'. His reputa- 
tion is good and his friends are numerous. In tlie 
Kmpire State, July 4, 18.52, Mr. Steadman was 
mariied to Miss Marie Pierce who was born in 
Orleans County, April 27, 1832; she is the fourth 
of six children who made the family of Aurelius 
and Matilda (Steadman) Pierce. Her father was 
born in Veimont and her mother in Massachusetts 
and both died in Orleans County, N. Y. Mr. and 
Mrs. Steadman have liad four children, two of whom 
died in infani'}' — Eugene and Louisa. The sur- 
vivors are Thomas P., a banker in Elsie, this State, 
and George H., who makes his home with his par- 
ents and is teaching school. 



ifJSAAC 15. HAYNOR. In the history of Ionia 
County the gentleman whose name introduces 
\ this record takes one of the most prominent po- 
sitions in the list of pioneers. Many men in order 
to make from the rugged wilds of nature a home 
and competence for themselves are willing to for- 
sake the beaten and more comfortable paths trod- 
den by their forefathers. These traits of character 
are very commendable ami this is one of the many 
reasons whj* the citizens of Ionia County justly 
take pride in such representative men .-is Mr. Ilay- 
norwho is a pioneer of Ionia Count}', residing on sec- 
tion 11, Easton Township. A native of New York, 
he was born Februarj'6, 1832. in. Saratoga Count}', 
and is a son of Henry II. and Roxy (Clements) 
H.iynor, natives of New York. About 1838 our 
subject accompanied b}- his parents emigrated to 
Michigan, by the w.iy of the Eric Canal and the 



698 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lakes; for a sbbrt time tliey sojourned in Washte- 
naw Count}', and then came to Ionia County, where 
for a brief i)eriod they resided in Ionia City. 

Henry II. Haynor. tlie father of our subject, set- 
tled on heavily timbered land in Easton Township, 
about five miles northwest of Ionia and became one 
of the early pioneers. He was the father of six 
children, five of whom are living: Tobias C, re- 
siding in Oceana County, Mich.; Isaac B.; Cathe- 
rine J., wife of Charles 'lillison, living in Easton 
Township; Charles II., residing in California, and 
Roxy, wife of John Blougli, living in Clinton 
County, Mich. He served as Highway Commis- 
sioner, was public spirited and a valued member of 
the Methodist Elpiscopal Church. He died August 
7, 1890, aged about ninety-seven 3'ears. 

Our subject was reared to manhood in Ionia 
County amid scenes of frontier life and has conse- 
quently done much work in tlie pioneer line. He 
was educated in the early schools which at that 
time were poor, but being fond of study he derived 
much knowledge from text books, which he read, 
and thus educated himself. He was married April 
3, 1859, to Nancy Botdton, who was born in Lena- 
wee County, Mich., November 4, 1835. She is a 
daughter of William J. and Nancy (Kelly) Boulton, 
her mother being a native of Vermont and her 
father of England. Her parents came to Lenawee 
County, Mich., in 1835, and were early settlers. 
Mr. and Mrs. Boulton bad a large family of chil 
dren, five of whom are living: Charlotte, wife of 
George Newton, residing in Easton Township; 
Mary L., wife of John Wells, living in Indiana; 
George, residing in Lenawee County, this State, 
Mrs. Haynor, and Lucius J., who lives in Easton 
Township. 

To our subject and wife have been born four 
children — Albert C, Elmore, Leroy J. and Blanche. 
Mr. Haynor settled on his present farm about the 
j'ear 1862, and hero he has since remained. He 
owns one hundred acres of land, which he has 
improved, and some other property' which by 
energy and perseverance he and his estimable wife 
have accumulated. Mr. Haynor is now serving as 
School Moderator of his district, and for nine years 
was School Director when the school was flrs^oi'- 
ganized. He was elected Treasurer of Easton 



Township one year, and served as Justice of the 
Peace one term of four ^-ears. His aim has always 
been to advocate improvement in his county and 
in society generally. He saw the country' when it 
was a wilderness and now sees its fields teeming 
with golden grain and ricli harvests. 

Mr. Haynor advocates an independent line of 
politics, voting rather for the man than the 
party. In the positions of trust with which he has 
been honored by the people of Easton Township, it 
is a well-known fact that he has discharged his 
duties with fidelitv and intelligence and he has 
always sought the best interests of the people whom 
he rei)resented. We take pleasure in assigning him 
one of the best places among the many enterprising 
and intelligent citizens of Ionia County. These 
pioneers whose memory will ever be sacred, are 
very deserving, for to them we owe the develop- 
ment of the great Wolverine State. Our subject is 
wcll-krtown for his sterling integrity in business, 
and commands not only the esteem but the confi- 
dence of the business community. His wife and 
children also have a large acquaintance and are es- 
Icemed members of society. 

?RANK E. DOREMUS did not begin life 
with great capital or influence, for his pos- 
sessions consisted chiefly of perseverance 
and a well balanced mind. Equipped with these 
talents he entered the arena of life and has won for 
himself fame and a competency which he now 
enjoys with a loving family in a pleasant home. 
He was born in Venango County, Pa., August 3!, 
1865, and is the son of Sylvester and Sarah (Peake) 
Doremus, natives of New York. The Doremus 
family traces back to Holland descent. Sylvester 
Doremus is now in the lumber business in the 
northern part of Michigan. He moved with his 
family to Michigan in 1866, and had lived there 
prior to going back to Pennsylvania. 

The father of the subject of this sketch located 
at Ovid, Clinton County, Mich., in 1866, and from 
there he went to Portland in 1872. To him and 
his wife two children were born — Addie and Frank. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



699 



In 1889 Mr. Dorcinus went to Lake City, Missau- | 
kee County, wliere ho is now engaged in tlie lum- 
ber business. Frank Dorenius was educated in the 
l)ublic sciiools of Portland and entered the otliee 
of the Obsprvcr as an apprentice in 1882, where lie 
remained six months. He then took cliargc of the 
Pewamo Plain Dealer, remaining there two years. 
In 1885 lie established the Portland Review, and 
has continued with it since. 

Mr. Doremus was elected Township Clerk in 
1888, re-elected in 1889 and was Democratic nomi- 
nee for Register of Deeds in 1888. He was de- 
feated but was nominated by the Democrats for 
the Legislature in 1890, and was elected by a 
majority of one hundred and sixty votes over ex- 
Sheriff W. H. Matliison. He was married June 
•2G, 1890, to Miss Libbic Ilatley of St. Johns, 
Mich., a daughter of Thomas Ilatley. Mr. Dore- 
mus is entitled to great credit for what he has 
accomplished in life. His native ability has been 
his capital, and he is eminently a self-made man. 
He is well thought of by all and is affable and 
kind in his ways, of graceful manners and great 
conversational powers. 

'"I^ANIKL B. GRKKX, a farmer of Olisco 
I M I'ownship, has lived in Ionia County since 
^f^ his twent\'-first year. He was born at Pitts- 
town, Rensselaer County, N. Y., June 15, 
1831, and received the educational advantages that 
that were common in that section during the years 
of his early life. His arrival in this Slate was in 
the year 1850, and here he has pursued with steadi- 
ness the occupation of farming, to which he decided 
to give his attention. His home is on section 14, 
and Ihe soil that he tills is productive and well cul- 
tivated. By a proper rotation of crops and the use 
of such fertilizing agencies as are necessary, he se- 
cures good crops from year to year, and surrounds 
himself with the many comforts of modern farm 
life. 

Mr. Oreen is a son of George Green, who was 
born in Providence, R. L, and removed from his 
natiTe State to New York when a young man. lie 



remained in that State until the middle of the nine- 
teenth century, when he came West to spend his 
remaining years in Michigan. His death occurred 
October 10, 18G3, on tiie one hundred-acre farm 
which he had taken from the Government imme- 
diately after his arrival. He was a currier and fol- 
lowed his trade until he came to this State, after 
which he retired from active life. He was married 
in New York to Margaret Bert, daughter of Daniel 
Bert, a tailor. After the death of her husband, 
Mrs. Green returned to the FIrapire State, and there 
she breathed her last in March, 1888. She was the 
niotb?r of eiglit children, named respectively: 
George, Hiram, Alonzo, Eunice, Polly A., Sellick, 
Daniel B. and Esther T. Mr. Green was a devout 
member of the Baptist Church. 

The subject of these brief paragraphs won for 
his wife Miss Harriet E. Luce, to whom he was 
married in Otisco Township, September 18, 1858. 
She was the olilest child of George A. and Cynthia 
A. (Wright) Luce, who were natives of New York, 
and whose family also included I'linoline, James II. 
and Charles W. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Green 
was blest by the birth of three children — Sellick 
W., James H. and Orley B. Every effort has been 
made by the parents to lit them for usefulness ami 
honor. Mrs. Green was called from time to eter- 
nity June 24, 1884, leavinga large circle of friends 
to mourn her departure. 

Mr. Green is a member of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen. After having given a due con- 
sideration to the questions at issue between the par- 
ties, he became a Democrat, and he has never swerved 
in his allegiance to the organization wilh whicli he 
deposited his first ballot. 



-^ 



UCIUS H. GIBBS. This young man is a 
member of the firm of J. H. Gibbs A' Son, 
i^ proprietors of the Hope Roller Mills, of 
Edmore, Montcalm County, and is the manager of 
of that flourishing establishment. Although he is 
young in years he is mature in his understanding 
of business affairs and displ.iys as much energy in 
Ihe pursuit of his various interests as many a man 



700 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



much older than he. His experience has been such 
as to develop his natural ability and natural tact, 
and he is already one of the prominent business 
men of the place. The reader is referred to the 
biographical sketch of J. H. Gibbs, on another page, 
for the ancestry of the family. 

The birthplace of Mr. Gibbs was Burlington, 
Vt'., and his natal day August 16, 1859. He came 
to this State with his parents in 1862 and grew to 
maturity in Kent County in the townships of Grat- 
tan and Oakfield. When he was eleven years old 
the family became residents in the city of Green- 
ville and the lad had the opportunity of attending 
the High School in that town. They next went to 
Cedar Springs and there the youth learned the 
manufacture of sliingies. He had spent much time 
about the shingle mill from his tenth year and it 
seemed second nature for him to become proficient 
in the business. It was not long ere he had become 
his father's right-hand man in the work the elder 
Mr. Gibbs was tlien carrying on. 

In the fall of 1882 the Gibbs family established 
themselves in Home Township. Here our subject 
acted as foreman of the shingle mill until it was 
closed in February, 1889, on account of there be- 
ing a scarcity of lumber in this section. The next 
year Mr. Gibbs located in the village of Edraore, 
buying a pleasant residence with commodious 
grounds. He then formed a partnership with his 
father in the flouring-raill and has since been man- 
aging it. Not long since there was an explosion 
in the establishment which caused a damage of 
nearly 15,000 and necessitated the closing of the 
place for repairs. He was one of the original share- 
holders in the Robinson Oi>era House and is now a 
Director in the company. 

In 1878 Mr. Gibbs received a Christmas present 
in the shape of a wife, formerly' Miss Julia Hons- 
comb. This lady was born in the Pine Tree State 
and came to Kent County, Mich., with her parents 
when quite small. She was reared and educated in 
Nelson Township and grew to womanhood in the 
l)08session of estimable qualities of mind and heart. 
Her union with our subject has been blessed to 
them by the birth of two children, wiio are named 
Grace and Jay. 

The political affiliation of Mr. Gibbs is with the 



Republican party and he is identified with the so- 
cial orders of Odd Fellows and Masons. In the 
former orders his lodge membership is at Edraore 
and in the latter he belongs to a Chapter in Stan- 
ton and a Commandery in Big Rapids, while his 
Blue Lodge and Council are in the town in which 
he lives. Mr. Gibbs is essentially good natured and 
and jolly is a believer in the old adage "All work 
and no play makes Jack a dull boy."' He spends some 
time each year in hunting and fishing, and even 
during the months that he devotes to earnest care 
of his business he finds pleasure in social gather- 
ings and in the domestic circle where he is enter- 
taining and kind. 



\f|OIIN S. BENNETT. The biographical 
record of this gentleman is one of interest, 
and although he did not start out in life 
under the beneficial influences of illustrious 
ancestors, he now has the satisfaction offered by 
being trusted and beloved by his fellow-associates 
and is a splendid example of a self-made man. In 
tlicse days of rapid progress when a youth on 
account of existing circumstances must place him- 
self at a very early age at the helm of life, he must 
if he would succeed be guided with a steady hand. 
.Should he be successful as Mr. Bennett has been 
we will invariably find him to be a man of rare 
executive ability and a well balanced mind. 

Mr. Bennett was born in Tioga County, N. Y., 
Julj' 24, 1833, and is a son of the Rev. Ralph and 
Mary (Casler) Bennett, natives of the Empire 
State. The Rev. Mr. Bennett was a Methodist 
minister, and his father, Joseph Bennett, was from 
Vermont. The Bennetts are of English descent 
and the Caslers are of German descent. Mrs. Ben- 
nett's father, Richard Casler, came from Germany 
to this country. The Rev. Ralph Bennett died in 
1879 in Ontario County, N. Y., and had preached 
twenty-five years in that State. To himself and 
wife were born four children, two of whom are 
living- — Elvira, widow of Henry Bush, of Ontario 
Count}', N. Y., and our subject. 

John S. Bennett was reared to agricultural pur- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



701 



suits and remained at home until twenty-three years 
of age. In 1856 lie came to Ionia County, and 
entered upon farm life in Orange Township. After 
getting farm arrangements in readiness lie returned 
to his native .State for a wife, and soon came back 
to farm life with his bride. Two children have 
been born in tliis family — Edgar L., who died at 
the .age of sixteen years and at the time was in the 
Ionia High School, and Florence J., wife of Edwin 
W. Humphrey, a dentist residing in Ionia. In the 
fall of 1862 Mr. Bennett was elected County Clerk 
of Ionia and moved to that place, where he held 
tlie otiice four years. Immediately thereafter he 
commenced the practice of law in Ionia, having 
been admitted to the bar May 19, 1866, as a suc- 
cessful candidate. In 1885 he came to Portland, 
for the practice of his chosen profession. He h.as 
been elected Justice of the Peace and was City 
Attorney of Ionia two years and City Attorney in 
Portland two years. 

Mr. Bennett is a member of the Masonic order 
in which he takes great interest. He has been 
Master of a lodge three times, twice while living 
in Ionia and once in Portland. He is a Democrat in 
politics, his first vote however being cast for Abra- 
ham Lincoln. In tiie pleasant city of Portland he 
lives cumfortably with his family, enjoying the 
prosperity wiiich his labors have gained for liiin. 



W 



OLNEY S. HEATH, Manager of tiie George 
S. Hyde's manufacturing and wholesale 
lumber business, is one of the most [lopular 
men of McBride, or indeed of Day Township, 
Montcalm County. His father, L. D. Heath, liorn 
in Oswego County, N. Y., in 1827, was left an 
orphan when only six years of age by the death of 
his father, who was of English descent and who 
had been a valiant soldier in the War of 1812. 
This child so early thrown upon his own re- 
sources bravely worked his own way up to man- 
hood. He remained in New York until 1848, 
when he came to Michigan aud began work iu the 



woods as a common hand in a sawmill. In time he 
became manager and operated mills of his own. 

In 1856 L. I). Heath married Susan, daughter 
of .Samuel (iross, who was born near Harrisburg, 
Pa. Her father, belonging to a family of (Jerman 
descent, was a stonemason and was the second 
settler in the township where he lived in Kent 
County. He worked at his tr.idc of a stonemason 
and improved one hundred acres into a fine farm. 
He useii to go on foot to mill to Ionia. He jiassed 
from earth at the age of sixty- two years, and his 
widow still lives at Kockford, Mich. When the 
father of our subject removed, duriug the 3-ear of 
his marriage, to Rockford, Winnebago Count}', III., 
he located on a farm near the Rock River. In 
1860 he came back to Michigan and settled on a 
farm near Middleville, and afterward on one near 
Rockford, Mich. He worked the farm in summer 
and was in the lumber business in the winters. 

In 1865 the father of our subject went to Spring 
Lake, where he became foreman in a mill. For 
two years he was connected with W. H. Bell & Co., 
then sold iiis interest in this firm and entered the 
employ of the Grand Haven Lumber Company. 
Later he bought til 5,000 worth of stock and be- 
came its Vice-President and Manager in Central 
Michigan. In 1887 he sold out his interest in that 
business and retired to Spring Lake, where he en- 
gages in the real-estate business and owns some five 
or six thousand acres of land in various parts of 
Michigan and a farm of three hundred acres in 
Alabama. He has alw.nys been a Republican in his 
convictions and casts his vote for the nominees of 
that parly. His wife has brought up her children 
in the faith of the Baptist Church. Four of their 
five chililren are living;. Our subject is the second 
child and only son and was born in Middleville, 
Thornapple Township, Barry County, Mich., Sep- 
tember 10, 1861. He made with his parents the 
various removals which have been related of the 
family while still very young, going to Rockford, 
Mich., at the age of three years, and to Spring 
Lake, Mich., two years later. Here he had good 
school advantages, which he imjiroved with so 
much ambititm and ability as to be graduated at 
the High School at the age of fourteen years. 
After working with his father, wlio was then lum- 



702 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ber inspector, he went the following year into the 
employ of the Grand Haven Lumber Company. He 
was sent to Montcalm County by them as timber 
buyer and inspector, and although so very young the 
company considered his judgment as good as any 
body's. In their interest he traveled all over this 
part of the State, and when about nineteen years 
old he was placed in charge of the Fish Creek log 
drive. During the last two years that he was era- 
ployed by this company he was their book-keeper, 
purchasing agent and attended to their pay roll, 
and in a word was their most trusted employe. 
They discontinued operations here in 1876. 

Mr. Heath formed a partnership with two others 
and in 1884 they bought fourteen hundred and 
forty acres of stump land at $3 i)er acre in Day 
Township. The firm name was Heath, Shires & 
Sherman. Here our subject located and began 
improving ami farming on the land. They have 
now three hundred and twenty acres under the 
plow and the rest in grazing land. Stock-raising 
has been made a specialty, especially the handling 
of graded Short-horn and Durham cattle, draft 
horses and good grades of sheep. Four teams are 
used upon the farm. 

In the spring of 1890 the firm placed a tenant 
upon tiiis big farm and Mr. Healii came to Mc- 
Bride to live. He became manager for George S. 
Hyde and carries on this business most successfully. 
He is in a responsible and confidential position, 
as Mr. Uyde is continually on the road. Mr. 
Heath was married in Hubbardston, Ionia County, 
in September, 1883, to Miss May Fink, daugliter of 
George Fink, a retired contractor and builder. Mr. 
Heath has filled s.alisfactorily many township and 
social offices. In 1889 he w;is the youngest super- 
visor on the board, serving for Day Township, and 
his terra was most satisfactory. He has been a 
member of the School Board a number of times 
and is Vice-President of the Farmers' Alliance. 
His wife is an active member of the Congregational 
Church. He is a true-blue Republican and has 
served as delegate frequently in countj^ and State 
conventions. He is Chairman of the Republican 
Township Central Committee and a member of the 
Advisory Board of the county. He is liked by 
everj'body and has the reputation of being every 



inch a gentleman, liberal and public-spirited, hon- 
est and straightforward, and in a business way has 
the record of being the best accountant and book- 
keeper in that part of the county. 



eHARLES M. DURKEE. The traveler in 
going past the Durkee homestead invariably 
turns for a second glance, as there is an air 
of comfort and plenty about it that is exceedingly 
pleasant to the eye. He at once singles it out as 
the result of more than ordinary enterprise and in- 
dustry, a home whose proprietor possesses all the 
attributes of a good citizen, one who has first 
looked after the interest of his family, and who 
next, as a member of the community, presents an 
example to tliose around him which is well worthy 
of imitation. Mr. Durkee is well-to-do finan- 
cially, and is widely and favorably known as one of 
thele.ading men of Berlin Township, Ionia County. 

Mr. Durkee belongs to substantial New Eng- 
land stock; his father, Martin Durkee, was a native 
of Massachusetts and a soldier in the War of 1812. 
His mother, Sallie (Perry) Durkee, was related to 
Commodore Oliver H. Perry, of historic fame, and 
she also resided in Massachusetts. After their mar- 
riage the parents of our subject remained in the 
old Bay State until their removal to Geauga 
County, Ohio, where they did pioneer work in the 
early days. There thcj- passed the remainder of 
their lives upon a farm which they had improved; 
he died in 1873 leaving his widow to mourn his 
loss until she too was called away in 1885. By a 
previous mirriage he had become the father of . 
four children, and of the second union six children 
were born, all of whom with the exception of one 
now survive. In his religious faith Martin Durkee 
leaned to the doctrines of Univcrsalism. Politically' 
he was a stanch Democrat, filling offices of trust 
for his fellow citizens when called upon, and at 
one time serving as Trustee of the township. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this notice 
was born in Massachusetts September 5, 1829, and 
grew to manhood in Ohio, receiving a district 
school education there, and beginning farm work 




RESIDENCE OF JACOB WHORLEY, SEC 10. EASTON TR, IONIA CO.,MCIH, 




tSF'-^-^yaiftteto^ii^a^ 



[n r r rat rii n iiir'aTn>i ii iii(i ''''-'"'«»^<"'«'**'" 



i^MMHaaMMiii 



RESIDENCE OF C.M.DURKEE, SEC. 27. BERLIN TP.JONIA C0,M1CH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



705 



I 



for liiuiself wlien he rencheil his majority. His 
father had jjassed through the struggles of pioneer 
life, and as a result of his incUistr}' w.as established 
in a good home and welUto-ilo. Our subject, trust- 
ing to his strong right arm for pros|)erit3' worked 
out by the month and for three years was in the 
South finding employment there. In 1852 he went 
Iwfk to Ohio to find him a wife, and was married 
on Kebruar}- 22, to Miss .1. K. Hubbard, a daugh- 
ter of Henry and Loadicca (Sanger) Hubbard, 
Massachusetts people. Mr. Hubbard was in early 
life a mechanic but later took up the work of farm- 
ing. Having married in Massachusetts he removed 
to the Buckeye .State in 1835 settling in Geauga 
County on a farm. He died in 1869 leaving his 
widow to mourn his loss. Six of their seventeen 
children are now living. 

Mrs. Durkee, the fifth child of her parents, was 
born November 23, 1834, in Massachusetts and re- 
ceived an excellent education in Ohio. After mar- 
riage the 3'oung couple worked the home Larni on 
shares for two years. They then came to AUchi- 
gan in 1854 and settled upon llie farm which they 
now occupy. Mr. Durkee took up one hundred 
and sixt^' acres of raw land upon which there were 
no roads and no improvements. He built a log 
house and began clearing olT tha laud. In(lustr3-, 
frugality and enteriirise led to prosperity, and he 
has from time to time added to his possessions and 
now has two hundred acres in the home farm and 
one hundred and iwent^^ acres in Odessa Town- 
ship besides a farm of one hundred and sixty .acres 
which he has divided between his sons. He has 
(chopped down and cleared on the home place with 
his own hands over one hundred acres. 

Of his two hundred acres Mr. Durkee has one 
hundred and eighty luider cultivation. His pres- 
ent residence w;us built some tweniy-two years ago 
at a cost of ^2,000. He is interested in the culture 
of fruit and set out a fine orchard. He carricson 
mixed farming, raising both grain and stock. Mr. 
D'.irkee and his intelligent wife are the happy par- 
ents of five children: Lafayette H. married Lot 
tie Chatman, and lives on section 4, Odessa 
Township; he has four children. C. Fremont mar- 
ried Lizzie Brown, and resides in Berlin Township. 
Lester M. married M:ir\ N an Huuten, and lives on 



section 4, Odessa Township; he is the father of two 
children. Don I), and Ellis \Y. are unmarried and 
reside at home. They have all been given the ad- 
vantages of a good education and Laf.ayette was 
a student at the Ionia and Sarauac schools. Ellis 
is attending the I'oucher Business College in Ionia. 

Mr. Durkee is in principle a strong Democrat 
and takes an intelligent Interest in political affairs. 
The whole famil)' are wide-awake to all matters of 
literary interest and education. Mr. Durkee has 
been for some years Director of the school. They 
are also active in the society of the Patrons of In- 
dustry', the father having been for two terras Pres- 
ident of the local society and his son Don being 
President at the present time. 

A view of the ple.asant homestead of Mr. Durkee 
appears on another page. 



^^ 



^ACOB WIIORLEV. The enterprising Ger- 
man is to be found in Ionia County, as in 
other parts of the country, pushing his way 
ahead, uniformly' industrious and eventually 
well-to-do. The subject of this sketch, a true sou 
of the Fatherland, h.as secured a good farm on sec- 
tion 10, Easton Township, where he carries on the 
work of farming and stock-raising. The one hnn- 
dreii and twenty .acres of land to which he holds 
the title has been brought to its present state of 
improvement by his own efforts and good mannge- 
ment, as when he took (wssession but three acres 
h<ad been cleared. Like most of the land in the 
county it was covered by a heavy growth of lim- 
ber, and it required long and arduous labor to 
bring it under cultivation. Mr. Wborley also owns 
eighty acres of fine land in Sebewa Township. The 
deprivations which accompany life in a sparsely 
settled district were not borne by Mi. Whorley 
alone, but were shared by a wise and capable wife, 
who in her own department of their affairs did as 
much as he to build up their fortunes and increase 
their comfort. 

The kingdom of Wurlembuig, Germany, is the 
place of the nativity of Mr. Whorley, and his birth 
occurred .January 28, 1831. His parents were Peter 



706 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and Rebecca Whorley, the former of whom was a 
master weaver. In accordance with the custom of 
the countiy our subject was placed in scliool dur- 
in" his childhood aud pursued his studies until he 
was fourteen years old, thus gaining a good knowl- 
ed<re of practical iiranches. Since he came to 
America he has acquired a sufficient knowledge of 
the English language to transact business affairs 
and enjoy the companionship of the English-speak- 
in<T people about him. When he left school he 
began an apprenticeship with iiis father, and at the 
cxi>iration of three years took up the work of a 
journeyman weaver, which lie followed some two 
years. For the same lengtii of time he was engaged 
in cotton spinning. 

Having been lefl to believe that the broad lands 
of America anil its free institutions made it desir- 
able for residence, Mr. Whorley took passage at 
Havre, France, during the year 18.52, and after 
thirty-nine days landed in New York City. He 
went to Monroe County, where he worked as a farm 
hand more than six years. For the first year's 
lal)or he received J112 and board, and for the sec- 
ond and third 8144 and board. He then married, 
aud in lieu of his board had his wages raised to 
$250 per year. His services were so highly valued 
that he was given some valuable farm privileges, 
including bouse rent. He aud his wife were pru- 
dent and economical, and having determined if 
possible to secure a good home, they came to this 
State wliere land was cheaper than in the East, and 
where their little capital could be profitably 
expended. They bought the property which they 
now own, and by industry and perseverance 
increased its value year by year. 

The lady who became the wife of Mr. Whorley 
in the Empire State, August 12, 1856, was Mrs. 
Anna (Lapp) Caswell. Slie was born in the prov- 
ince of Ontario, Canada, October 22, 1828, and 
while living there was married to James Cas- 
well, and they became the parents of three children, 
two of whom are living — Sarah Elizabeth and 
Oscar C. When in her twenty-seventh year Mrs. 
Caswell went to Monroe County, N. Y., and there 
was united in marriage with our subject. Her par- 
ents were Jeremiah and Sarali Lapp, the former of 
whom was born in England, and the latter in Can- 



ada but of English parentage. The mother died 
when the daughter was but eight years old, and the 
father January 7, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Whorley 
had four sons, whose names are: George, Henr3', 
Mathew and Willis. 

The only office Mr. Whorley has held was that 
of Treasurer of his school district, but in that 
which goes to make up good citizenship he is not 
found wanting. Politically he is a Democrat, and 
is identified with the Patrons of Industr}-, as well 
as being interested in other movements that prom- 
ise well for the neighborhood. He is a man of 
much intelligence, retains the enterprising spirit 
which has brought him worldly prosperity, and 
has a leading place among the German-American 
citizens of the county. 

We invite the reader's attention to a view of the 
fine estate of Mr. AVhorley which is presented in 
connection with this biographical notice. 



=^^^ 



jENJAMIN F. WOODMAN. It is always 
.» jileasant to know that honest industry is 
rewarded, and to find those who have 
labored industriously, securing a compe 
fence that enables them to lay aside the burdens of 
life as the}' grow old, and enjoy the recreations 
suited to their years and the pleasure that comes of 
aiding others to a station of usefulness and honor. 
The subject of this notice is one of the well-known 
residents of Saranac, Ionia County, and one who is 
enjoying the fruits of his industry in earlier years. 
He has lived in this county long enough to note 
the growth of Ionia from a mere hamlet, to witness 
the introduction of railroads, and see the wild 
lands transformed into fertile farms and comfort- 
able homes. Indian wigwams were a common 
sight when he came to this count}', and he became 
so familiar with the savages that he could converse 
intelligibly in their language, and sometimes 
attended tlieir war dances. 

In the paternal line Mr. Woodman is of English 
lineage, while on his mother's side he traces his 
genealogy back to Germany. His father, Joseph 
Woodman, was born in Vermont and was a physi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



707 



cinn and surg;eon. He enlisted in the War of 1812, 
served in Col. Mill's regiment, and was stationed at 
Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. Wiieii peace was declared 
he remained in the Empire Slate, practicing his 
|)rofession until 18."57, when he removed to Oakland 
("onnty, Mich. He opened an office in the village 
of Novi, where he carried on professional work 
until his death, which occurred in 1839. Politically 
he was a Democrat. His good wife, whose maiden 
name was Sarah Wright, survived him some years. 
Neither belonged to the church at the time of their 
de.'itli, but both bad formerly been members of the 
Universalist Church. 

The birthplace of our subject was .lefferson 
County, N. Y., and his natal day December 13, 
1822. He pursued liis studies in llie common school 
there prior to the age of sixteen years, when he 
accompanied his parents to this State. After the 
death of his fathei he went back lo work by the 
month on a farm anil continued his labors until 
1844. He then came lo Ionia County and before 
long bought eighty acres of land in Keene Town- 
sliip. Tiie trad was heavily limbered, and in fact 
llic entire township was covered wiih large trees 
and underbrush. Mr. Woodman found a boarding 
|)l!ice as near his land as possible, which was two 
anil a half miles, and cverj' day for two winters he 
went back anil forth night and morning, spending 
the day in choi)ping. During the summer he would 
go to the eastern part of the State and work for 
money with which to carry him through the win- 
ter. Thus he succeeded in preparing his land for 
cultivation, or least such a part of it as justified 
him in making his home upon it. During the win- 
ter of 1847 he taught in Easton Townsiiip, and he 
then turneil his attention exclusively to the devel- 
opment of his propert}'. 

In May, 1848, Mr. Woodman was married to 
Miss Rhoda H. Lee. and building a log cabin 
18x24 feet, he and his bride set up housekeeping. 
At that time wild animals — deer, wolves, etc. — 
were still numerous in the locality, and Mr. Wood- 
man always kept a good gun in the house, by 
means of which to supply his table with game. He 
worked industriously to clear and improve the rest 
of the land, and during the ensuing ten years cut 
down eighty acres of timber and added forty acres 



to the property. He and his wife often recall inci- 
dents connected with their life in the little log 
cabin, where they started out lo make their fortune 
by the sweat of their brows. Their life was toil- 
some and marked with many jirivations, but each 
year saw some improvement in the situation of 
affairs, and they were buoyed up by hope and 
mutual affection. 

After living on the property ten years Mr. 
Woodman sold it for ^4.000 and removed to Kent 
County, near Grand Uapids. There he bought 
one hundred and twenty acres of land, eighty of 
which was improved, and had upon it a good house 
and barn and a bearing orchard. For this prop- 
erty Mr. Woodman paid the amount which he ha<l 
received for his former farm. He made it his 
home about twenty-five years, and owned it about 
thirty years. He had it under good cultivation 
and well improved and supplied with a good grade 
of stock, and during his ownership he added to the 
estate one -hundred and twenty acres .adjoining. In 
1882, having sold the farm a short time before, he 
removed to Saranac, where the only business in 
which he is engaged is that of loaning money. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Woodman consists 
of a son and three daughters, whose names are: 
Lewis C, Sarah A., Era L. and Carrie A. The 
son now lives on part of the estate formerly owned 
by his father in Kent County. Mr. Woodman has 
held every township office except Constable and 
Justice of the Peace, and during middle life was in 
otlice almost continually. He is a charter member 
of the Masonic lodge of Saranac. He and his wife 
arc well known in thi.s and Kent Counties, and 
their friends are numbered by the score. 

€i^s>i ^ a ^ ^c^air •• 

GlEOKGEW. WHITE. Among the pioneers 
; of Keene Township, Ionia County, Mr. 
j White is deserving of mention. He and 

his faiihful wife came hither in 1841 and eslab- 
lished their home on a tract of. land purchased 
from the Government at *I.2.5 per acre. Mr. White 
found it necessary to fell trees in order to make 
room for his dwelling, which was a log cabin about 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



18x20 feet. After some years that primitive resi- 
dence was replaced by a more modern and com- 
modious structure, and otlier imin-ovements rose 
from time to lime as tlie forest growtli was removed 
and tlie ground fitted for cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wliite had tlieir share of the hardships incidental 
to life in new fields, but they bore them cheerfully 
buoyed up l)y their mutual affection and the hope 
of securing a good home. 

Mr. White was born June 27, 1817, in ''Merrie 
England," and is a son of George K. and Elizabeth 
(Warrant) White. When he was a child of three 
years his parents crossed the broad Atlantic and 
located in Monroe Count}', N. Y. There they so- 
journed until the son was seventeen years old, when 
they removed to Seneca Count}', Ohio. The school- 
ing of our subject was obtained in the common 
schools of the localities in which his boyhood and 
youth were passed anil he is to a large degree self- 
educated, as the opportunities afforded him in the 
schoolroom were not sufficient to give Bim a wide 
range of knowledge. 

The marriage of Mr. AVliite w.is solemnized a 
half a century since, on April 27, 1841. The bride 
was born in Baden, Germany, October 12, 1820, 
and her parents were George and Mary (Smith) 
Joseph. She was about nine years old when they 
emigrated to America and made a settlement in 
Seneca County, Ohio. There she grew to woman- 
hood, learning those domestic arts which are con- 
sidered a part of the education of every German 
maiden, and gaining knowledge of other things 
which fitted her to fill a useful walk in life. Of the 
eight children barn to her parents seven survived, 
the others being Isaac, John J., Mrs. Mary Monks, 
Mrs. Sarah Nichols, Mrs. Lena Lemon, and Mrs. 
Christina Wagner. 

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. White are 
eight in number and are named i-cspectively, 
Charles M., Elizabeth, Arthur, Louisa, George, 
Emma, Albert and Ida. Elizabeth is the wife of 
Daniel Monk; Louisa married Myron Fish; Emma 
is the wife of L. Walter. The Land on which Mr. 
and Mrs. AVhite-established themselves soon after 
their marriage, was a tract of eighty acres. The 
estate has been increased and now contains one 
hundred acres, which are highly developed, and the 



possession of which proves the ability and industry 
of the owner. Mr. White attended and voted at 
the first town meeting held in Keene Township, 
and has been a potent factor in the progress of the 
locality toward prosperity and advanced civiliza- 
tion. 

As Highway Commissioner Mr. White has done 
good service for the traveling pul)lic and as School 
Director he has aided in advancing the cause of 
education. In whatever movement the jiublic is 
generally interested he is found ready to participate, 
and he and his wife, to whose counsel and encour- 
agement he owes much, rejoice greatly in the im- 
provements their eyes have seen. Mr. White votes 
the Republican ticket. Honesty is one of his chief 
virtues, and other reliable traits which have made 
of Great Britain one of the most powerful nations 
of the world have been displayed throughout his 
life. It is needless to say that he and his wife have 
many warm friends and are generally respected. 



-^ 



EWTON R. DANIELS, a very successful 
farmer of Ionia County, owns and operates 
a well-developed farm on section 21, Easton 
Township. He took possession of this tract when it 
was in a wild state and much of it was covered 
with forest. By dint of energy and hard work he 
brought it to its present condition, placing the 
ninety-five acres under thorough cultivation, and 
building such structures as the comfort of his fam- 
ily and the extent of his work made wise. He has 
shown himself to be possessed of financial ability 
and perseverance, and his present circumstances 
attest to his success in worldly affairs. 

Mr. Daniels was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., 
August 12, 1844, and is one of five ciiildren mak- 
ing up the family of Levi and Parmelia (Bacon) 
Daniels. He is the youngest of those who survived, 
the others being Louisa and Charles H., the former 
the wife of Joseph Burgdurf now living in Mecosta 
County. His own early life was spent in his native 
State and while receiving a common-school educa- 
tion he was reared to farm pursuits which he has 
continued to follow. He lost his mother when he 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



709 



was about twelve years old and the home being 
broken up he was thrown upon his own resources. 
Upon tiifi foundation laid in tlie school room he has 
built a su|)crstructure of knowledge of general 
topics sutlicioiit to entitle biin to rank among tlie 
well informed members of the community. 

In the spring of ISC') Mr. Daniels came to Ionia 
County and during the following season he worked 
1)3' the month as a farm hand. He tiien established 
his home, taking for his helpmate and companion 
Miss Rosina V. Potter. This eflicient woman was 
a daughter of F'rancis and Keziah I'otter. She was 
called from earth .September 20, 188!), leaving a void 
in tlie lionie and in tlie hearts of many friends who 
had known and loved her. She was a member of 
the l{aptist Church, with which Jlr. Daniels is 
identi(i('(l. Their children arc May, Frank, Rosa, 
William and George. The elder daughter is a 
teacher of music and all are active in society. 

The [jolitical allegiance of Mr. Daniels is given 
to the principles of Democracy and he aims to 
assist in bringing up the status of the county soci- 
ally and financially. He enjoys the confidence of 
business men, is an intelligent and law-abiding citi- 
zen and a good neighbor, securing the respect of 
his acquaintances. 



^P^S^fe 



KNRY LOUKS. This gentleman has been 
1^1 a resident of this State since he was eight- 
een j-ears old, and from 1877 has been 
occupying a farm in Bloomer Township, 
Montcalm County. His property iiere consists of 
two hundred and forty acres so developed and cul- 
tivated as to be verj' valuable and remunerative. 
The residence now occupied by the family was built 
in 1889, and is a beautiful two-story brick, with 
nine rooms, an excellent cellar, and large veran- 
das. It is finished in oak and ash, and cost about 
^3,500. The cellar is divided into four rooms, 
which are lalhe<l and plastered, and can be kept as 
clean and fresh as any living room in the house. 
About twelve acres of land is set out with fruit 
trees so arranged as to form three distinct orchards. 
The barns and other out-houses are adequate for 



every purpose, and in them a fine lot of horses, cat- 
tle and sheep are housed. The wool-bearing animals 
arc Lincolnshires and Shropshires. 

The parents of our subject were William II. and 
Julia Ann (Hurger) Louks, who were born in Ver- 
mont and Canada respectively. For some years 
their home was in Connecticut, and in Washington 
Count}', that State, our subject was born June 23, 
1843. He was his father's assistant in carrying on 
a farm, even in his early years, and had but meager 
opportunities for obtaining an education. When 
the family- came to this State, the^' chose Montcalm 
County as their future place of abode, and the fa- 
tiier took up forty acres of land, on which he built 
a log cabin that was the home of the family for 
some time. The sou aided in developing the place 
and made it his home until he was twenty-six years 
old. The parents sojourned there until the father 
was calle<l hence November 18, 1886. The mother 
survived until March 18, 1887, when she too passed 
away. 

The subject of this notice enlisted in Company 
K, Twenty-first Michigan Infantry, and after being 
inuslered in, was sent to Cincinnati, and thence to 
Nashville. He was in the service about nine 
months, and was sick nearly all the time, suffering 
from an ailment common in the camps, and that 
had become chronic. He was present at but one 
engagement, the battle of Crab Orchard, and from 
the convalescent camp was <lischarged in Decem- 
ber, 1862. The colonel under whose command he 
served was A. A. Stevens, of Saranac, of this State. 
Upon receiving his discharge, Mr. Louks returned 
to his father's roof and remained there about four 
years. He then married and established a home of 
his own, and six years later took possession of the 
property he now operates. He has cleared eighty 
acres of the land. 

The lady who presides over the household affiurs 
on Mr. Louks' farm, became his wife in March, 
1871. .She was born in Ohio, and was ten years 
old when her father removed from Trumbull to 
Hancock County, and in 1 8G 1 she came to this Stale. 
Her home was in Montcalm County, at the time of 
her marriage, and the name she then bora w.as Lo- 
doske Smith. Having no children, she has the 
more time to give to neighborly deeds, and she is 



710 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



valued iu the community for her kindness in times 
of sorrow or distress. Mr. Louks is a Republican, 
but is not a politician or offlce seeker. He was 
elected Constable in the spring of 1891, but has 
has not qualified for tiie office. As a citizen he is 
steady and reliable, and as a farmer he is classed 
among the best and most progressive in Bloomer 
Township. 



RICHARD G. LYON. A visit to the farm 
of this gentleman would repay any one who 
t enjoys seeing a well-regulated rural home 
^ and well-kept stock.as Mr. Lyon is the owner 
of domestic animals of good breeds and grades, and 
operates his farm according to approved methods. 
His estate is pleasantly situated in Crystal Town- 
ship, Montcalm County, and consists of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, eighty of which are cleared 
and sixty-five under the plow. The farmhouse is 
one of the best in the township, is large and con- 
venient, and of quite modern design, having been 
built six years ago. It is two stories high and 
contains eleven rooms. The outbuildings include 
everything that is necessary and all are well 
built, especially the barns, that were put up eight 
years since. 

The natal day of Mr. Lyon was April 29, 1825, 
his birthplace P^ssex, N. Y., and his parents Ger- 
sliom and Lucrctia (Buckmister) Lyon. The par- 
ents were natives of Vermont and New Hamp- 
shire respectively, and the father was a farmer. 
The early years of the son were spent in the coun- 
try and he had but limited school advantages, 
having to walk two miles in order to get what in- 
struction the country school afforded. When but 
fifteen years old he left his home and went to 
Lake Champlain, where he found eniplo3'ment and 
remained between thirty and tliirt3'-flve years. 
During a part of the time he was a steamboat pilot 
and a part of the time captain of a sailing-vessel. 

In July, 1861, Mr. Lyon was married to Jlrs. 
Mary F. Holly, nee French. That estimable lady 
was a native of Williston, "\'t., and possessed the 
energy and thrift characteristic of the natives of 



New England. In 1830 she bought from the Gov- 
ernment a tract of Michigan land, on which she 
and her husband located in March, 1868. There 
were no improvements on tlie land and Mr. Lyon 
cut down the trees, removed the brush and logs 
and prepared the soil foi' crops. Mrs. Lyon lived 
to see the propertj' placed under improvement and 
to enjoy all the comforts that advanced civiliza- 
tion has brought to the residents of Montcalm 
Countj% She died at her home here May 17, 
1886. 

One of the adornments of Mr. Lyon's farm is a 
thrifty orchard, where fine varieties of fruits are 
raised. He has about fifteen head of fine Jersey 
cattle, and his milch cows yield many quarts of 
rich lacteal fluid. Mr. Lyon is a law-abiding and 
reliable citizen, a good farmer and an excellent 
neighbor. He is not a politician, but generally 
de[)osits a Republican ballot. 



E^^ 



/p^EORGE A. REED, one of the prominent 
||| g— men of Lake View, Montcalm County, was 
Vi;J^l born in Elhridge, Onondaga County, N. Y., 
March 2.5, 183.5. He is the son of Aaron T. Reed, 
a native of New York .State who was a fanner and 
livery man and who ran a stage line in that part of 
the country. He died in (Jnondaga County, N. Y., 
when our subject was only ten years old. As this 
little boy had lost his mother at the age of three 
years, he was now doubly orphaned and the three 
children, Elizabeth A., William H., and George 
were scattered among friends. 

From the time when our subject lost his father 
until he was twenty-one years old he worked out 
on a farm by the month earning his board and 
clothes. He received a common-school education 
but had no further advantages in that line. Upon 
reaching his majority he went to Preble, Cortland 
County, N. Y'., and learned the trade of a black- 
smith. He then went to Manlius, Onondaga 
County, and worked at his trade until November, 
1861, when he answered the call of his nation in 
its hour of need and entered the army. He enlisted 
as a private in the First New York Independent 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



711 



Batterj' and served for tliree years with that coin- 
uiand in the arm}' of tlic Potomac. That battery 
was connected with the Sixtii Army Corps, and 
participated in many hard fought battles. Allo- 
<j;eliier our young iicro was in thirty-four cngafj;e- 
nients including the battle of Gettysburg. Wonder- 
ful as it may seem lie has not a scar to show iiis 
war record, for he was never wounded. He also 
escaped being taken prisoner, but he suffered seri- 
ously in his health, as he had both the measles and 
typhoid fever in the service from which he has 
never fully recovered. 

At the close of the war the young soldier located 
at Greenville, Mich., where he worked at his trade 
until August, 1868, at which time he came to I-ake 
\'iew, built a shop and began blacksmilhing, which 
he has continued to the present time. lie is the 
pioneer blacksmith of Lake N'iew. He has given 
all his time and attenti(.)n to his work and has 
built up an excellent business, having the best of 
reputations for thoroughness and attention to busi- 
ness. He started in the world a poor orphan bo)-, 
with none to depend upon, and has made for him- 
self a good record and a good home. He has one 
of the nicest residences in Lake Mew, finished and 
furnished with taste and elegance. He is a Demo- 
crat in his political views and has held some respon- 
sible oflices and is now Town Clerk. He belongs 
to the Independent Oriler of Odd Fellows, and of 
the Free and Accepted Masons of the Royal Arch 
Degree. Also the Ancient Order of United AVork- 
men. 

The cultured and accom|)lished ladj' who pre- 
sides over his home was united with him in mar- 
riage (October 13, 18C5. She was Bettie A. Matteson, 
of Greenville, Mich., and was born in Warsaw, 
Wyoming County, N. Y. Her parents Thomas 
and Lavancia (Coats) Matteson, were natives of 
New England and both died in Warsaw. Two 
beautiful children bless this union: Fred the eldest 
died in infancy ; Myrtia grew up in Lake View an<l 
was a decided favorite with all who knew her. She 
was beautiful and accomplished, and highly edu- 
cated having graduated from the Alma Michigan 
Normal College. For three j'ears she taught in 
the graded schools of Lake View. In the summer 
of 1890 she was visiting at Port Huron, Mich., and 



went out with a party of young people in a row 
boat upon the St. Clair River, on the evening of 
August G. A ferry boat ran into the little skiff 
and cut it in two. This lovely girl was the only 
one drowned. Her body was not recovered for 
several da3 sand was then found fifteen miles below 
Port Huron. For many months her death cast a 
gloom over the whole town as she was deeply be- 
loved by all who knew her. 



-^ PENCEK L. SHAW. The late Spencer L. 
Shaw became a resident of Ionia County 
several decades since, and was one of the 
potent factors in the progress of the town 
of Saranac. He was engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness there for several years and owned a large i)or- 
tion of the land on which the eastern part of the 
village now stands. On going out of mercantile 
life, Mr. Shaw devoted his attention to buying and 
selling real estate and loaning money, and accumu- 
lated a handsome ecmpetcncy. He held several 
oflices of public trust and responsibility, and was 
always found read}' to take under consideration 
any project which promised to elevate the stan(lar<l 
of social, moral, or financial matters in this section 
of the State. 

Mr. Shaw was born in Oneida County, N. Y., 
August 22, 18U, and reared on a farm in Flovd 
Township, his father being a farmer. The parents, 
Stillman and Elizabeth (Perry) Shaw, came to this 
State and spent the later years of their lives in Sara- 
nac. The family consisted of four sons and two 
daughters, named resi)ectively — Orrin, Mary Jane, 
Helen, Solomon. Spencer L. and Stephen. Orrin, 
Mary and Solomon are now decease(L Spencer L. 
remained in his native State during his boyhood 
and youth, gaining information from books and 
the world aroun<I him, and preparing for his future 
career. 

In his early manhood Mr. Shaw visited Lapicr 
Count}', this State, and for some years that was his 
home. Among the acquaintances he made there, 
was Miss Lucrelia Gardner, who, on tlic 1 5th of 
September, 1812, united her fortunes with his antl 



712 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



walked the pathway of life by his side until he was 
called to his last rest. She is now living in Saranac 
on the old place where many happy years were 
spent, find where siie expects to end her days. She 
has had seven children, but three have crossed to 
the other shore. The living are Alice, widow of 
Dr. A. P. Jones, a resident of Chicago; Mary, wife 
of Henry Frace, of Saranac; Carrie residing in Chi- 
cago; and Maud, who is with the mother. They 
have been c^irefully reared, given good educational 
advantages and are doing credit to their oppor- 
tunities. 

Mrs. Shaw is the daughter of William and Clar- 
issa (Vosburgh) Gardner, who were born in New 
York, and both of whom had Dutch blood in their 
veins. Mrs. Gardner also had Scotch ancestors. 
They were earnest Christians and held membership 
in tiie Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gardner spent 
the earlier part of his life in merchandising in New 
York, and in Lapeer County, this State, but later 
turned his attention to farming. His death occur- 
red in 1874, ten years after his wife had entered 
into rest. Their family consisted of eight children. 
Those now living are Catherine, wife of James 
Gray, at Lapeer; Aurelia, wife of John B. Sutton, 
at Lapeer; Elmira, wife of Peter Randall, living at 
Flint; Emma, who married David Henderson, and 
lives in Attica; Lucretia, wife of our subject; and 
William, whose home is in Lapeer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Shaw removed from Lapeer County 
to Saranac in 1854, driving through in the early 
s|)riiig and experiencing several hardships in mak- 
ing the journey to the then uncultivated country. 
Prior to their removal they had improved a farm, 
but soon after the change was made Mr. Shaw en- 
tered upon a mercantile career. His store was 
on Main Street for several years, and after going 
out of business there he turned his attention to 
the pursuits before mentioned. One of his later 
investments was the purchase of one hundred acres 
of land on Pine Lake, eight miles from Lansing, 
which he platted into vilLsge lots, many of which 
have been sold and have had neat residences erected 
upon them. 

The religious views of Mr. Shaw, those of Spir- 
itualism, were firmly fi.xed, and he wasalwaj's ready 
to support them by argument, and yet willing to 



accord to others the right he asked for himself — 
that of liberty of religious thought and action. It 
was his design to make the delightful s|)ot he plat- 
ted near Lansing, a resort for those of the S])! rit- 
ualist belief, andto build there a liberal institution 
of learning, a medical college, a mediums' home and 
an old ladies' home. Although he was not permit- 
ted to live to see his ambitions realized, it is be- 
lieved that all will ultimate!}' be accomplished, and 
tiiat Nemoka will become all that he wished. 

Personally Mr. Shaw was genial and friendly, 
and always ready to accommodate one who was 
worthy of consideration. His business transactions 
were conducted in an honorable manner, and he 
was liberal with his means for the su|)port of puli- 
lic enterprises and the upbuilding of the town in 
which he lived. He was at one time a Mason, and 
in politics he was a Democrat. The date of his 
decease was January 29, 1887, the cause thereof 
was paralysis of the heart, and his age seventy-two 
years. A suitable epitaph for him is given in tiie 
simple words, "a pleasant neighbor, a kind fatiicr 
and a faithful companion." 



m 



OHN DICK. In this biographical record 
we have given us the life of a self-made 
man, and a soldier in the Civil War. Mr. 
/ Dick came to this country in the d.ays of liis 
cliildhoo<l without fortune or friends, save tiiose of 
his own hearthstone, and by his perseverance and 
honesty of purpose has gained for himself warm 
friends and a comfortable competency. A promi- 
nent farmer and stock-raiser in Ionia Count}', Mich., 
he has always faitiifuUy performed the duties of a 
citizen and to his chosen ijolitical line has been a 
firm adherent. He was born Ma}' 10, 1839, in Ba- 
varia, Germany, and is the son of Jacob and Eliza- 
beth Dick. His parents are natives of Bavaria, 
Germany, where they yet reside and are past eighty 
years of age. 

Mr. Dick was reared in Germany until he was 
fifteen years of age, at which time he emigrated to 
America, taking pnss.age at Liverpool on a sailing 
vessel and after an ocean voyage of fifty-four days 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



713 



landeil at New York City, and I'uninincd there for 
about nine months. He then came to this county 
and for some eight years was employed on a farm 
I)}' William Kittson, who resided at that lime on 
section 3, Easton Townshi]!. 

For the lirst year Mr. Dicic received fi') a montli 
and the last year averaged about ^13 per month. 
He enlisted Angnst 21, 18G2, in the Twenty-lirst 
Michigan Infantry, Company K, and became a part 
of the army under Gen. Buell, the Arm}' of the 
Cumberland. Here he fought in the battle of Per- 
ryville, and others of minor importance and was 
honorably discharged March 12, 18(53. He reen- 
listed December Mi, 18C3, in Company E, First 
Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, his duties in 
this regiment being to build bridges, tear up rail- 
road tracks and various other duties connected with 
this department. He was with Sherman on his 
march to the sea and was present at the surrender 
of .Savannah, and also at the surrender of John- 
ston's army. 

He participated in the (irand Kcview at Wash- 
ington and was honorably discharged .'September 
22, 180.J. After this war experience he came to 
Ionia County, where he has since remained. He 
receives a pension of $12 per month, having con- 
tracted an iidirmity while in the service of his 
country. 

O'lr subject was married November 1, 18C6, to 
Susan Robertson, who w:is born in Inverncsshire, 
Scotland, January 15, 1843. She is a daughter of 
William and IJarbara (Grant) Robertson, natives 
of Scotland, and when fourteen years of age she 
was left motherless. When sixteen years old she 
came with her father and sister to America, taking 
uassage on a steamer at Glasgow, and after an 
ocean voyage of twelve days they landed in (Quebec 
and came to Michigan, selecting Ionia County as 
their destination and here became identified with 
the early pioneers. Mrs. Dick has two brothers 
and four sisters living in the State of Michigan: 
Eliza, wife of Henry Dyers, in Osceola County; 
David; Ann, in Easton Township; Duncan, in 
Ionia Township; Barbara, wife of Samuel Lemmucl 
in Ronald Township; and Jean M., who is a resi- 
dent of Scotland. 

Our subject in ISCG settled on his present farm 



where he has since resided. When he first came to 
this county it was in a wild and unsettled condition 
and like most of the pioneers of that time he was 
obliged to endure some hardships. He owns 
seventy-si.-c acres of valuable land where in 1880 
he built his present fine residence. He is self-edu- 
cated and with the assistance of his wife has 
made their home what it now is — one among the 
best in Easton Township. 

In Germany Mr. Dick received a good common- 
school education and in this countr}' has acquired 
a fair knowledge of tlie English language in which 
he is able to transact business in its various 
branches. He is identified with the Grand Army 
of the Republic and is politically a Republican. He 
is an advocate for improvements of all kinds and 
in his efforts for these he is very earnest and to 
him in a great measure Ionia County is indebted 
for some of its fine slock. He makes a specialty 
of stock-raising, always reacliingoul for all improve- 
ments in this line. Mr. Dick and wife are active 
and esteemed members of the coaimunity where 
they reside. 

WILLIA.M F. HEVDLALFF is a native of 
Michigan, having been born in Freedom 
Township, Washtenaw County, October 
28, 1835. He resides now on section 36, Ronald 
Township, Ionia County. His father, Christian F., 
was born in Wurtemberg, Ciermany, and his grand- 
father, Martin, was in the employ of King William. 
The mother of our subject was also a native of 
Germany, Anna M. Wagnen b}' name and was born 
in .Stuttgart. The parents of \Viliiam were mar- 
ried in Wurtemberg in 1830 and in the same year 
they came to America and located in Detroit. Four 
3'ears later they removed to a farm in Washtenaw 
County. The father, who was a land sjieculator, 
died April 23, 1875, aged seventy-two years. The 
mother is still living having completed her four- 
score years. These parents were among the early 
settlers of Ionia County. They were the parents 
of eight children, five sons and three daughters, 
namely : John, William F., Lewis H., Jacob, (dc- 



714 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ceased); Frank C. (deceased); Mary B.; Christian 
and Elizabelli (deceased). 

AVilliam HeydlaiitT was nine years uld wlien he 
came to Ionia County with liis parents. His first 
and only experience in a public school was in 
Washtenaw County, his native iiome. He received 
his education mostly from his father and mother, 
they being well educated and deeply interesteii in 
the development of their children. When sixteen 
years old he left home and went to California by 
water, taking the steamer "Illinois" at New York 
City and going by the way of the Isthmus of Pan- 
ama. He landed in San Francisco and remained in 
California eighteen years during which time he en- 
gaged in mining and mercantile business. He 
traveled a great deal all over that part of the 
country and reUuucd home on a visit in 1859. He 
reiieated tiiis visit in 1869 and returned West, but 
tlie following year he decided to come to Michigan 
to make his home. He now resides on the old 
homestead where his father lived and owns eighty 
acres of well-improved landi^wherc he carries on 
general farming and stock-raising. He is a man of 
decided political vicws_an(l votes the Republican 
ticket. 

- — -^m — - ■ 



,^ , MOS R. MATHER, Cashier of the hank at 
'i(M Lake View, an(i one of the most prominent 
It citizens of Montcalm Count3', was born in 
Geneseo, Livingston County, N. Y., July 
27, 1838. He is the son of John C. and Betsey E. 
(Kellogg) Mather, natives of New York State. 
They were married at Geneseo, where the father 
died December 1, 1877, having com[)leled his 
three-score and ten years, as he was born April 
9, 1807. His wife, who was born in 1811, still 
survives. He was a farmer all his life and a man 
in comfortable circumstances. He was a Whig in 
the early days, and afterward very naturally a Re- 
publican. He was very active and efficient in 
township and educational interests, and he and his 
good wife were members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church from early life. The first members of 
the family came to America in Colonial days and 



settled in Massachusetts. Our subject's Grand- 
father Kellogg was a soldier in the War of 1812. 

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Mather were parents of 
the following children : Mary, Sidnej' W., Julia and 
Eliza (twins), Amos R., Norman W., Sarah A., 
Augustus E. and Fannie J. Augustus and Sidney 
are deceased. 

After attending the district schools our subject 
pursued his studies in the Genesee Wesley an Sem- 
inary, at Lima, N. Y., and also took a thorough 
course in the Business College. He remained with 
his father until he was twenty-four ^ears of age, 
when he married and the following spring, 18C4, 
came to Lyons, Ionia County, and bought a farm. 
In 1867 he sold this farm and removed to Muir, 
engaging in the lumber business and buying and 
selling logs. Three years later he removed to 
Howard City, Mich., which was then being built, 
and he had the agency of the village plat pro[)erty 
for eleven years. He was elected Supervisor in 
1871, and held that office five years. Between 
1875 and 1880 he carried on a drug and stationery 
business, and was Postmaster at the same time. In 
the fall of 1880 he came to Lake View and engaged 
in the banking business, but sold out his interest 
in the bank in the fall of 1886, since which time 
he has been employed as Cashier. He is a thor- 
ough business man and a good financier, and is well 
esteemed by his neighbors. 

Mr. Mather is an ardent Republican, a Knight 
Templar and a member of Pilgrim Commandeiy No. 
23, at Big Rapids. He also belongs to the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen and to the Knights of 
the Maccabees. The lady who presides with so 
much dignity and grace over his beautiful home 
became his wife June 21, 1863. Her maiden name 
was p]mma J. Macomber. Her home was in Three 
Rivers, Mich., and she was born in Alabama, N. Y., 
November 21, 1842, a daughter of Charles and 
Mary A. (Burt) Macomber. At the death of her 
father he left her by wnll a goodly fortune. Her 
l)arents came to Michigan in 1845 and settled in 
St. Joseph County. Mr. Macomber died in Three 
Rivers, Mich., October 31, 1874, in the seventy- 
fifth year of his age, and his good wife is still liv- 
ing at the very advanced age of eighty-nine years. 
Four children have been granted to Mr. and Mrs. 



PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAl'HlCAL ALBUM. 



Mather, nainelj': Charles C, now Assistant Cash- 
ier ill the hank at Lake View; Mary M., Fannie 
.1. and Daisy M. The youngest ilaughter died in 
infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Mather are members of tiie 
Melliodist Kpiseopal Cliurcii, and are earnest work- 
ers in the npbuiUling uf Christianity. 



DSON I'lCKELL. Many veterans of the 
Union army reside in Montcalm County, 
and Sidney Township has its full share of 
tliese brave men who look back with pleasure and 
honest pride u[)on the service which they ren- 
dered their country in the hour of need. Tliey 
greatly enjoy a chat together of the old days when 
they went campaigning and their recitals of their 
experiences are inspiring to the generations who 
have grown np since the days of llie war. 

Among these old soldiers is Edson Pickell, wiio 
was born in Pennsylvania, Januar}- 21, 1842, the 
son of Isaac and iMary (Williams) Pickell. His 
father w.as a blacksmith by occui)ation and found 
abundiuit demand for his services when he re- 
moved to Michigan in 1813, with his little house- 
hold. Two brothers of our subject reside in 
Michigan, both successful farmers. Chauncy livis 
in Crystal Township, this conntj', and Frank K., 
resides in Hanover, Jackson County. The sister, 
Sirs. Margaret IJader, makes her home in Liberty, 
Jackson County. The father's first home in Miciii- 
gan w.as in Leoni. lie did not find opportunity of 
giving his son other education than that which 
could be found in the village schools, but he 
allowed him to begin work at the age of eigliteen 
years. 

Young Pickell although barely having reached 
his majority at the time of the Civil War, decided 
to enter the army, and enlisted in Company D, 
First Michigan Infantry. This notable regiment 
was joined to the army of the Potomac under (ien. 
Grant, and saw hard fighting and man\' conflicts. 
Our young hero served nearly- four years. He was 
in the batlles of Meehanicsville, Malvern Hill, 
Gaines' Mill, Anleitaui, t<hei)ard's Ford, Peters- 



burg, Fredericksburg, and Cold Harbor. He was 
under the splendid generalship of Grant all 
through the war and was with him at the time 
when he received Gen. Lee's sword in the sur- 
render. He was mustered out of service at Jef- 
ferson ville, Ind., in the fall of 18G.5, and returned 
to Jackson County, Mich. Mr. Pickell has been 
twice married. The first time to Cornelia Helcher, 
of Lenawee County. This union took place Sep- 
tember 22, 18G5, and resulted in the birth of three 
chihlrcn, namely: Charles, born October 1, 1800; 
Frederick, December 23, l868;Seth, April 1, 1871. 
The mother of these children passed from cartii 
August 22, 1872. His second marriage which took 
place July 5, 1873, united him with Rosa Belle 
Mesler. of Sidney Township. This marriage has re- 
mained childless. When he removed in November, 
1872, to his present home he found it a wilderness. 
He has cleared this place of eighty acres and built 
upon it houses and barns. He has lately added to 
his industries a store, carr3'ing a stock of gro<^eries 
and harness. In politics he is a Republican. He is 
at present Justice of the Peace and has been School 
Director and School .Moderator,being always active 
in affairs of education. Our subject is a member 
of Ausmer F. Cole Post, No. 21.5, G. A. R., and 
also belongs to the Patrons of industry. 



y ALTER II. PRICE. This gentleman holds 
a reputable place among the business men 
,, „ of Lyons, Ionia County, and for so young 
a man is ailvancing rapidly in his career. He deals 
in dry -goods and groceries, shoes and general mer- 
chandise, his establishment being located on IMain 
Street with well filled shelves and goods suited to 
the wants of the people. :Mr. Price has had quite 
a varie<l exi)erience for one of his years and in 
business transactions has gained the knowledge 
of affairs that fits him for conducting an estab- 
lishment of his own. His mental qualifications 
are e.Kcellent, he having been given a liberal school- 
ing that included a commercial course of training. 
The immediate progenitors of our subject were 
born in the Empire State, their names being 



716 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Truman S. and Anna R. (Gleason) Price. The 
fatlier was a locomotive engineer and followed his 
trade until 1804, when ho enlisted in Company I, 
One Hundred and Eighty-si.xth New York Infan- 
try, and battled for his country about a year. He 
received a gunshot wound over his right ej'e and 
after some time in the lios|)ital was sufHcienlly re- 
covered from its effects to be sent home. He then 
ran a stationary engine in his native State until 
1870, when he remove<l to Michigan. He settled 
in Saginaw, but after a sojourn of a year removed 
to Hersey, Osceola County, and from that point 
to Ionia County. After this change of residence 
he abandoned his former occupation and gave his 
attention to farming. He finally retired to Big 
Rapids and remained until his demise in 1890. His 
widow still lives in ti:at citj\ Mr. Price was a 
Ri'pubtican and a member of the Grand Army of 
the Republic. His family comjjrised seven chil- 
dren — Waller H., Mrs. Anna Higginson, Edward 
T., Frank M., Sarah E., George W. and Herbert. 

The birth of Walter Price occurred at Oswego, 
N. V,, in 18G2, and he attended school at Pierre- 
pont Manor when he was of pro[)er age. After 
the removal to this State he continued his studies 
in Saginaw, Hersey and Ionia, and later took a 
business course in Big Rapids, receiving a di- 
ploma in 1888. Mr. Price started out in life 
by obtaining work on a farm near Ionia and next 
went to Big Rapids and followed engineering for 
a time. After being engaged in various stores in 
Big Rapids lie then accepted the position of man- 
ager of a store for the West Michigan Lumber 
Company at Pavk City, and thence returned to ]5ig 
lvai)i<ls, and from that jwint went to Orleans and 
entered into partnership with Andrew J. Hale for 
the sale of general merciiandise. The connection 
lasted about fourteen months and Mr. Price tlien 
established his present business in Lyons. 

During the year 1881 Mr. Price was united in 
marriage with Miss Etta C. Wandel, daughter of 
George and Caroline Wandel, who live on a farm 
in Easton Township, Ionia County. Mr. Wandel 
was born in New York and his wife is a native of 
this State. Their daugliter was carefully reared and 
has developed into an intelligent Christian woman. 
To her have been born thice yliildren — Yemon J., 



Maud R. and Ethel. Mr. and Mrs. Price belong to 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is Superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-sciiool. He is devoted to 
the interests of religion, earnestly endeavors to mold 
his every action after the perfect model, and works 
zealously in church enterprises. Mr. Price has city 
property in Big Rapids ami is fairly started on the 
high road to competence and wealth. In politics 
he is a stanch Prohibitionist. 



-S^i^J- 



IDNEY GARDNER. Among the well- 
legulated farms of Otisco Township is that 
of the gentleman above named, who has 
been one of the factors in the progress of 
Ionia County since he was a j'outh of seventeen 
3' ears. The farm which he now owns and occupies 
is pleasantly located on section 30, and consists of 
sixty acres of fertile land, upon which will be 
seen a complete line of farm buildings, substantial 
and sufficiently commodious to answer every pur- 
pose. Mr. Gardner has done much of the work of 
the pioneer, having cleared a large acreage of land 
and prepared it for cultivation and habitation. 

Bofore giving the facts in the history of Mr. 
Gardner it will not be amiss to make some mention 
of his parents. His father, William Gardner, was 
bo.'n in the Empire State, whence he removed to 
Canada. After making his home in the Dominion 
for a number of J ears he returned to the States 
in 1844, settling in the township that is now the 
home of his son. Here he died in 1863. He was a 
wheelwright, but after coming to this State located 
upon a farm, having bought one hundred and sixty 
acres. He was Fligh Sheriff for a number of j-ears 
in Canada. Originally a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Cliurch, he was connected with the Ad- 
vent Churcli when he died. In Canada he married 
Lena Muma, daughter of John Muma, a native of 
Germany. This lady was a devout member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Sidney Gardner was born in Canada, February 
29, 1828, and spent his early years in no unusual 
manner. He obtained a practical education and 
considerable knowledge of business, and until he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



T17 



was of age he aided his father. After the removal 
to this Stale he was on the farm until he took up 
the lal)ors of life for himself. A few years later he 
married Miss Catherine .lane l5ockwitli, tlie cere- 
mony being performed at the home of the bride, 
November 19, 1853. The union has been blessed 
by the birth of four children, namel^', Warren, 
Deed, Helen and Adoniram J. Mrs. Gardner is a 
(laughter of Philander and Melinda (Melntyre) 
Heekwilh, who were natives of New Haniiishire 
and New York, respectively. 

Although never aspiring to public honors Mr. 
Gardner accepted the position of Highway Com- 
missioner and worked for the good of the traveling 
(uiblic during his term of ollicc. He gives his po- 
litical allegiance to the Republican party and his 
support to the Patrons of Industry, in which helms 
been enrolled for some time. Mrs. Gardner is 
a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and 
conscientious in her life. 



'|^_ ENRY G. TING LEY is one of the enter- 
lf)ji prising, public-spirited and intelligent ngri- 
sS-yf^ culturisls of Ionia County, ami one who is 
(^) meeting with decided success as a farmer 
and stock-raiser. He is located on section 12, 
Easlon Township, on a tract of land comprising 
seventy acres which has been improved in such a 
manner as is customary to men of zeal and interest 
in their calling. He was born in Erie County, N. 
Y., March 1, 18,50, and has been doing for himself 
since he entered his teens. His parents, Josepli and 
Lydia (Groff) Tingle}-, were of English ancestry, 
and his father was born in New England, while his 
mother is a native of New .Jersey. The father is 
deceased, but the mother lives in Ionia County. 
.Slie is now more than fourscore years old. 

The parental family consisted of ten children, 
eight of whom are living and scattered in several 
Slates. Henry came to Michigan when thirteen years 
old and for some time lived in Jackson County, 
where he worked as a farm hand, receiving about 
*1.5 per montli forhis services. In his native State 
he had obtained the rudiments of an education in 



the district school, and after coming West he spent 
two vrinters in stud}-. From .lackson he went to 
Montcalm Count}', where he worked in various 
capacities connected with tlie business of sawmill- 
ing. In 1876 he took up his abode in Ionia County, 
where he h.'xs remained, giving his attention to agri- 
cultural work almost exclusively. He lived in Palo 
nearly three years and located on his present farm 
in the spring of 1879. 

The marriage rites between Mi'. Tinglej- and 
Miss Azelia P. Shaw were .solemnized October 17, 
1877, in Fulton County, Ohio. The bride was born 
in Medina County. Ohio, December 2, 1847, and 
was a daughter of .lames and Minerva (Hall) Sliaw. 
Her father was born in Massachusetts, and her 
mother in Virginia. The former is believed to have 
been of English descent, and the mother came of 
the Scotch-Irish race. Grandfather Hall was a sol- 
dier in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Tingley 
have five children, whose record is as follows: 
Harry A., born September 4, 1878; Cora A., .lan- 
uary 5, 1881; Fanny E., May 15, 1882; Delia M., 
January 16, 1887; Annie, July 11, 1889. 

Mr. Tingley is Overseer of Highwa^-s in district 
No. 2, and he h.as served as School Director. His 
vote is cast with the Democrats, and he believes 
that bis part}' is far superior to any other. As he 
is still a comparatively young man lie is likely to 
rank among the most substantial men of the county 
ere many years. Mrs. Tingley is one who as wife, 
neighbor and friend gains commendation, and both 
are popular in the socictj- of their neighborhood. 

•-^ ^-*-^ ^• 

<| ftlLLIAM M. ANDREWS. The mature 
\/\ll J'^*'"'* of this gentleman have been spent 
^^p in this State and for well-nigh forty years 
he h.as been closely connected with the agricultural 
interests of Ionia County. His residence is on sec- 
tion .'H, Keenc Township, and his estate there con- 
sists of one hundred and eighteen and a half acres 
of well-developed land. He located on his present 
farm in 1866 and found it necessary to do much 
hard work before it was in the condition that he 
considere<l proper. A full line of farm buildings, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



substantial and well- arranged, affords shelter for 
stock and such crops as the owner desires to keep 
from month to month, while a pleasant dwelling 
siielters the happy family — the whole affording 
evidence of the industry, perseverance and pru- 
dence of our subject and his faithful companion. 

Mr. Andrews was born in Ontario Count5% N. Y., 
July 3, 1823. His jiarents, Ebenezer and Eliza- 
beth (Sperry) Andrews were natives of Massachu- 
setts and his maternal grandfather, Sperry, was a 
Captain in the Revolutionary army". In his native 
county ho of whom we write grew to maturity, re- 
ceiving a limited education in the schools of the 
neighborhood, and being early given a part in the 
farm work. In the fall of 1843 he removed to 
Kent County, this State, where for fire 3'ears he 
worked as a farm iiand. He remained there until 
1854, then came to Ionia Count}-, and twelve j'ears 
later located on the tract he has since made so 
beautiful and remunerative. 

The marriage of our subject to Miss Sarah J. 
Andrews, daughter of Lewis and Eliza (Godfrey) 
Andrews, occurred October 8, 1848. The bride 
was born in Ontario, Canada, February 11, 1830, 
but her parents were natives of New York. Tliey 
had seven children and three grew to maturity: 
Mrs. Andrews, Joel and Phebe. When she was 
six years old they removed to Noble County, Ind., 
where the husband and father died. The daughter 
was in her tenth year when her widowed mother 
removed to Kent County, this State, and a couple 
of j'ears later to Ionia Count}'. In Keene Town- 
ship Mrs. William Andrews grew to maturity and 
became a wife. Her mother is now living in Sara- 
nac; she married for her second husband Samuel 
Wells, but is again a widow. 

Mr. and Mrs. Andrews of this notice have two 
daughters — Marietta, wife of M. Sayles, and Harriet 
Ida, wife of Albert B. Smith, both living in Lowell. 
Mr. and Mrs. Sayles have three children — Ada, 
Pheba and Elva — and Mrs. Smith has two children, 
Emery and Gertrude. Ada Sayles married D. C. 
Miller and has a son, Merrit, so that our subject 
and his wife are great -grand parents, and Mrs. An- 
drews' mother makes five generations now living. 
Husband and wife belong to the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church and Mr. Andrews is serving as Steward 



and Trustee. He is identified with the Grange and 
is a Republican in [wlilics. Mr. Andrews' reputa- 
tion in business circles is that of a man who always 
does as he agrees and whose word is as binding as 
the bond of many. He and his wife, with other 
noble men and women by whose efforts the Grand 
River Valley has been converted from its primitive 
wildness into the splendid condition of to-day, are 
entitled to and receive the genuine respect of those 
who enjoy their personal acquaintance or know of 
the labors they have performed. 

<S^ DMOND HOOPLE, a native of Canada, re- 
lU] sides on section 13, Ronald Township, Ionia 
/*' — '-^ County. He was born in Stormont County, 
Ontario, Canada, March 18, 1849. He is a l)rother 
of Alvin Iloople, whose biographical sketch will be 
found in this book. The first fourteen years of 
our subject's life were spent in his native place. 
Here he received his early education. He then was 
sent to New York State to make his home with an 
uncle, so that he might receive better school ad- 
vantages. He attended school and academy three 
years, and then engaged as clerk in the leather busi- 
ness with his uncle and brother. After remaining 
with them four or five years, he went to New York 
City and kept books in a drug-store. Here he re- 
mained about two years and then went back to the 
leather trade for a short time. 

In 1880, young Iloople came to Michigan and 
located on the farm where he now resides. This 
farm of one hundred and thirty-three and one-third 
acres of well improved land, he bought of Mr. 
Peter Whitmore. It had already on it good build- 
ings and barns. The lady who is the presiding 
genius of his home, was born in Brookland, N. Y.. 
July Ifi, 1849. Here she was reared and educated. 
Her parents. Henry and Jane (Latham) Radford, 
were also natives of New York. Their daughter 
Sarah became Mrs. Iloople, December 8, IS?."). 

Six children have come to this happy home, five 
sons and one daughter, named as follows: Ward, 
born Se[)tember 9, 1876; Albert H., October 22,. 
1878; Joseph, May 3, 1880; Herman, November 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



719 



22, 1881; Ella H., May 27, 1885; Edmond, Au 
gust 14, 1887. Mr. Hoople is ever interested in 
matters of public affairs, and es[)eeially in educa- 
tional movements. He is a Republican in politics, 
and holds the position of School Director. 



AVID ESCIILIMAN is a descendant of an 
old Swiss family' who came from their an- 
cestral home some two hundred and fifty 
years ago, to seek freedom from religious 
persecution in America. They belong to that class 
of Christians known Mennonitcs, and in I'ennsyl- 
vania they found that relioious freedom for which 
they sought. David is the son of Abraham Eschli- 
mau, who was a farmer in Lancaster County, Pa., 
and the son has found his home on sections 1, 0, 
and 10, Ferris I'ownship, Montcalm County. 

The father of our subject came from Pennsyl- 
vania to Stark County, Ohio, about 1837, and tak- 
ing up a farm in the forest, cleared and improved 
it, making a home near Massillon. Here he became 
a prominent man, and was often selected for posi- 
tions of trust, being many times chosen to admin- 
ister estates, and act as guardian to orphan chil- 
dren. He had a keen intellect and was possessed 
of good judgment. These qualities united with in- 
tegrity and a disinterested regard for the rights of 
the needy, gave him the confidence of all. lie died 
in Ohio at the age of seventy-two years. His wife 
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Hurst, was born 
in his native county, and was descended from Hol- 
land ancestors who were also Mennonite refugees 
from religious persecution. Her paternal forefa- 
ther was a man of large fortune, which he left be- 
hind him, bringing only enough money to purchase 
seventeen hundred acres of land, which he bought 
of William Penn at the rate of an English shilling 
per acre. 

From such ancestry it is but natural that our sub- 
ject should have proved the success in life which 
he has done. He is a man of clear intellectual per- 
ceptions, and especially brilliant in the line of 
mathematics. His children inherit this talent from 
him, and have proved adept scholars in this line 



of study. The resolution and courage which marked 
his ancestors on both sides in those early days of 
trial, have stood him in good stead in the conflict 
of life, and have given him the ability to gain a 
beautiful home where he lives in prosperity and 
contentment. He was born in Lancaster, Pa., May 
17, 1830. From there he came with his parents to 
Ohio, when only six years old, traveling b}- team 
and wagon with a colony of thirty-two teams. 
Clearing land and hauling logs occupied his youth 
much more than atten;lance at school, and some 
jears he did not have more than twenty-two days 
in a year at his studies in the old schoolhouse 
where slabs took the place of benches. When twen- 
ty-one j'ears old he took up the carpenter's trade, 
which he worked at for nine years, during the last 
live j'ears of which he was foreman for a large con- 
tractor. 

He first came to Michigan in 18i)3, and entered 
one hundred and sixty acres of Government land 
on sections 4 and i), Ferris. Township, but he went 
back again to Ohio and worked at his trade until 
1800, after which for seven years he worked a 
rented farm in Ohio. During the war he saw some- 
thing of the border warfare as be was at Canton, 
Ohio, at the time of the John Morgan raid. In 
18G7 he again came to Michigan, and located in 
Easton Township, Ionia County, until the fall of 
18G8 when he came to Ferris Township, this county, 
and located his home where it now stands. In those 
early days he founil in hunting and fishing a recrea- 
tion which relieved the monotony of clearing and 
hauling logs. 

The home farm of our subject on section 10, 
covers one hundred and eighty acres, over one 
hundred of which he has improved. He also owns 
one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, and near 
one hundred on section 4, all nicely- im|)roved with 
the nccessar}' farm buildings placed upon them. 
His residence is located on a fin* natural elevation, 
and he has one of the most splendid stock-farms in 
the county, or even in the State. He owns a saw- 
mill at which he manufactures hard wood lumber. 
He carries a variet3' of stock, all of good grades. 

The mother of Mr. Esclilimaii's children, whose 
loss he was calleil to mourn in November. 1886, 
was born in (.Ihio, where he married her in 18C0. 



720 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



She bore the maiden name of Harriet Rowland. 
Six of her eight children are now living, namely: 
Alia, a teacher in the schools at home; Emma, also 
engaged in teaching; Cora is attending the Edmore 
High School; John is residing in the Upper Penin- 
sula; and Clara and Mary are at home. 

The subject of this sketch fills many positions of 
public trust. He has been Commissioner of High- 
ways, and was Township Clerk for four years, and 
School Director for si.K. When the new school - 
house was built in his district, he gave half an acre 
of land as a site for it. He is a demitted member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in 
politics is a strong Republican, being considered a 
representative man in his party, and being often 
made a delegate to county and State conventions. 
In his church connection he is active and zealous, 
being a member of the Cliurch of the Disciples, and 
a Trustee of the same. When this'church was build- 
ing a new edifice, he furnished all the timber and 
lumber, and gave ^100 in money to aid in its erec- 
tion. 



bHOMAS GARDNER, now a resident of 
Lowell, has been a potent factor in tlie de- 
velopment of the famous Grand River Val- 
ley. He has risen to a position of pronunenee among 
the agriculturists of Ionia County, and may be con- 
sidered a representative citizen. Financially 
speaking he is a self-made man, having begun his 
labors in life without any one to give him material 
aid and, in fact, having had but $17 in money 
when he located in Keene Township in 1840. He 
now has two hundred and eighty acres of as fine 
land as can be found in the township, and has the 
place in excellent condition. The most conspicu- 
ous feature about it is a peacii orchard of forty 
acres and an apple orchard of eight acres, the trees 
in which were planted bj' himself. 

Mr. Gardner is an Englishman by birth, but an 
American by education, as he came to the New 
World when ten years old. He was born in Lon- 
don March 22, 1821, and is the eldest child of .Tohn 
and Ann (Turner) Gardner. His brothers and 
sisters now living are Joseph, Mrs. Mary A. Kin- 



ney and George. When his parents decided to 
emigrate they took passage on a sailing vessel and 
after an ocean voyage of eight weeks landed at 
Quebec, Canada. Thence they went direct to 
Brantfordf in tiie Province of Ontario, and there 
the father was engaged in the butchering business 
for several years, and subsequently kept an hotel 
for a time. Still later he farmed in County Brant, 
and there he and his wife breathed their last. 

The subject of this biographical notice began his 
labors in life when young and has endeavored to 
supply the deficiencies in his early education by 
extensive reading in later years. He has been en- 
gaged in farming chiefly and has become skilled in 
his occupation and well-informed on matters con- 
nected therewith. When he settled on section 31, 
Keene Township, his dwelling was a log house and 
it was several j'ears before he took possession of a 
better dwelling. He lived upon the farm over 
forty years and in the fall of 1887 moved into 
Lowell. The energy and perseverance of liis na- 
ture .and his thrift and industrious habits are well 
demonstrated by his possession of a fine estate and 
a pleasant home in town. 

For more than thirty years Mr. Gardner had the 
counsel and aid of a devoted wife whose self-denial 
and courage during their pioneer life are gratefully 
remembered as instrumentalities in his success. 
She bore the maiden name of Maria Churchill and 
became his wife in the Province of Ontario, Feb- 
ruary 17, 1842. She was born in New Brunswick 
and died in Ionia County December 17, 1879. She 
was a consistent member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church and many friends mourned her loss and 
s^'nipathized with her bereaved family when she 
was called from time to eternitj-. To her there had 
been born eight children, of whom we note the fol- 
lowing: Richard, John and Wellington live in 
California and are engaged in the real-estate busi- 
ness and the sale of musical instruments; Eliza, 
the eldest of the family, now Mrs. W. P. Hard, 
resides in Boise City, Idaho; Julia is the wife of 
Prof. A. H. Smith, of Grand Rapids; Martha mar- 
ried B. R. Wheeler, and lives in California; Anna 
May, wife of A. L. Moon, lives in California; 
Dora is the wife of Edwin Smith, and their home 
is in Minneapolis, Minn. The others are deceased. 




RESID EIJCL OF J Ut-.n f. i/l 1 L LE R^ 5EC. 18. B ER L 1 N TR.IOrilA C0.,I\/1ICH. 







FARM PROPERTY OF THOMAS CARD N ER , SEC Jl. KELN E TP.,ION 1 A CO.,MICH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



723 



After having lived a widower until in October, 
1883, Mr. Gardner contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance, wedding Mrs. Lydia .1. Long. Husband 
and wife belong to the Methodist Episco[)al Church. 
Mr. Gardner is a supporter of Republican princi- 
ples, and is found taking a part in various projects 
which promise to increase the prosperity and hap- 
piness of the community of wliich he makes one. 
It affords us pleasure to present to his friends and 
acquaintances this sketch of a life that has been 
spent in an honoraljle pursuit, and that has resulted 
in worldly success and a reputation second to that 
of none in Lowell or vicinity. It also affords us 
pleasure to present to his friends a view of his fine 
estate, which ranks among the best in the commu- 
nity. 

- OOP 



|OHN F. MILLER. A boy wlio has in him 
the right spirit, who is inanl^- and straight- 
forward, courageous and enterprising, has 
*Kyy opportunities to make a success in life, not- 
withstanding he maj- have had unfortunate sur- 
roundings in childhood and have been called to 
|i.Tss through numberless discouragements in youth. 
'1 lie subject of this sketch can remember nothing 
bright about liis childhoocL lie knows that his 
father and mother were natives of England, and 
that his mother's maiden name was Forster. There 
were four ciiildren, two of whom are now living, 
lie also knows the date of his own birth, March 14, 
182C, and that London, England, w.as the place of 
his nativity. 15ut he can remember no happy home 
lireside, no fond, endearing words and caresses. 
His first recollection is of being kicked and cuffed 
about from one place to another, lie iiever hail 
a home, for there are no homes in the slums of 
London. 

'I'he first effort Mr. Miller made to work for 
wages was in 1834, when he entered the service of 
a baker and confectioner at Gravesend, England. 
Here he was treated worse than a dog. During his 
three years' life with them he never knew what it 
was to sit down to the table to eat a meal, but his 
poor food was brought to him in the bakery and he 
ate it as he could. In the afternoons he had to 



deliver bread around the cit^-, and had a certain 
portion of work to do before 1 o'clock, P. M. The 
eldest daughter attended the shop and gave him a 
larger task than he could possibly accomplish, but 
when he failed to be ready in time for his round 
of delivery be was unmercifully beaten and kicked 
about. He was then sent iip-stairs to get his loaf 
of bread, and here he would find the lame daugh- 
ter of the baker, who alone gave him kind w(>rds 
and encouragement. Seeing that he had been cr^'- 
ing she would pat him on the back and say, "Never 
mind Johnny, you will be a man by and by." 

At the end of three years the lad left his tyranni- 
cal master and tried to get another .situation, but 
could not because he had no recommendation. He 
then went aboard a fishing smack, where he had to 
bind himself as an ajjprentice to the owners for 
seven years. He hoped that upon the water he 
would have more freedom, but found that he 
jumped from "the frying pan into the fire." He 
could not have met anywhere with more cruel and 
brutal treatment, for not a day passed that he was 
not felled to the deck by blows. He had, however, 
one friend here, the mate of the vessel, Jones by 
name, who took his jjart, but he could not endure 
the life he was obliged to lead. He finally' ran 
away and went to Sheerness, a government naval 
station in England. 

Our subject shipped on board a twelve gun 
brig, "Espicglc," for the cruise as a second-class 
boy. The destination of the brig was China in 
1844. He left Sheerness, touched at Ascension 
Island, thence to St. Helena, to Cape Good Hope, 
to Singapore, East Indies to Horneo Island, and 
Hong Kong, China. His vessel engaged with others 
in forcing the forts on either side of HogaTigi-ess 
and barriers along another river, up to the city of 
Canton. It took a week to clear the way to the 
moorings and let hundreds of inhabited junks and 
sam[>ans lloat down the river, thus opening a way 
to Canton. The seamen were thus employed dur- 
ing tlie day, and at night went ashore with tlie 
sappers and mineis undermining the walls of Canton. 
On a certain day all was ready for the bombard- 
ment of the city. Then the English Commodore 
sent word that if the gales of the city were not 
opened by noon he would fire upon the city. At 



f24 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



11 o'clock the Mandarins came down and nego- 
tiated a truce. 

John Miller was at Nankeen, up the Yang-tse 
Kiang Rirer and all about those parts. He re- 
mained upon the brig for five years and in the 
meanwhile was promoted through all the grades to 
able seaman. Upon his discharge at Sheerness, 
England, he was second-class petty officer. He 
then shipped in the merchant service as able sea- 
man and made a trip to Batavia, Java Island, upon 
the ship "Richard Thornton," making two voyages 
to that port from London, England. Tnen be 
shipped on a coaster along the Irish coast for a 
short time. He left this vessel at Waterford, Ire- 
land, and came to Liverpool on a packet, or pas- 
seni^er vessel, paying three pence for transportation, 
lodging and meals. He shipped on a six-hundred- 
ton brig loaded with coal for Acapulco, South 
America. They were twenty-eight days lying off 
Cape Horn, and each man was allowed only a pint 
and a half of water per day, no cooking being done 
for two weeks. They then bore away for the 
Island Juan Fernandez, whore they expected to 
Ond no inhabitants. Tiiey reached shore at dark 
and anchored until morning, when they went 
ashore. They found tliere very unexpectedly two 
men, sailors, who had run away from a whaling 
vessel on account of the hard service, and hav- 
ing been unable to find food were nearly starved. 

Not long after this favorable winds arose and 
the brig was able to make its destined port. The 
subject of this sketch had shipped to go to Aca- 
pulco and back, and was to receive for his wages 
$10 per month. At Acapulco he went ashore and 
by chance met a young American sailor, who had 
come tliere upon a condemned passenger vessel. 
This new friend advised him to leave the Britisher 
and ship to California at IllO per month. He 
stole away, and mingling with the passengers on 
the American barque, the "Talma of Salem," for 
two weeks kept very quiet and made himself 
known to no one. One day be was standing in 
the fore part of the ship when a man accosted him, 
saying, "Young man would you climb up and get 
those socks for me on the rigging." He promptly 
assented and did the service for the stranger. This 
man was Mr. Richard Vosper. They entered into 



conyersation and he confided bis case to Mr. Vos- 
per. It proved that he was one of the thirty gen- 
tlemen who had bought the vessel and were going 
to Panama. Our subject engaged to ship with him 
at $100 per month. The law of Acapulco was 
that all hands upon American vessels must go to 
the American Consulate and register. This our 
fugitive dare not do, so Mr. Vosper, of Saranac, 
shipped as the sailor and John Miller's name was 
registered as passenger. 

The captain of this barque was a poor navigator. 
The crew consisted of captain, mate and two 
sailors, our subject and a Dutchman. The Ameri- 
can Consul refused to give the captain leave to 
sail unless he would take with him two Spaniards 
to a place called Rio Leo, between Acapulco and 
Panama. There was no discii)line enforced on the 
vessel, and all on board were shareholders except 
John Miller and the little Dutchman. Having 
been out about two months, they liad been for a 
week lying on and off the coast, looking for Rio 
Leo that they might land the Spaniards. About 
sundown they saw a vessel close into the shore. 
They concluded that she was also bound for Rio 
Leo and that they might safely follow her, and as 
in a short time she was lost to sight thought that 
she had gone into port. In the morning they had 
imperceptibly- drifted away, but they went sailing 
nine miles an hour in the direction which they 
ignorantly supposed was the right one. 

When within four miles of shore they saw a 
channel, and our subject suggested that thej^ were 
not wliere they thought they were, but as they all 
voted to continue in that direction they went ahead 
at a brisk rate and ran into a sand bar. No dam- 
age was done, l)ut they did not dare to go farther 
in that direction. A boat was fitted out with six 
men to carry the Spaniards to land, and John 
Miller was one of the six. They left the ship at 
daylight, had a good breeze and in the afternoon 
found themselves at the mouth of the river. They 
saw a shantj' on the bank and two Mexicans. 
They entered the river and going up four miles 
found themselves actually at Rio Leo, anew shant3' 
settlement. A landing was made, and our sailors 
went on shore with the agreement to return to 
their boat at 7 o'clock next morning. When that 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1-2t 



time arrivc'fl they could uot find the little Dutch- 
man, and after hunting for him in vain were 
finally obliged to leave without him. They re- 
turned to the ship, reaching it that night at 9 
o'clock. The next morning at dajlighl the^' put 
to sea and made sail for Panama. When twent}' 
miles olT from land tlie man from the mast head 
called out, "A boat ofif the weather bow ! " Ch.-xng- 
iiig the course of the ship they cume up to the 
boat in an hour and a half, and to the astonishment 
of all found in it the little Dutciiman. 

At last they reached Panama in safety, and Mr. 
Vosper decided to take .loiin Miller with him to 
Michigan. They crossed the Isthmus on foot to 
(iogonia, thence to Chagres in little boats and on 
board the New York Mail Packet to Havana. 
From there they set sail to New Orleans, and made 
their way to Cincinnati. Going on to Cleveland, 
our hero sailed out of that city on the lakes and 
m.ade that bis business during that year. In the 
fall of 1851 he came to Saranac and lived with Mr. 
Vosper. In the spring he i)addlcd in a canoe from 
Saranac to Grand Haven, and all that season sailed 
on the lumber vessel "Lizzie Throop." He re- 
turned to Mr. A'osper again in the winter, and on 
Christmas Day he married Marilla Brant, a daugh- 
ter of Mason and Almira (Tobias) Brant, bolii 
natives of New York, who came to Michigan in 
184 4 and settled on a raw farm in Boston Town- 
ship. They cleared this off and sold it, and then 
moved to another part of the townsliip. In 1850 
Mr. Brant became smitten with the gold fever and 
went overland to California and entered the gold 
mines. He started to come home and died at San 
Francisco. His wife is still living at the age of 
seventy-six years. They were the parents of seven 
children, five of whom are now living. Mrs. Miller 
was born August 30, 1836, in New York .State. 

John Miller now cstablishe<l his first home, buy- 
ing a house at Grand Haven, but pursuing still the 
life of a sailor, he continued to sail on the lakes 
for thirteen years. The last seven years he was 
captain of a vessel. He has spent altogether thirty- 
one years on the water. He lived at Grand Haven 
for two years and then bought his present farm, 
where his wife lived while he was ujion the lakes. 
In 18(32 lie enlisted in the navy of the United 



Slates, and was ui)on the gunboat "Argosy," which 
operated upon the Mississippi and Red Rivers. At 
one time he h.ad charge of a mortar boat. He took 
part in the lionibardment of Vicksburg and of Ft. 
Dalrusie on the Red River, and of many masked 
batteries all along the river. He served until the 
close of the war, then came home and sailed one 
year on the lakes, after which he gave up the sea- 
faring life and since then h.as remained on his 
farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. Miller arc the parents of six chil- 
dren: Mary, wife of Thom.as Branson, lives in 
Berlin Township and has three children ; Mason, 
who married Kate Buche and lives in Wisconsin, 
has one child; John married Lizzie Buche and 
lives in Muskegon; they have one child; Talbot is 
single and lives in Oregon; James E. married Ida 
Hull and lives in Wisconsin; Kirby is single. Mr. 
Miller is a member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic at Saranac, and his wife belongs to the 
Patrons of Industry. He is a stanch Democrat in 
politics. For many years he has been a director of 
the school district. He raises grain and stock and 
is .actively engaged in farm work, having one hun- 
dred acres all improved. In connection with this 
sketch appears a view of his residence, which he 
built some ten years ago at a cost of i!!3,000, while 
the barn cost 1400. He has triumphed over the 
hardships of his early lot and in his home life has 
made for his children the happy surroundings 
which he lacked in his youth. 

— — > • >!< ' < ■ ■-". ■ 



IVILLIAM .MILLIGAN is a well-known con- 



M tractor and builder of Ionia, Ionia County, 
^ „ this having been his home for many years, 
and there being many examples of his skill and 
reliability among its edifices. As a result of his 
well-directed and conscientious labors, he has 
acquired u good property, and what is better than 
.silver or gold, he is everywhere well spoken of. 
He is an excellent citizen, always lending his inllu- 
encc on the side of right and justice, anil ready to 
take a part in any project which promises to enhance 
the public weal, whether it be material or moral. 



726 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM- 



As the name denotes, the Milligans trace their 
genealog}' back to the Emerald Isle, but the ances- 
tors of our subject haye long been residents of 
this country. His parents, William B. and Eliza- 
beth (Stout) Milligan, were born in the Empire 
State, and his father was a peddlor of Yankee 
notions in Cayuga County. The parental family 
comprised six sons and daughters, but two only 
are now living —Sarah and William. The former 
is the wife of Burr C. Andrews and their home is 
in Kirksville,Mo. 

William Milligan was born in Livingston County, 
N. Y"., December 1, 1828, and at the age of seven 
years went to live with his grandmother on a farm. 
Two years later he went to work for S. M. Jeuks 
in Tioga Count}^ and continued to follow- agricul- 
tural pursuits until he had reached his twenty-third 
year. He then learneil the carpenter's trade with 
Caleb B. Olney, and having come to Michigan in 
1856, he worked at his trade here until after the 
Civil War began. 

Having decided tiiat his country needed his ser- 
vices in the South Mr. Milligan enlisted September 
15, 1862, in Com()any E, First Michigan Engineers 
and Mechanics. He was enrolled as a private, 
became Corporal, then Sergeant, and at Atlanta was 
promoted to the rank of Orderly Sergeant. The 
regiment, in command of Col. Innes, left Marshall, 
the place of rendezvous, with one thousand and 
thirty-two men December 17, 1861. They were 
under orders to report to Gen. Buell and during the 
winter were engaged in building railroad bridges 
at Franklin, Columbia, Murfreesboro and other 
points, with headquarters at Nashville. During 
the succeeding campaign they had arduous work to 
accomplish, many bridges having to be built, forti- 
fications erected, and repairs made along the line. 
At Lavergne, Tenn., in 1862, three hundred and 
fifteen of the number, among them our subject, 
withstood the enemy for five hours, or until dark- 
ness compelled the Confederates to retire. Surren- 
der had been demanded but the reply of Col. Innes 
was, "I can't see it so long as my ammunition holds 
out." The loss of the regiment was one killed and 
six wounded, while tliat of the enemj' was more 
than a hundred. 

The regiment was officially commanded by Gen. 



Rosecrans, who stated that they held in check a 
force of ten times their own number. From '-An- 
nals of the Army of the Cumberland," a work pub- 
lished since the war, we rjuote the following: 

"\yhile the battle was raging before Murfrees- 
boro, a niost brilliant and decisive affair occurred 
at Lavergne. The First Michigan Engineers and 
Mechanics had been left at that place to protect 
communication and had taken position on an ele- 
vated piece of ground in the rear of the village, 
surrounding themselves with a barricade of brush 
much in the nature of a common brush fence. The 
command numbered three hundred and ninety-one. 
About 2 o'clock in the afternoon Gen. Wheeler, 
who had been busying himself in destroying trains 
upon the road, suddenl}' appeared before Col. 
Innes' improvised fort with a force of about three 
thousand men and two pieces of artillery, demand- 
ing an immediate surrender. This was refused and 
a charge was made upon the garrison, but the 
rebels were spiritedly repulsed and driven into the 
neighboring thickets. Seven times the enemy 
attempted to carry the flimsy work and seven times 
they were driven back with heavy loss." 

Mr. Milligan was in the fight at Chattanooga 
October 6, 1863; siege of Atlanta July 22, to Sep- 
tember 2, 1864; Savannah November 11 and 21; 
Bentonville March 19, 1865. His recollections of 
tearing up track in places, twisting rails into cork- 
screws, and at others of laying track and repairing 
bridges, are vivid, as the regiment had much such 
work to do. He was in the service almost three 
years, his discharge bearing the date of July, 1865. 
After the war he returned to Ionia and resumed 
the arts of peace and since that time he has given 
his attention to contracting and building here. 

In 1858 Mr. Milligan was married to Miss Louisa 
Kenney, who died of typhoid fever after a wedded 
life of a little less than two }'ears. His present 
wife was known in her maidenhood as Miss Minerva 
Murray. This union has been blessed by the birth 
of four children, but the parents have lost two by 
the hand of death. The living are happily mar- 
ried — Bertha E. being the wife of L. P. Brock, and 
Edith L. the wife of George Tunison. 

The first vote cast by Mr. Milligan was for Gen. 
Winfield Scott and this was followed by a ballot 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



727 



for Gen. Fremont. Ho h.ss continued to adhere to 
tlic Republican part}', and without beinjr a politi- 
cian in the ordinary usage of that word, he is well 
posted and ably sn])[iorts tlio part}-. He is a mem- 
ber of the (Irand Army of the Republic and of the 
Church of Clirist, and does with his might what- 
ever his hands find to do, whether it be work con- 
nected with the social society or the church. He 
is e(iually earnest in business affairs, and in any 
other matter in which he takes an interest. 



I^USSELL M. KKLLCKtO. The "Rushue Fruit 
l^V I'sn'iii" of which tliis gentleman is propric 
o!i fli tor, is located on the bluffs of I'rairie Creek, 
Ionia Countj', three-fourths of a mile north- 
east of Ionia City limits. Mr. Kellogg is not onl^- 
the largest small fruit grower in Central Michigan 
but an enthusiastic horticulturist and a recognized 
authority in all matters |)ertaining to the business. 
The reputation of his farm has extended over 
nearly the entire State and orders are often re- 
ceived from distant points to send choice fruits for 
some special occasion, while regular supplies 
are shipped to private families in Bay City, 
Saginaw and Detroit, an<l other cities. Probably 
no small fruit farm in the State contains so great 
a variety of fruits, and no expense is spared 
in its cultivation. For several years Mr. Kellogg 
has been engaged in improving leading varieties 
of plants by a system of selection until now he 
believes he can nearly double the crop on the 
same soil and cultivation. Ever}' farmer and fruit- 
grower should send for his new book on fruit 
culture, which gives a full description of his method 
of cultivation and propagation of pedigree plants. 
Price fifteen cents. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
at Boston, Ohio. May 19, 1843, and left home at 
the early age of eight years to begin work on a 
farm. For a decade he was thus employed, attend- 
ing school in the winter months, and so obtaining 
a good common-school education. He entered the 
service as First Sergeant in Company C, Eighth 
Michigan Cavalrj-, October 10, 1862, and served 



with the regiment until August, 18G3. An injury 
received from a vicious horse caused his transfer- 
ance to Company H, Eighteenth Veteran Reserves. 
He was given command of the veteran company 
until .Alarch 23, 18G4, when he was made Sergeanl- 
Major. He was discharged December 12, 1865. 
In June, 1864, he had received a partial sunstroke, 
and after his discharge his eyes were affected 
thereby and he still suffers. 

After his discharge from the army Mr. Kellogg 
traveled for five years, giving illustrated lectures 
upon the war and also iqwn geology. In 1874 
he went to IJattlo Creek and with his brother, 
Frank J., established the Battle Creek Cutlery 
Works. He sold out his interest a year and a half 
after entering the business and took up the study 
of law, s|)cnding two years in the law department 
of Michigan I'niversity at Ann Arbor. He i)rae- 
ticeil at Grand Rapids a year, then went on the 
road as a commercial traveler, and was thus era- 
ployed until 1883. He then settled at Detroit, 
intending to resume the practice of his profes- 
sion, but as his health was not good he changed 
his purpose and in 1884 bought his present farm. 

December 24, 1869, Mr. Kellogg was n)arried to 
Miss Orrilla C, daughter of Rodolphus S. and 
Orrilla ( llolman) Richards. Both were born in Con- 
necticut, but the father was only a child when his 
parents removed to Vermont. Mrs. Kellogg was 
born at Portage, Ohio, March 8, 1844, and during 
that year her parents joined the (jioneers of this 
State. As she grew up she turned her attention 
to teaching, which she followed in this State twelve 
years. She is a prominent worker in the Woman's 
Christian Temperance Union, has been President 
of the Local Union, has also held the office of 
County President five years and is District Super- 
intendent of Franchise. She has lectured through- 
out all the counties of this, the Fifth Congres- 
sional District, upon woman suffrage and the 
work of the Union, and has made many other 
addresses, notably those in the House of Correc- 
tion at Ionia. By the State Suffrage Society she 
was invited to address the joint committee of the 
Seiuite and H(nise of Representatives on elections 
and judiciary, and subsequently to address a joint 
session of the two Houses of State Legislature. 



728 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



She is a woman of strong intellect, and having no 
children to need her constant care — her only child, 
Burton Stanley, having lived only from March 6, 
1873, to December 15, 1876— she has time to de- 
vote to public work. 

Since 1884 Mr. Kellogg has been a Prohi- 
bitionist and he continues to talse an active part 
in politics as he did in his old party. He was a 
candidate for Prosecuting Attorney in 1886 and 
1890 for Circuit Court Commissioner in 1884 and 
1888, and for Regent of the State University in 
1886. He has taken a very prominent part in the 
workings of the Patrons of Industry and in its 
interest has made numerous public addresses and 
frequently been a delegate to county and State con- 
ventions. 



i"^* 



^ 5k|uA»Xk^- 



^ILLIAM R. JONKS, the genial proprietor 
of the Hotel Jones in Edmore, Montcalm 
County, is as widely known as any resi- 
dent of the place, and without doubt has as many 
friends. Connected with the interests of the town 
in several ways, he is manifesting a degree of zeal 
and ambition in prosecuting liis work that makes 
him an example to the young and leads to a suc- 
cessful issue, schemes that in other hands would 
fail. As a hotel-keeper he has had but a limited 
e.vperience, but his desire to please and his knowl- 
edge of the needs of the traveling public have 
started him on the high road to success. He opened 
the Hotel Jones in August, 1890, and already has 
a large commercial patronage, and is called the 
most popular host on the line. Of his other inter- 
ests we will speak below. 

The birthplace of our subject is the cit3' of Jack- 
son, at that time a much less populous one than at 
present. His natal day was February 26, 1842, and 
his childhood was spent in his native place, whence 
he was taken to Kent Countj' in 1850. There he 
attended the district school and aided his father to 
develop a farm and there, too, he killed deer, bear 
and wolves, before the country was cleared and 
Will settled. In breaking the soil of the raw land 



he used six yoke of oxen and altogether he helped 
to break over a thousand acres. When twenty 
years old he began working out as a farm hand, 
and after two or three years felt justified in pur- 
chasing a farm in Oakfield Township, on the Mont- 
calm County line. With his own hands Mr. Jones 
put up a board shanty in which to live while begin- 
ning the work before him. He had one hundred 
and twenty acres that he improved from the timber 
and on which he remained eight years, and until 
failing health compelled him to give up farm work. 

Renjoving to Greenville, Montcalm County, he 
began the study of veterinary surgery under Dr. 
Gerls, and two 3'ears later went to Big Rapids and 
opened an office. He was the only "vet" within a 
radius of seventy-five or a hundred miles, and had 
to travel almost night and day to answer the calls 
that soon poured in upon him. In addition to that 
work he dealt in stock and he still carries on both 
occupations to some extent. In 1887 Mr. Jones 
came to Edmore and built a fine barn, 65x135 feet, 
with all conveniences, and put in a livery stock. 
He has as well kept an establishment as the county 
affords and does a flourishing business. "Doctor" 
Jones, as he is commonly called, is a lover of horses 
and a first-class judge of their qualities, as well as 
a practically skilled veterinary surgeon. ile is 
now raising standard bred equines and has some 
fine stable horses, among them "Doc Jones," a b.ay 
Hambletonian with a record of 2:30. He also 
raises full blooded Jersey cattle and every year 
carries off the blue ribbons from fairs. He owns 
and has improved a farm of fifty acres in Home 
Township, which he superintends, and he has real 
estate in Edmore beside the stable and hotel. 

Mr. Jones is of English descent in the paternal 
line, anil comes of an old Hertfordshire famil3-. 
His grandfather, Thomas Jones, was a man of 
means, extensively engaged in the stock business 
and also a butcher. A second Thomas Jones be- 
came a carpenter and emigrated to America when 
about twenty years old. He spent a short time in 
Buffalo and Toledo, then joined the tide of empire 
that was setting to Michigan and about 1838 made 
his home in Jackson. He was foreman of the force 
that built the first prison — made of tamarack poles 
— and worked at his trade until after his marriage 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



729 



wlien lie bought land and turned his attention to 
farming:. He operated a tract of one hundred and 
sixty acres in Liberty Townsliip, Ave miles from 
the city, and in 1850 removed to Kent County. 
In Oalitield Township he improved three hundred 
and twenty acres and on that farm he made his 
liome until dealii. lie passed away at the age of 
seventy-one years, having vficlded a strong influ- 
ence for good over his associates and gained the 
good-will of every one who knew him. He was an 
old line Whig in politics and a Baptist in religious 
faith. Various township odices were held by him 
and he was an ardent worker in the Sunda3'-school. 

The wife of Thomas Jones and mother of our 
subject was known in her girlhood as Miss Sarah 
A. Potter. She was born in Onondaga County, N. 
Y., and died in Kent County, this State, in 1881. 
Her father, Benjamin Potter, was a native of the 
same county as herself and wiis a farmer b)' occu- 
pation. He was an earlj- settler in Jackson Count}', 
this State, and during the 'lOs changed his resi- 
dence to Kent Country, where he died at the age of 
four-score j-ears, after having improved a tract of 
land there. He was a soldier in the AVar of 1812. 

Jn Oakfield Township, Kent County, April 1, 
1862, Dr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss 
Maggie B. Mallory, a capable and estimable Penn- 
sylvania lady. The surviving children Itorii of this 
union are Jlyrtie E., who married A. C. Morehcad 
of Edmorc, and Minnie A., who is yet with her 
parents. Both were given good opportunities to 
develop their minds and cultivate the graces of 
manner and of heart, and they fill places of useful- 
ness in their circles. 

Mr. Jones was the prime mover in getting a 
driving park in Edmore. He called a meeting of 
the citizens, presided as chairman, and saw that a 
stock company was formed, known as the Edmore 
Driving Park Association. With the exception of 
one year he his been President since the organiza- 
tion in 1885. The grounds are tweiit}- acres in 
extent, and the track is as good as any in the 
country. It is a half-mile circuit. There were 
over five hundred stumps on the tract when it was 
laid out antl Mr. Jones helped pull out every one. 
He is agent for the Chamberlain Stump Machine. 
In 1888 he was appointed by N. A. Porter, Deputy 



Sheriff, and his duties are faithfully performed, he 
being fearless and courageous wlien there is call 
for his services. He has been Village Trustee and was 
Highway Commissioner two years. Politically he 
is a fervent Kepublican and he wields a strong 
influence in [larty circles. 

— > . ^JCJ C. w^ 



W^ILLL^M DeGRAW, an old pioneer and 
respected citizen of Eureka Township, 
Montcalm County, was born in Seneca 
County, Lodi Township, N. Y., February 11, 1811. 
He belonged to a highly respected family which is 
notable for the long lives of its members. His 
father, Isaac DeGraw was a son of John who was 
born in France. Like many another young French- 
man, he symjjathized with America in the Revo- 
lutionary War and after his removal to this country 
served in Wasiiington's army through the entire 
period of warfare. His wife Leo Debrish was a 
native of Holland. She reared seven sons and 
lived to see one hundred and six years of life, and 
was hale and hearty in her old age. 

The father of our subject was brought up in 
Seneca County, N Y., and i)ursued the vocation of 
a farmer. He was drafted into the army near the 
close of the War of 1812, but was not called into 
active service. His religious belief was with the 
Methodist Church and his political convictions 
with the Democratic party. His wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Mehitable Miller, reared a 
family of ten children. She died at the age of 
seventy years, but he reached tiie limit of four- 
score years and ten. 

In his early manhood the subject of this sketch 
followed the trade of a carpenter. He came to 
Michigan in 1838, and settled in Washtenaw 
County, buying fifty acres of land. Somewhat 
later he ad<Ied to iiis acreage until he attained pos- 
session of eighty acres. His first journey from 
Detroit to Washtenaw County, was made on foot. 
He traveled through dense woods and amono- the 
Indians. In the spring of 1853, having sold his 
place, he came to Montcalm County and bought the 
farm where he now resides. Upon it was a small 



730 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



clearing and a little log bouse. Here he has one 
liundred and sixty acres, one hundred of which arc 
improved. In 1854 he built a good frame barn, 
and his present comfortable home in 1862. He has 
carried on general farming and paid some attention 
to stock-raising and grain. 

The good lady who presided with such grace and 
dignity over this rural home became Mrs. DeGraw 
September 24, 1834. Her name was Lorena Loomis. 
She was boru in Yates County, N. Y., February 
3, 1815. Her good parents were Thomas- and 
Irena (Chub) Loomis, both natives of New York. 
The three children of our subject and his excellent 
wife are living and are the heads of families. Their 
names are: Evaline (Mrs. Smith), John and Earn- 
est G. The Free Methodist Church is the religious 
home of tliis family and in its work and service 
they are active and useful. Mr. DeGraw lives a 
retired life and his farm is in the hands of a tenant. 

He has been an earnest and hard-working pio- 
neer and deserves great credit for his services in 
iielping to develop the resources of the county. It 
is a delight to see the beautiful old age of this ex- 
cellent couple who have lived in harmony for fifty- 
six jears. 



NDUEW LITTLE. Among the farmers 
of Ionia County who have been carrying 
on their work within its bounds several 
decades, may be mentioned Mr. Little, 
whose home is on section 8, Ronald Township. He 
has there one hundred and sixty acres of well-im- 
proved land which he devotes to the purposes of 
general farming and from which he derives a good 
income. The land is carefully tilled, so that its 
fertility is kept up to par and whatever constitu- 
ents are drawn from the soil are replaced by proper 
rotation of crops or the use of some good fertiliz- 
ing agent. A good set of outbuildings is to be 
seen on the estate and a farmhouse that looks home- 
like and hospitable. 

The jjarents of our subject were John and Cath- 
erine (Smith) Little, natives of Pennsylvania, in 



which State they became husband and wife. They 
removed thence to Waj'nc County, Ohio, and from 
that locality came to Michigan in 1855. They 
made a permanent location in Ionia County and 
when they were called hence they were laid to rest 
side by side in the Woodard Lake Cemetery. The 
mother died in 1885 and the father in 1889. They 
had ten children, four daughters and six sons, and 
of this number three daughters and four sons are 
yet living. Andrew, who is the third child and 
eldest son, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, De- 
cember 6, 1835, and remained in his native State 
until he was nineteen 3'ears old. His first schooling 
was in the home district and he continued his stud- 
ies iu the common school, giving the intervals of 
study to home duties until he had reached the age 
mentioned. He then worked by the month on a 
farm for two years and in 1855 came to this State. 
His journey was made in the spring before his par- 
ents came, and he bought eighty acres of unim- 
proved swamp land on which he worked two 
summers. 

At the expiration of that period Mr. Little went 
to work for his father, in order to help pay for the 
land his parent had bought. In the fall of 1861 
he determined to enter the Union army, and en- 
listed November 6, becoming a member of Com- 
pany F, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry. The regi- 
ment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland 
and as an integral part of that great body Mr. 
Little fulfilled the duties belonging to a loyal 
soldier, from a private to a commissioned officer, 
for nearly two years. He was only absent from 
the command six weeks, when in the convalescent 
camp at Nashville, Teun., and at the end of two 
years he re-enlisted iu the same company and 
served until the close of the war. The noted bat- 
tles in which he took part were Shiloh, Corinth, 
Stephenson, Ala., Mumfordsville, Perryville, Mill 
Creek, Stone River, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Mis- 
sion Ridge, Chattanooga, Savannah, Averjsboro, 
Bentonville, Goldsboro and Raleigh. At Corinth, 
Chattanooga and Savannah he was present during 
the sieges. He was one of the fortunate few to 
pass through all the dangerous experiences of camp 
and campaign life without receiving a scratch. 

After being discharged Mr. Little returned to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



r3i 



his former home ami the same fail was united in 
marriage to Miss Amelia Dixon. She was born in 
the Buckeye State November 3, 1842, and died 
Apiil 23, 1875, after a wedded life of ten j-ears. 
To the union there came five children: Mar}- C, 
who died June 3, 1869; Flora, who died Jul}' 14, 
18G9; Lora D., who breathed his last December 14, 
18'J0; James E., who is attending business college 
in Ionia; and Forrest, who is with his father. A 
second matrimonial alliance was contracted by Mr. 
Little December 24, 1877, when he married Amanda 
Swift. She was born in Ohio January 13, 1838, 
and died May 27, 1881. Again Mr. Little entered 
into the marriage relation, wedding Mrs. NinaM.ay 
AVorden in 188G. The present Mrs. Little is a. na- 
tive of Ionia Count}', born in Otisco Township 
April 4, 1858, and reared in her native place. She 
is the j'oungcst of five children comprising the 
family of Clark L. and Sally A. (Thompson) 
Deniorest. Her ]iarents were born in New York 
and made an early settlement in this SUite and 
still live in Otisco Township. 

Mr. Little has borne his part in carrying on the 
civic affairs of the township. He was at one time 
a member of the Good Temi)lar'8 Order and is still 
such in belief. His political adherence is to the 
Kei)ul)lican party. He and his wife belong to the 
Church of Christ and he fills the ollice of a 
Deacon. 



■^^ 



-i- 



ILAS FINCH. The acquaintance of this 
gentleman with the affairs of Ionia County 
l)egan in his boyhood and during the '30s 
and he has passed through all the exper- 
iences that attended the development of this sec- 
tion. The far-famed Grand River Valley has been 
transformed from a region of wilderness, with here 
and there a cultivated tract, into beautiful farms 
and town lots, and in labor that has l)een necessary 
to accomplish this result l\Ir. Finch has borne a part 
as boy and man. The farm he now occupies on 
section 28, Easton Township, was taken jjossession 
of by his father when the family came hither in the 
fall of 1839. Tliere a log cabin was built and the 
work of clearing begun, the young son aiding his 



father as best he could and doing more each year 
toward the perfect development of the property. 
Many of the most prominent citizens of this locality 
belong to old New York families and were them- 
selves born in the Empire Slate. This is the case 
with Silas Finch, who opened his eyes to the light 
in (ienesee County, July 22, 1832. His parents 
were Isaac and Almedia (Kellogg) Finch, natives 
of New York and Connecticut respectively, and 
his father was a soldier in the War of 1812. The 
parental family was a large one, but our subject 
and Mrs. J. N. Hodge of the same township are the 
only surviving members. The father breathed his 
last on the farm he had worked so hard to develop, 
November 4, 1874. He was in early days an old- 
line Whig and later in life became a Democrat. He 
was a good citizen and an honest man. The 
mother of our subject died a few years after the 
family came West. 

The subject of this biographical notice obtained 
the rudiments of an education in the schools char- 
acteristic of the days of his boyhood, and bad not 
the privilege of a higher education. The deficien- 
cies in his early training have been largely counter- 
balanced by his ambition to keep posted ami the 
use he has made of pai)ers and books. He devoted 
himself energetically to farm work and rose to a 
[)rouiinent place among the landowners of the 
township. He has now two hundred and twenty 
acres mostly under cultivation, where such farm 
buildings as are usually put up by a man of good 
judgment are to be seen, and such home surround- 
ings as betoken the taste of his wife and family. 

Mr. Finch was married to Miss Laura L. Mason 
November 12, 1861. The bride was born in Mar- 
shall, Calhoun County, November 12, 1842, but 
has lived in Ionia County since her childhood. Her 
l)arents, Louis and Sarah (Metcalf) Mason, were 
n.-itives of \'ermont and came to Michigan in an 
early day. Their last home was in EastoTi 
Township, Ionia County. They had a large fam- 
ily and six besides Mrs. Finch are now living. 
These are Alpbonso, whose home is in Lake View; 
Iloxy A., wife of John Day, living near Topeka, 
Kan.; Elisha living near Grand Rapids; Henry 
and Burdetle, who live in Ionia County, and Alan- 
gon, now of Osceola County. The family of Mr. 



732 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and Mrs. Finch consists of two sons and a daughter 
who are named respectively, Isaac J., Harriet J. 
and George 8. 

That Mr, Finch has been successful in worldl3- 
affairs his broad acres and comfortable home at- 
test. He is a man of social, agreeable disposition, 
and his large fund of historical lore pertaining to 
Ionia County makes his society especially attrac- 
tive to those who enjoy pioneer reminiscences. His 
wife is a lady of much intelligence, and the entire 
family take an interest in their own progress and 
that of those about them. Mr. Finch is a Demo- 
crat in politics. He is now serving as School As- 
sessor. 



^^KORGE A.NEWTON. Among the early 
III (_, settlers of Ionia County who richi}' deserve 
^\^Jj tiie esteem of their community, is the gen- 
tleman whose name introduces these paragraplis. 
He does not crave tlie exciting stimulants of polit- 
ical life, nor does he seek to gratify his ambition 
by reaching after high positions, but is rather one 
who enjoys the tranquil pursuits of agricultural 
and domestic life. He is farming extensively in 
this county, and iiis unremitting industry has 
crowned his labors with success. 

George A. Newton is a prominent citizen resid- 
ing on section 13, Easton Township, and is a na- 
tive of Niagara Countj', N. Y., born April 22, 
1831. He was a son of Ezra and Ann (Torrey) 
Newton, the father a native of Connecticut, and 
the mother of Massachusetts. His paternal ances- 
tors were of English descent. When six months 
old our subject w.as brought by his parents to Michi- 
gan where, in Lenawee County, the family settled 
and endured the hardships of pioneer life; both are 
now deceased. The parents of our subject had a 
family of three children, who are living: David T., 
residing in Hudson, Mich.; George A.; and Cath- 
erine E., now Mrs. Carpenter, a widow, residing in 
Lenawee County. 

Mr. Newton was reared to manhood in Lenawee 
County, this State, amid scenes of frontier life, and 
consequently did much pioneer work. He received 
the rudiments of his education in the early log 



cabin schoolhouse, which was a representative of 
the schools of that county. The cabin was con- 
structed of logs, with a puncheon floor and rude 
seats and desks, so as we may imagine school 
advantages at that time were not what they are 
now. 

Mr. Newton was united in the holy bonds of 
wedlock with Charlotte M. Boulton, February 16, 
1857. Mrs. Newton was born in Orleans County, 
N. Y., October 13, 1828, and is the daughter of 
William J. and Nancy (Kelley) Boulton, her father 
being a native of England, and came to America 
in 1812. He was impressed by the British into the 
naval service, on board of a man-of-war, but learn- 
ing that he was to fight against people who were 
battling for liberty he deserted the Biitish service. 
At this time he was in his early manhood, and he 
was afterwards made Captain of the militia of 
I^enawee County, Mich., and was familiarly known 
as Capt. Boulton; he died in 1885. The parents 
of Mrs. Boulton had a large family, and five chil- 
dren are now living: Mrs. Newton; Mary L., Mrs. 
Wells, now a widow, of Claypool, Ind. ; George, re- 
siding in Palmyra, Mich.; Mrs. Haynor and Lucius 
J., living in Easton Township. The union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Newton has been blessed by the birth of 
two children: Owen E., residing on section 10, 
Easton Township, on a farm which is owned by 
his father; and Ella E., who is deceased, was born 
October 13, 1861, and died September 30, 1862. 

In 1857 our subject came to Ionia County and 
settled on section 10, Easton Township, in heavily 
timbered lands, and here he was the first one to 
fell a forest tree. He took up and cleared eighty 
acres of land, where he has since remained. After 
the marriage of his son he presented the latter with 
forty acres of land, leaving himself with forty acres 
also, which he has splendidly improved. This farm 
is a standing monument of his industry and fine 
management. He is a self-made man, and in the 
.accumulation of his property has been ably assisted 
by his devoted wife, who has been his counselor 
for years. They are representative pioneers of the 
county and have a warm circle of friends. 

In politics Mr. Newton is a Democrat and has 
often been solicited to take offices of trust, but 
these he did not accept, preferring rather the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



733 



quieliule of other lines of life. As early settlers 
this good family necessarily endured the hanlships 
incident to a, frontier life, but now they are enjoy- 
ing; the fruits earned by their hard labors. They 
are highly resjiected and are among the most 
worthy residents of Ionia County. 



IIARLKS O. JKNISON, M. D. The life 
of this well-known ph^-sician of Greenville, 
Montcalm County, has not been without 
varied incidents and experiences that were not as 
pleasant to pass through as they are interesting in 
the recital. He \Yas left fatherless at a very early 
age, and felt the necessity of aiding his mother, as 
she ha<l been left without means. The history of 
his earl}' life is that of a plucky, enterprising lad, 
who was determined to make the best of his sur 
roundings and rise from an obscure position. lie 
came of good families and had an excellent mother 
to encourage him in his aspirations, while the tra- 
ditions of his childhood were an added incentive 
to him. Little by little he pushed his way forward 
until he was in a position to acquire a professional 
education and finally to enter upon the work to 
which his tastes led him. 

Charles H. .Jeidson, father <»f our subject, was 
the son of Henry .lenisaw, a Spaniard who was 
driven from his native land and had his properly 
conliscated on account of his political career. 
Coming to the United States he had located near 
Hoston and changeil his name to the form now used 
by his descendants. Charles H. Jenison was born 
in the old Ba}' State and became a prominent 
dealer in merchandise, carrying on his business 
some twenty years. Losses by fire and poor debts 
made him a bankrupt, and when he died in 1841>, 
his widow and two sons had a hard struggle. His 
wife bore the maiden name of Martha Fales, and 
waa a daughter of Joel and Ruth (Partridge) 
Fales, of Wal pole, Mass. Her father was a manu- 
facturer of iron, having a foundry and ro.ichine 
shops. He had a large family, fifteen iu number, 
and six are still living, Mrs. Jenison being one of 



these. Her paternal grandfather came to this 
country from Norway. 

Our subject was horn in Boston in 1813 and was 
six years old when bereft of his father, while his 
brother was two years younger. He entered ui)on 
his career by selling papers and blacking boots in 
the streets of his native city and staid with his 
mother until he was twelve years old. He s|)ent 
the next three years in attending school, picking 
up odd jobs where he could find them ami acting 
ss errand boy in a store, thus making his attend- 
ance in the institution of learning somewhat 
irregular. He began doing chores for Dr. Bowdish 
when fourteen years old and worked for that gen- 
tleman two years. He continued to earn his living 
by doing any work which came in his way until he 
was fourteen years old, when he secured a position 
as chainman for a surveying party that went out 
from the Hub, and ko|>t the [ilace until the war 
began. 

The surveying party was at Manchester, N. H., 
doing work which was to settle a land quarrel in 
court, when they iieard that Ft. Sumter had been 
fired on. The second day of the firing on that re- 
nowned fort, young Jenison, then eighteen years 
old, enlisted in Company C, First New Hampshire 
Infantry. Three days later he was on guard at a 
gate leading to the soldiers' quarters and his orders 
were to let no one enter without special permission. 
Many were trying to get into the camp and finally 
the Governor of the State drove up and ordered 
the gate to be opened. Mr. Jenison replied that he 
had been given his orders to let no one pass. The 
Governor, who was accompaniedby Minister Hoag, 
said, ''You don't know who I am ; I'm llie Governor 
of New Hampshire." The reply of Mr. Jenison 
was to the effect that not even an embassador from 
heaven would have the gate opened to him without 
the authority of the superior ofllcers. He was 
asked to call the Colonel — Mason W. Tappan, 
t'nited Slates Senator at the time — and did so. The 
Colonel rather roughly inquired what Jenison wa.s 
doing and why be did not let the Governor in. He 
said, "I am obeying orders." The Governor was 
admitte<l and as his retinue passed he turned to the 
guard and said, 'T will sec you later." 

The next morning young Jenison was relieved 



734 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



from duty and sent to the Company's quarters by 
order of the Colonel. He went with fear and 
trembling to be asked, "Did you not know that you 
committed a breach of etiquette and that you must 
be punished.''" Mr. Jenison responded that if in 
olieying orders he had committed a breach of mili- 
tary discipline he was willing to receive punish- 
ment. He was ordered to take off his coat and vest 
and told that lie was to be measured for a strait- 
jacket. His measure was taken, the figures noted 
and he ordered to report to the Captain. At dress 
parade two days later the Adjutant ordered him to 
the front and center. The Governor was present 
and made an address to the regiment, at the con- 
clusion of which ho turned to our subject, and 
staling that he was to receive punishment for his 
action at the gate, handed him a Second Lieuten- 
ant's commission. The Governor's v.'ife stepped 
forward and presented him with his strait-jacket in 
the shai)e of two suits of clothes, and Minister 
Hoag gave him his sash, belt and sword. 

When the regiment broke camp Lieut. Jenison 
had command of the rear guard. As they passed 
up Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington in review 
before two gentlemen, the Colonel cried out to 
him, "why don't you salute.'" "Whom.''" ''The 
President and Gen. Scott." The young Lieutenant 
at once hailed his command, presented arms and 
saluted, then stepped forward and asked the Pres- 
ident and General to excuse him as he had not 
known them. President Lincoln placed his hand 
on the young officer's head, asking him if he had a 
mother living and then if he had a father living. 
Receiving his replies, the President then said, ''You 
must go home. You are too young to meet the in- 
cidents of war." The young man begged permis- 
sion to remain and the Colonel spoke for him, by 
sa^'ing there was no fear of his disobeying orders. 
The President spoke of seeing him again, and after 
tlie troops went into camp on Kalomarina Heights, 
he had the pleasure of meeting President and Mrs. 
Lincoln, Secretaries Stanton and Seward and their 
families, and of being lionized to a considerable 
extent. 

Lieut. Jenison took part in tlie disastrous battle 
of Bull Run and received a scalp wound from one 
of Lee's Black Horse Cavalry. After four month's 



service he returned home, but the same fall re- 
enlisted, entering upon his duties as Adjutant of 
tlie Fourth New Hampshire Infantry. He took part 
in the battles of Port Royal, Beaufort, Fernandina, 
Jacksonville, Palatka, St. Augustine and James 
Island. At the last named, while acting as aid-de- 
camp for Gen. H. G. Wright, he was wounded in 
the left arm above the elbow. He was then sent 
North dispatches from Gen. Hunter and transferred 
to the Third Massachusetts Cavalry. In 1864 he 
reported for duty at New Orleans and was in the 
city six months, acting under orders from Gen. 
Banks as Commissary of Subsistence at the cavalry 
rendezvous at the head of Capitola Street. He 
then went on Bank's expedition up the Red River, 
during which he participated in the fight at Sabine 
Crossroads. He received an injury to his left hip, 
was sent to New Orleans and thence to Jefferson 
Barracks, near St. Louis, Mo. 

When he was able to travel Lieut. Jenison re- 
ceived a furlough and the day he started East a 
young man named C. O. Denison died. The report 
was made of the death of C. O. Jenison, and that 
name was put on the stone that marked the resting 
place of the deceased soldier. A paper containing 
a notice of the death of C. O. Jenison reached the 
hands of our subject's mother, who was acting as 
an army nurse. He was soon able to dispel her 
grief, but after the war he was twenty-two years in 
proving to the Government that he was alive and 
not dead, and that the one letter which constituted 
tiie difference in the names of himself and the other 
soldier had made all the trouble. Dr. Jenison's 
brother, Henry J., also served his country, acting 
as paymaster in the navy. The Doctor was obliged 
to use crutches a j'ear after the war closed on ac- 
count of the injury to his hip. He was mustered 
out after Lee's surrender and returned East to fit 
himself for man's work in civil life. 

The study of medicine was undertaken by Dr. 
Jenison under Dr. O. F. Seavey of Boston, but 
after a year's reading his eyes troubled him so that 
he was obliged to abandon it. He tlien became an 
attache of the Boston Theatre, one and a half years, 
after which he w.as able to resume his studies. He 
attended lectures at the Bennett Medical College in 
Chicago, 111., and graduated at the end of a three 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



73S 



years' course in 1877, and upon leaving that insti- 
tution began practice in Milwaukee, Wis. There 
lie remained until 1882, when he sold out his prac- 
tice on account of the health of his family and 
came to Greenville, and since his arrival hero has 
taken a course in the College of PliysicMans and 
Surgeons at Chicago, III. He has built up an ex- 
cellent reputation as a practitioner and has pros- 
pered in his jvorldl}' aflairs, while he has taken a 
great interest in various social orders and matters 
which pertain to the advancement of the com- 
mutiity. 

While living in Milwaukee Dr. Jenison was Com- 
manderof Robert Shive Post, No. 2, G. A. 11., and 
surgeon of the First Regiment of the Wisconsin 
Militia. Since he located in Greenville he has been 
chief mustering officer for the Grand Army oue 
year and he is now surgeon of the Union Veteran 
Union and Colonel of G. H. Thomas Command of 
the same. He is also Captain of the Uniformed 
Rank, Division No. 10, K. of P., and belongs to the 
Odd Fellow's Lodge and the Royal Arcanum and 
the Foresters. In politics he is a Republican. Dr. 
Jenison is now Health Commissioner of Greenville, 
and is a strong advocate of temperance, having 
never drank a gl.ass of liquor. He was married 
in the year 18C7 to Miss Helen L. Trow, a resi- 
dent of Nashua, N. II., and daughter of John and 
Dolly R. (Alden) Trow, natives of New Hampshire 
and Knglanil respectively. They have two chil- 
dren — Walter S. and Cbarlcs II. Roth husband 
and wife have good standing among the members 
of the Methodist Episcoiial Church. They have a 
beautiful home and Dr. Jenison's brother is a pros- 
perous farmer in Massachusetts. 



WALLACE LOVE WELL. One of the best- 
improved farms in Campbell Township, 
Ionia County, is that owned and occupied 
by the gentleman above named. It is situated on 
section 24, and consists of one hundred and twenty 
acres, which has been reclaimed from the heavy 
timber mainly by the personal efforts of its present 
ow^ner. One of its attractive features i s a. thrifty 



orchard, and others are the good buildings — in- 
cluding a large and pleasant frame house and a sub- 
stantial barn, and the well-graded stock which 
grazes over the pastures. Mr. Lovewell divides his 
attention betiveen the cultivation of crops and the 
raising of stock in such proportion as is most com- 
mon, and succeeds well in both branches of his 
work. 

The [laternal grandfather of our subject came to 
America from the mother country during the Revo- 
lutionary period. He made his home in Ontario 
County, N. Y., where Neheuiiah Lovewell, father 
of Wallace, was born and reared to farm life. In 
1831 that gentleman came to this State antl located 
in CarroUton Townshij), i>arry County. There he 
resided six years, after which he went to Jackson 
County, where he sojourned a few years. He had 
lost his first wife and in the last-named county he 
was married to Maria Iloyt, who was born in Penn- 
sylvania, and was of German descent. The last 
abiding place of Mr. Lovewell was Woodland Town- 
ship, Harry C'ountj', where he farmed until his 
death, December 24, 1864, at the age of sixty-four 
j'ears and eleven months. He w.as member of the 
Universalist Church. His good wife still survives, 
her home being in the village of Woodland Center. 
She has reached the ripe age of seventy-one years, 
but is still quite smart and active. 

Wallace Lovewell was the first-born of his 
mother, whose other children are Jane, wife of 
Robert McMillan, living in Calhoun County; Seth, 
a farmer in Cheboygan Count3'; Orson, deceased; 
and Henry, whose home is in Grand Rapids. Our 
subject was born in Mi<lland Township, Barrj- 
County, February 5, 1841, and reared on a farm 
there. He obtained a good common-school educa- 
tion in the home district and continued to assist his 
parents until he was of age. He then started out 
in life for himself at the foot of the ladder, and for 
four months worked as a farm hand. The war hav- 
ing broken out, he responded to a call for troops 
August 8, 18(52, becoming a private in Company 
A, Twenty-first Michigan Infantry, under com- 
mand of F. P. Minear. 

The Twenty-first was sent at once to the front 
and reached the scenes of conflict in time to take 
part in the bloody battle of Perryville. The boj's 



?3B 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



also fought at Stone River, soon after wliich, while 
on tliitv, Mr. Lovewell met with an accident which 
dislocated his hip and laid him up for a short time. 
After his recovery from the injury, he reported for 
duty and continued to discharge his soldierly work 
until Ihrougli exposure, he was afflicted with pleu- 
risy which was followed by sciatica rlieuraatism in 
one of his limbs. He was unfitted for duty, and for 
several months was compelled to use crutches. He 
was discliarged March 30, 18G3, and until the 1st 
of December was able to do little work. 

When able to re-engage in hard work, Mr. Love- 
well came to Ionia County and bought eighty acres 
of his present farm. It was in a wild state, with 
tlie exception of four acres which had been cleared 
and upon which a small log house and barn had 
been put up. Establishing himself in the cabin he 
began the work of clearing and improving, year by 
year extending the cleared ground a little, and 
finally placing it all under good cultivation. He 
added forty acres to the original tract, and l)y de- 
grees brought the property to a fine state as to its 
appearance and productiveness. Mr. Lovewell is 
looked upon as one of the most substantial farmers 
of the township and his course is noted as one 
worthy of emulation by others. 

In his eflforls to build up a good home and rise 
to a position of financial ease, Mr. Lovewell has 
been ably assisted by a good wife. Her maiden 
names as Fliebe J. Crapo, and their marriage was 
solemnized August 10, 1862. They have six chil- 
dren, three of whom have left the shelter of the 
home roof, leaving Blanche, Cora and Orson to 
still brighten their parents' fireside. The first-born. 
Alma E., lives in Tuscola County, siie having mar- 
ried Weller Root; George W. is now in Idaho; 
Eva is the wife of Simon Sears, and lives in Camp- 
bell Township. 

Mrs. Lovewell is a daugliter of David and iMarcia 
(Soule) Crapo. Her father was born in Dartmoutii, 
Mass., and was of French lineage. Her mother 
was also a native of the Bay State. Mr. Crapo 
lived in Ohio for some years and came from that 
State to Michigan in 1854. He located in Odessa 
Township, Ionia County, and continued his life- 
work, farming, there until death. He passed away 
December 31, 1878, and his widow survived until 



August, 1885. There were ten children born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Crapo, and seven are living, namely: 
Sophia, Hannaii, Pliebe J., Egara, Thomas II., Alma 
and Maltie. 

Mail}' clianges have been witnessed liy Mr. and 
Mrs. Lovewell in the county to which they came in 
the early years of their wedded life. The greater 
portion of Campbell Township has been cleared and 
improved, villages liave si)rung up, railroads jiave 
been introduced, and the county has become well 
populated. Tliey liave an extended acquaintance, 
and are held in high esteem bj' all. Mr, Lovewell 
has supported the principles of Democracy since 
the days of Abraham Lincoln. He is Treasurer of 
Odessa Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and belongs to the 
Grand Army of the Republic, and has been Quar- 
termaster in his post. 



Augustus r. weekes. Among the 

venerable and re|iresenlative pioneers of 
t& the Grand River Valley and of Ionia 
County, who have Ijeen selected for a place 
in this Album, none is more worthy of esteem than 
tiie time honored subject of this sketch. He is a 
typical representative of the noble class of men 
now rapidly passing away, who, when in their 
prime, settled in tlie wihls of Michigan and hewed 
down the dense forest, broke the virgin soil and 
by unremitting toil turned tlie forest into [nosper- 
ous Iiomes and populous towns. 

Augustus R. Weekes is a stock-raiser and farmer, 
residing on section 18, Kecne Township. He is a 
native of Dutchess County, N. Y., where he was 
born March 4, 1816. He is a son of James and 
Amy (Ostram) Weekes, both New Yorkers. His 
father was a surgeon in the American ami}- during 
the War of 1812, and was at one time stationed at 
Ft. Niagara. 

Tlie subject of this sketch lost his father wlien 
very j-oung, probably about the age of four years. 
Wlien seven years old he removed with his mother 
and step-father to Erie County, N. Y., and at nine 
j'ears of age was thrown entirely upon his own re- 
sources. He went to Ontario, Canada, and resided 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



797 



near London for several j'ears. lie received a ru- 
dimentary education in the primitive schools of 
that I'egion and has had to trust to his readinp; of 
later years to mal<e him the intelligent man which 
he is to-day. 

The first wife of Mr. \Veekes was Alvira Barnes, 
who hore him ten children, of whom five survive, 
namely: Augustus W.; Frank, Alvira, Mrs. is. Van 
Duzen; Harriet, Mrs. L.Alger. His second wife, 
Jane Williams was the mother of five children, two 
of whom are now living — Marion and Lettie, who 
is the wife of E. B. Tripp. Mr. Weekcs emigrated 
to Ionia County in the spring of 1847, and made 
his home, on what is now his present farm. He 
found an unbroken forest and built a log cabin 
lGx20 feet in which they made their home for 
several years. He owns ninety-seven acres of land 
and he has seen the wonderful i)rogress of Michi- 
gan and its deveIoi)ment from a primeval forest to 
a land of homes and cities. 

Our subject has always espoused the principles 
of the Republican party and he is a wide-awake, 
public-spirited citizen. He has served in the 
School Board for many years and commands the 
respect of the entire business community, which 
rates at a high mark his honesty and sterling integ- 
rity'. Both he and his noble wife are happy and 
contented in their declining years and they arc 
considered as among the most highly respected 
meml)ers of society. He loves to recount the 
struggles of the early days, for he can recall many 
a scene of pioneer life, and tell how he used to cut 
and split two hundred fence rails a day. Long 
after his manly form shall be seen no more, will 
his memory be green in Ihc hearts of those who 
knew him. 



J ^ AMES E. NEWMAN is a worthy repre- 
sentative of a family long known and highly' 
honored in Ionia County, and one whose 
' members have been connected with the 
business affairs of this section in a high degree. 
Three generations have labored here and in each 
the same characteristics — push, energy and persist- 



ence, have been manifested. Milling has been car- 
ried on by them, and our subject follows the 
ancestral occupation, being one of the firm of New- 
man it Rice at I'orlland. Their mill is capable of 
turning out one hundred and seventy-Bve barrels 
of flour i)er day, besides custom work, and the 
product is excellent. 

So much depends upon heredity and early associ- 
ations that a clear understanding of the character 
of our subject will perhaps best be gained by 
perusing some facts in the family- history. His 
grandfather, Elisha Newman, came from the Elmpire 
State to the Territory of Michigan in 1833 accom- 
panied by two sons — James and Almeron. They 
located land the patent for which bears the date 
November t, 1834. It was where Portland now 
stands, their first cabin having been erected on 
ground now covered by Kent Street. Hither 
Grandfather Newman brought his familj' in 183C 
and here he died in 1849. The year of their re- 
moval, the Newmans put up a mill on the Looking 
Glass River, across which they built a dam. They 
had a millstone when they left their former home 
but it was lost in Lake Michigan during the transit 
and was rei)laced by another that is yet in the mill, 
allhough it has not been in use since 1870. The 
usual hardships were the fate of the family, but all 
dangers, toils, privations, were cheerfully endured 
and they were buoyed up bj' the hope of better 
days for their progeny, if not for themselves. 

James Newman, father of our subject, married 
Miss Rebecca Hixson, a native of New Jersej-, 
while he was born in New York, and to them came 
seven children. They were Hiram, who died in 
1817; Mary, wife of N. B. Rice; Phebe, widow of 
Wilberl Smith; James E., (vf whom further men- 
tion is made below; William, who died in 1853; 
Isaac Newton, a pharmaceutical chemist in Detroit; 
and Alinon, who lives in the same city. The mother 
breathed her last March 25, 1 862, and Mr. New- 
man died April 2, 1877. 

The subject of this brief record was born in the 
place he still calls home, March 11, 1844, and here 
he grew to manhoo<l and received his etUication. 
During his youth he alternated work in the mill 
with farm labor, but from 1866 gave his attention 
entirely to the milling. With the spirit that ani- 



f88 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Dialed his ancestors he has prosecuted his nfifairs, 
and reaped a due reward for his industry and per- 
severance. He has a good home, where comfort 
of .mind and body is found by the inmates and all 
who cross its portal. It is presided over by the 
wife of Mr. Newman, former!}' Miss Agnes Baker, 
to whom he was married December 4, 1862. 

In exercising the right of suffrage Mr. Newman 
votes a Rei)ublican ticket. In religion he is a 
Universalist, and is identified with the social 
body — Ancient Order of United AVorkmen. The 
village in which he dwells has a special interest for 
him as the home of his family for years, and the 
scene of their pioneer labors, and as his own birth- 
place, and he is eager to see it advance in the rank 
of towns and put on the improvements of modern 
civilization. To this end he works, joining his 
fellows in projects that tend to that result. 



^OHN G. NEWMAN is a representative of 
a pioneer family of Ionia County and a na- 
tive-born citizen, his birthi)lace having been 
Portland Township, and his natal day July 
15, 1845. The country in which his father's farm 
was located was still in its infancy when he was born 
and like sons of other families he, even in boyhood, 
aided considerably in developing its resources. 
The district school which stood in the front rank 
among similar institutions afforded ample oppor- 
tunity for acquiring a good common-school edu- 
cation and its advantages were well improved. In 
the intervals of study the lad worked on the farm 
and when it was proper for him to choose a calling 
he decided to continue that in which he had been 
aiding his father. He has a goodly tract of land 
of one hundred and sixtj' acres in his native town- 
ship, where he raises a variety of crops and domestic 
animals. He has been quite largely engaged in 
ship|)ing cattle and feeds from two to three hun- 
dred head of lambs per annum for Buffalo markets. 
The family of Mr. Newman includes a wife and 
three children and the home circle is still intact. 
Mrs. Newman bore the maiden name of Clarissa E. 
Palmer, which she exchanged for that she now 



bears February 7, 1866. Her parents, Amasa and 
Rebecca (Lester) Palmer, were natives of the 
Empire State but came West in an early da}'. She 
is a woman of much intelligence, domestic skill 
and kindness of heart and faithfully discharges her 
duties as wife, mother and neighbor. The children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Newman bear the names of Mary 
A., Clarence A., and Henrj- A. The daughter was 
graduated from Portland High School in the cl.iss 
of 1887, since which time she has been engaged in 
teaching. She taught a year and a half in one 
district and then entered the Portland public school 
where she is meeting with the best of success, her 
time and talents being particularly devoted to kin- 
dergarten work. 

Mr. Newman is a believer in the principles laid 
down in the Republican platform and always voles 
a straight ticket. In carrying on his business affairs 
he shows a commendable desire for progress and 
the energy that belongs to the better class of West- 
erners. He keeps himself well informed regarding 
topics of general interest and the issues of the day 
at home and abroad and adds to the credit of the 
name he bears by his upright life. His family be- 
long to the Universalist Church at Portland. 



^^ERT HAYES. The legal jirofession is well 
represented in Stanton, Montcalm County, 
as in other towns of similar size, by men 
■^ of keen intellect, sound knowledge of the 
law and good ability as counselors and pleaders. 
Among the j'oung men who are found in this pro- 
fession here is the one above named, who is gener- 
ally understood to be a studious and safe lawyer. 
He has been located in Stanton only since 1890, 
and in November of that j'ear was elected Circuit 
Court Commissioner and entered upon the dis- 
charge of the duties of that office January 1, 1891. 
The profession which he chose is not only bringing 
Mr. Hayes into good repute in professional circles, 
but has been the source of a fair income during the 
few years in which he has been practicing. 

The birthplace of Mr. Hayes was Weymouth, 
Medina County, Ohio, and the date of the inter- 




/<2^t-^*><2>>^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



741 



esting event Ma^- 18, 1857. His parents are Alex- 
ander and Harriet (Watson) Hayes, who came to 
Allegan County, tills State, some years since. The 
father li.id previously been engaged at the trade of 
a blacksniitli, hut after his removal he turned his 
attention to farming. He of whom we write is the 
3'oungest of three children and during his early 
\'ears was given good opi)ortunities to acquire 
knowledge and build up a strong character. At the 
age of seventeen years he left school and entered 
upon the work of teaching. 

After a few 3'ears devoted to the profession of a 
pedagogue, young Hayes, at the age of twenty- 
tliree years, began the study of law in Gratiot 
County, and in 1886 was admitted to the bar and 
began active work in his new profession. In March, 
1883, he was married to Miss Adella Ul.ackford, a 
native of Kansas and a daugliter of a Methodist 
Episcopal minister who came to this State in pio- 
neer times. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have three chil- 
dren. Mr. Hayes belongs to the Masonic order 
and gives his political allegiance to the Republi- 
can party. 

^^^RLANDO V. SHOWKRMAX. The reool- 
ll )l 'cc'''""* of Mr. Showerman do not go back 
^^^f' beyond scenes in Ionia County, to which he 
was brought when an infant nine months old. It 
was in the pioneer times when traveling in the 
Mississippi Valley was almost entirely accomplished 
with ox-teams, and when much of tlie territor}- of 
Michigan was but a wilderness covered with dense 
forests which were the haunts of wild beasts. 
Our subject's father and Hesor Brown, who came 
West together, had to cut the brush from the .Se- 
bewa line to their locations. In a few da^s a shanty 
was erected in which the Showerman family lived 
for several )'ears. Wolves were numerous and 
quite bold, somelimes even killing the young slock 
near the settlers' dwellings. The Showerman 
family, like others, suffered from bodily ills, and 
at one lime the father gave his last cow but one to 
pay the balance due on a doctor's bill. 

The subject of lliis biographical notice was born 



in Genesee County, Is'. Y., November 5, 1838, and 
was the seventh in a family of eight children. Those 
who grew to maturity were Lucius, Cyrenius, Eu- 
genia E., Deborah J. and Orlando. Eugenia is tiie 
wife of William Benschoter, of Nebraska, and Deb- 
orah, who has long been deceased, was the wife of 
Benjamin Trobasco. The history of his parents 
is given in the sketch of his brother Lucius on 
another page. The schooling of our subject was 
necessarily limited and his attendance in the log 
schoolhouse covered a period of less than three 
months per year. The last term, in order to study 
under Allen Kimball, who was one of the best 
teachers of the day, he had to go three miles 
through the woods, but he considers the time well 
spent. He remembers when the howling of the 
wolves would make his blood run cold, and recalls 
with interest the return of his father from a Fourth 
of .luly celebration with the astonishing news that 
there were people there that da}' whom he did not 
know. 

From the age of fourteen years young Shower- 
man was quite a hunter and soon became an expert 
rifleman. The first day he went out alone he suc- 
ceeded in killing a deer, and there was but one man 
in the vicinity who made a better record in the 
next few years than he. October 5, 1862, Mr. 
Showerman left his home and a young wife, to 
whom he had been married but a short time, but 
who bade him God-spce(J in his country's cause. 
He became a private in Comi)any E, Sixth Michi- 
gan Cavalry, and being mustered in at Grand 
Rapids, October 1 1. went at once to the front. He 
served under (Jens. Kilpatrick, Custer and Sheridan, 
at various times and took part in over forty of the 
sixty engagements in which his regiment partici- 
pated. He was absent from the command at one 
time more than three months, [wssing tlirough a 
hosi)ital experience that was very irksome to him. 
Among the better known liattles in which he fought 
are Fredericksburg, Snicker's Gap, Dinwiddle 
Courthouse, Spottsylvnnia, the Wilderness, (Jeltys- 
burg an(l Appomattox. 

After the surrender of Gen. Lee Mr. Showerman 
supposed that his mission was ende(L but instead 
of being sent home, the regiment went to the Black 
Hills to light Indians, under the leadership t)f Gen 



742 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Custer. They were kept there three months after 
their term of service had expired, owing to the un- 
settled state of affairs on the frontier, but were 
finally discharged at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., No- 
vember 24, 1865. Mr. Showerman left the army 
as First Corporal, having served as a non-commis- 
sioned ofHcer for two years. He never received a 
wound but incurred disabilities for which he now 
draws a pension of §10 per month. Patriotism may 
be called a family trait among the Showermans, as 
the father of our subject, when more than sixty 
years old, served a year and a half as a member of 
the Twenty seventh Michigan Infantry. 

At the early age of twenty-two years Mr. Show- 
erman was married to Miss Emily Jewell, daughter 
of Witliam D. and Sarah (Childs) Jewell, of Se- 
bewa, formerly of New Hampshire, whence they 
came to Michigan in 1850. It was this faithful 
wife and true-hearted woman who gave her con- 
sent to her young husband's absence, and with an 
encouraging smile which belied her aching heart, 
sent him to the battlehelds where danger and per- 
haps death awaited him. She shared his fortunes 
for a number of years, but bade him a final farewell 
December 2, 1883, when she exchanged time for 
eternity. She was a member of the Metliodist 
Episcopal Church at Sebewa and was a conscien- 
tious and humble Christian. To her there had 
been born six children, four of whom are living, 
and two — Ernest O. and Myrtle D. — still at home. 
Ellen is tlie wife of Fred Collier, a farmer in Eaton 
Countj', and Elmer J. has recently gone to Mon- 
tana. 

August 3, 1884, Mr. Showerman was married to 
Susan McConnell, of Wacousta, who died March 
27, 1885. She was a member of the Congrega- 
tional Church at her former home. Mr. Shower- 
man was again married, wedding Helen Merrifield, 
March 7, 1887. This lady is a daughter of Wilson 
and Rosanna (Howland) Merrifield, and has lived 
in Sebewa Township for years. Of this union there 
has been born a daughter Edna Rose, whose natal 
day was April 12, 1888. The present Mrs. Shower- 
man belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
Sebewa, and her husband is a member of the same 
congregation. She has a thorough understanding 
of domestic arts and a |)leasing disposition. 



In the affairs of the township Mr. Showerman 
has been quite prominent, always manifesting an 
an interest in that which would promote the wel- 
fare of the citizens. He has served Ave terms as 
Treasurer. Although a Democrat, he is not ultra in 
his political views; he voted for Abraham Lincoln 
and has never regretted that step and he favors pro- 
hibition and anti-mono|)Oly. For the share which 
he has had in the development of the country, for 
the interest he has taken in the general good, and 
for his upright life, he is respected by all who enjoy 
his acquaintance. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Showerman ap- 
pears on another page. 



//ill UGUSTUS T. CALL, Postmaster, express 
jOl agent and attorney at Lake View, Mont- 
is calm County, was born at Andover, Alle- 
gany County, N. Y., August 23, 1848. He 
is a son of the Rev. Orlando B. and Caroline C. 
(Crandall) Call, natives of Massachusetts and 
Rhode Island. They were married in New York 
State where Mr. Call was a Baptist minister. In 
1860 he came to Michigan and locating in Ingham 
County bought a farm iu Alaedon Township, and 
settling his family there pursued the double voca- 
tion of farming and preaching. For forty-five 
years he was actively engaged in the ministry. He 
died in Ingham County in 1872 at the age of sixty- 
four }'eurs and his good wife followed him in 1882. 
These parents had eleven children, namely, John, 
Jesse, Sarah A., Jane, Henry, Harrison, Caroline, 
Augustus, Clay, Esther and Lorenzo. 

The subject of this notice was twelve years old 
when he came with his parents from his native 
town to Michigan. Here he remained on his fa- 
ther's farm until July 8, 1863, when he ran awa3' 
from home and enlisted in the army as a private 
in Company H, First Michigan Sharp Shooters. 
He served with the Army of the Potomac until the 
close of the war. He was mustered out and re- 
ceived his honorable discharge at Jackson, Mich., 
in August, 1865. He was in all the campaigns 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



743 



with the Army of the Potomac after the battle of 
Spottsylvania and was wounded b}- a gunshot on 
llie North Anna River, Va., at (laincs' Mill; tliis 
put him in the iiospital from June until September, 
1864. He went ink) the service before he was four- 
teen years old and was never taken prisoner. 

After the war young Call retnrne<l to Ingliam 
County and remained there until 1876 when he 
came to Lake A'iew and began pr.iclicing law. He 
had been reading law with Huntingdon ife Hen- 
derson, of Mason City, Ingham County, and was 
admitted to the bar June 29, 1875, at Mason Cit^-. 
He practiced law in Lake View about six years and 
then engaged in the mercantile business at the same 
place until 1882 when he was made ex[)ress agent. 
Ho was in the collecting business .as well .as BUing 
the office of Justice of the Peace. He has held the 
position of Postm.aster since July, 1888. He was 
\'illage I'resident twice, is a Ueiuiblican in politics 
and belongs to Andrew Macomber Post, G. A. K. 
He is a nienii)er of the Inilci)endcnt Order of Odd 
Fellows and a Knight Templar. 



<¥/ KWI.S F. CUTCin':ON, whose biographical 
ll (® record we have given us, lives an indus- 
ilL^. Irious and useful life and seeks to [)erform 
faithfully whatever duties fall to his lot. During 
his career he has won and maintains the confldenee 
of his associates, and in the M.asonic order of 
\vhich he is a member, he is considered faithful 
an<l is much esteemed. 

Our subject was born in Detroit, Mich., July 0, 
1856, and is the son of Franklin M. ami Mary Stone 
Cutcheon, natives of New IIam|)shire and SLassa- 
chu.setts, respectively. Franklin, his father, wiis a 
shoemaker in Lynn, JIass., and followed this busi- 
ness during the greater portion of his life. In 
18.55 he carae to Detroit, where he remained but a 
short time, returning to Massachusetts. Hecoming 
dissatisfied there lie again came lo Michigan in 1 868, 
locating in Portland, where he has since lived. 
Under Arthur's administration he w.as appointed 
Postmaster at this place, and has been in no regular 
business since. To himself and wife were born six 



children: James Clarence, a machinist, who lives 
in Lynn, Mass.; Lewis F.; Anna, wife of F. R. 
Savage, a resident of Lansing, Mich.; Ilattie, who 
is at home; Nora, wife of Kdward La.Salle, a farmer 
in Houald Township, this county; and Josephine 
attending the State Normal School at Ypsilanti. 
Lewis F. lived in Massachusetts until thirteen 
years of age. He then came West with his par- 
ents. He came to Portland where he attended 
school until he was seventeen years of age, when 
he entered the olfice he now owns .as an apprentice. 
J. W. Bailey at that time was owner of a paper 
called the Ohstenier. In this otlice he worked for 
Bailey five years. He then went to Detroit, where 
he worked on the daily Trifjuni' and in Scripps' 
job oflicc three years. He then returned to Port- 
land. From there he went to lidding where he 
aided in getting out the second issue of the Uelding 
li'liyram. Thence to Manistee, where he was in 
the postollice two years. 

In 1881 Mr. Cutcheon edited and published the 
Montcalm County /tr/nihlicaii, remaining hei-e a 
year and a half. Again he returned to Manistee 
as assistant Postmaster four years. In 1886 he 
again carae to Portland and bought the ollice of 
the Ohscriwr, which he h.as since edited. He was 
married to Miss Carrie Cromwell, of Amsterdam, 
N. v., November 4, 1885. .His wife was the 
daughter of S. J. and M. E. Cromwell. He is a 
nieuil)er of the Masonic order both of the Blue 
Lodge and Chapter, and also belongs to the Ancient 
Order of [Inited Workmen. 



KV'l A. BOICK, a prominent young man 
,@ of McBride, Montcalm County, is a mem- 
^ bcr of the firm of Boicc A' Lewis, who carry 
on general merchandise and operate a shingle mill, 
in Day Township, two miles west of McBride. He 
is also Township Clerk. His father was .ludson A. 
Boicc, born in Massachusetts of F'rench descent. 
The name was formerly DuHoice, but the family, 
like many other families of refugees from France 
dropped the aristocratic title when they found their 
homes in tliis free Democracy. The family is de- 



744 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



scended from the traditional three brothers who 
came together from across the sea. 

After the father of our subject had emigrated 
from Massachusetts to Ohio, he learned the trade 
of a harnessmaker and carried on that business 
there. lu 1857 he came to Michigan and located 
in Jamestown, Ottawa County, where he bought 
land in the timber, built a log house and proceeded 
to clear the trees from his eight3' acres. He was a 
great huntsman and shot many a fine deer. In 
1868 he sold out here and located in Hastings, 
Barry County, where he bought a farm and resided 
until his death in 1880 at the age of fifty-five 
years. His wife, Mary A., daughter of William 
O'Dell, was born in Ohio. Her grandfather was a 
soldier in the War of 1812 and her great-grand- 
father fought in the War of the Revolution. 

The parents of our subject had a family' of five 
children: Ila, (deceased); Edgar, Clinton S., our 
subject and William. Their son Levi was born 
near Jamestown, Ottawa County, Mich., December 
5, 1862. In 1868 the family removed to Barry 
County, where the boy grew up on the farm and 
after studying in the district school attended the 
Hastings High School. When eighteen years old 
he engaged in teaching, first at Grand Rapids and 
then two terms near the home district. In 1882 
he entered the commercial college at Grand Rapids. 
Completing the course, he took a position as book- 
keeper in the lumber business at Gowan. In 1885 
he became bookkeeper in the lumber office of Mr. 
Crosby at McBride. Here he remained until 1889 
when he bought out the stock of general merchan- 
dise, owned by C. H. LaFlanboy and went into 
partnership with J. McLennan, under the firm 
name of Boice & McLennan. This partnership 
lasted only one year and then Mr. Boice ran the 
business alone until Januarj' 1, 1891, when he went 
into partnership with Mr. Lewis. Besides a line of 
dry goods and groceries they carry an excellent 
stock of boots and shoes and deal in flour, feed 
and hay. They also own a shingleraill, situated on 
sixty acres of land two miles west of the town. 

Mr. Boice was happily united in marriage Octo- 
ber 20, 1888, with Miss Hattie E. Coats, who was 
born in Jamestown, Mich., and is a daughter of 
George W. Coats, an early settler of Ottawa 



County. Mrs. Boice is a graduate of the Grand 
Rapids Commercial College. They are earnest 
and devoted members of the Adrentists Church. 
In 1889 our subject was elected Township Clerk 
for a second term and he also fills the office of Vil- 
lage Clerk. As a Democrat he is a frequent dele- 
gate to county and State conventions. He has 
already made his mark in the community and is 
popular with every class. 



>HOMAS TAYLOR, an old settler of Easton 
Township, Ionia County, is a native of Lan- 
cashire, England, where he was born Octo- 
ber 3, 1827. He is a son of Thomas and Hannah 
(Wright) Taj'lor, both natives of England. His 
father died when he was a babe of three months, 
and he lost his mother when seventeen years of age. 
In consequence of these deprivations he received 
but a limited education, but like many another 
poor boy, improved his scanty opportunities and 
attended night schools and Sunday-school, and 
gained much in this way. 

The young man emigrated to America in 1847, 
taking passage at Liverpool on a sailing vessel ; and 
after a voyage of seven weeks and three days, he 
landed in New York City. He resided in New 
York State several years, being employed on a farm 
and in other labor. In the fall of 1855 he came to 
Ionia County, Mich., and settled on the place where 
he now resides in Easton Township. He and his 
good wife, Mary, daughter of Orrin and Cynthia 
(Lee) Jordan, have been the parents of ten chil- 
dren, namelj-: Cynthia, wife of Frank Weber; 
Thomas; Eva, wife of Jeremiah Conner; Ida M., 
George, Benjamin and Ella. The children who 
are deceased were as follows: Lee, Hannah and 
William. Before his marriage Mr. Taylor kept 
bachelor's hall in the woods along with his friend, 
Isaac Strong. The splendid condition of his farm 
is a standing memorial to his industry and efforts 
as a pioneer. 

Mr. Tajior is a Democrat in politics, and a wide- 
awake and public-spirited citizen, being strongly in 
favor of all measures which will elevate the com- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



745 



munity. His home farm comprises one hundred 
and twenty acres of land, and he has in all over 
three hundred and twenty acres. He possesses 
man}' of the virtues and sterling characteristics of 
his sturdy British ancestry, among which are pluck, 
industry, and a determination to success in life. 
He is a man of broad views on social and political 
topics, and is considered well-informed. He and 
his interesting family are highl}' respected mem- 
bers of society. His unflinching integrity com- 
mands the confidence of the business community, 
and we take pleasure in representing Jlr. Taylor 
among the leading British-American citizens of 
Ionia County. He is a true type of the best char- 
acteristics brought from that sturdy old isle, the 
cradle of modern liberty and the world's only great 
and successfid colonizer. 



-^ 



-4-- 



\If , KNliV .1. HALL. The farm of this gentk- 

WjJ man is one of the most attractive in Ionia 
ilV,^ Count}', not on account of its size but on 
(^J) account of the pains that have been taken 
to cater to the comfort of those who occupy and 
operate it. It lies on section 3G, Orleans Township, 
and consists of one hundred and five acres, ninety 
of which are improved. The dwelling is well- 
built, of pleasing design and of home-like appear- 
ance, and the barn is commodious and substantial, 
while minor buiMings complete a scene in keeping 
with the background of trees and cultivated fields. 

The direct progenitors of Mr. Hall are Joshua 
S. and Sarah A. (llaight) Hall, of whom further 
mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His 
birth occurred in Ionia Township August 28, 1843, 
and he lived at home until he was of age, then 
worked by the month for some time. His first 
purchase of real estate was ninety-eight acres of 
his present farm, and to this he subsequently added 
forty, but later reduced it by selling a small tract. 
He not only does general farming but is a breeder 
of Short-horn cattle and Merino sheep, and to his 
work he brings energy and skill. 

The efndcnt and amiable woman with whom Mr. 
Hall was united in marriage in Orleans Township, 



April 12, 1863, bore the maiden name of Cordelia 
M. Higbee. She is a daughter of Benjamin F. and 
Laura M. (Goodwin) Higbee, who were born in 
New York and came to this State about 1837. They 
are members of the Baptist Church in Ionia, and 
Air. Higbee belongs to the Grange. Besides Mrs. 
Hall their children are Sarah F., Laura L., Chan- 
cellor E., Chancy E.. Charles G. and Antoinette. 
To Mr. and Mrs Hall two sons have been born — 
Guj' A. and Ray E., but only the elder is with 
them, as Ray died when seven years old. 

Mr. Hall has been a member of the Patrons of 
Husban(by for twelve years and is one of the char- 
ter members of the subordinate Grange, of which 
he was the first Master. He has also been its Sec- 
retary, Treasurer and Lecturer, as well as Master 
of the county Grange. At present he holds the 
position of Overseer in the township Grange and 
Lecturer in the county association, and has been 
the purchasing agent for five years. He is one of 
the Board of Directors of the Ionia District Agri- 
cultural Society, is Township Trejisurer and for 
eight j'carsJias been Justice of the Peace, and also 
served as Drainage Commissioner during one terra. 
From his first vote Mr. Hall has been an unfalter- 
ing lve|iu!>lican. He and his wife belong to the 
Christian Church at Wooilard Lake, Ronald Town- 
ship. In 1881 Mr. Hall took a trip to New Or- 
leans to visit the International Cotton Exposition, 
and in 1888-89 he and his wife visited friends in 
California and Kansas. 

^a^EORGE S. Ct)OPER, of Ionia, was born in 
Ij g^ Paris, Oxford County, Me., January 27, 
^^H 1830. His mother was a Maine woman and 
bore the maiden name of Rebecca Mathews. His 
father, John Cooper, was a native of Plymouth, 
Mass. For three generations the Coopers had been 
residents of that State, and were of English ex- 
traction. The father of our subject was a tiller of 
the soil. To him and his wife were born eleven 
children, nine of whom are still living, as follows: 
Olive, wife of Cyrus H. Ripley, of Maine, who is 
connected with the custom house at Portland ; Eliza, 



746 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the wife of Isaac H. Thayer, a stock-raiser in "Wyo- 
ming; Sarah, the widow of Milo Pierce, of Ionia; 
our subject; Roxanua, wife of Sergeant Daniels, of 
Boston, Mass.; William K. is living in Battle 
Creek, and carries on a business in boots and shoes; 
Jeaunette, wife of Dr. W. Belding, of Cincinnati, 
Ohio, a member of the Belding Bro's. silk firm; 
Jarvis C, of Ionia is a painter; and Arabella is the 
wife of George Jacksou, of Ionia, who follows the 
same business. One child died in infancy, and an- 
other a son John, at the age of twenty-eight years. 
The Coopers came to the West just at the close of 
the Civil War. Mr. Cooper died in Ionia, in Jan- 
uary, 1881. Ilis widow celebrated upon Washing- 
ton's birthday this year, the completion of her nine- 
tieth year. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, 
early took hold of the work of the farm and con- 
tinued on it until eighteen years of age. He at- 
tended school at the South Paris Academy until he 
reached his majority, taking the regular course of 
study prescribed in the curriculum of that institu- 
tion. He then went to Boston and engaged for 
two or three years in tlie mercantile business, which 
lie followed after coming West, being engaged in 
that occupation in Dartford, Wis., after going 
there in 1854. He remained tiiere until I860, 
when he came to Ionia, and opened a store, 
known as the New England store, where he still 
continues in business, corner of Main and Second 
Street. He took for his wife a daughter of his na- 
tive State, Ploriuda Royal, a daughter of Solon 
Royal, a Baptist minister. The marriage took place 
October 25, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have not 
been blessed with children of their own, but feeling 
unwilling to pass by tlic claims of liomeless child- 
hood, adopted and brought up a son and a daugh- 
ter. The son is now at Big Rapids, Mich., a con- 
ductor on the Detroit, Lansing it Northern Railroad. 
The daughter became the wife of Charles H. Put- 
ney, and died May 14, 1890. The family are mem- 
ers of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Cooper is 
a Knight Templar in the Masonic order. In poli- 
tics he was formerly a Democrat, and voted this 
ticket until the tariff question became prominent in 
1886, when he joined tiie Rei)ublican party, as he 
believes strongly in protection. He has also been 



a member of the Democratic State Central Com- 
mittee for two terms. Notwithstanding his Dem- 
ocratic tendencies, he cast his vote for Abraham 
Lincoln as President in both the National Cam- 
paigns which resulted in the election of Mr. 
Lincoln. Mr. Cooper is a |)rosperous man and a 
public-spirited citizen. His store is fine in all its 
appointments and he does an excellent business. 
His affable, courteous manner makes bira many 
friends, and his character and reputation for judg- 
ment entitle him to the respect of the community, 
which he has received in a large measure. This 
lias been shown by the positions to which he has 
been elevated. He was the President of tiie vil- 
lage of Ionia in its days of village organization. 
He was Mayor of that city in 1884, Aklermaa for 
eight or ten years, member of the School Board for 
ten J- ears, and member of the Board of Public 
Works from 1886 Xo 1889. 



^^ ARIUS MULIIOLLAND, a prosperous 
farmer of Montcalm Count\-, encountered 
many hardships while making a start in 
life and in subduing the wilderness. When 
he took his homestead in 1884 it was eighty 
acres of timbered land with a rude log cabin 
upon it and forty acres partly' cleared. It is now 
beautifully improved and the land in a iiigh state 
of cultivation. All this has been accomplished by 
his strenuous exertions joined to the strictest econ- 
omy and a sterling integrity which have given to 
him the confidence of his neighbors. He was born 
in AVentworth County-, Canada, April 15, 1840. 
His parents, John and Rachael (Shaver) Mulhol- 
land, carried on farming in Canada and this boy 
learned from earliest childhood the practical arts of 
agriculture. He was early inured to the hardships 
and hard work and cheerfully undertook all that 
came to his hand. His educational advantages 
were limited to the rudiment* which could be ob- 
tained in a country school. In 1859 he chose as 
his wife Rachael Blasdell who is also a native of 
Wentworth County. Their union has been a happy 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



747 



one and three children have come to brighten their 
home and to be their support in the coming years 
of their oUl age. Tiiey are, namely: Minnie A. liorn 
April 21, 1861 ; Harvey, Ijuru June 13, 1803, who 
married Letitia Rice, and lives on the home farm, 
and Daniel W., born January 14, 1865. 

This wortliy family suffered a terrible aflliclion 
in the death, by accident, of the youngest son — 
Daniel W. He met his death in a gristmill in Bur- 
ford Township, Wentworth County, Canada, by 
being caught in tlie machinery. The daughter be- 
came the wife of J. 15. Clement and resides in this 
county. The family home of the Mulhollands is a 
beautiful house of twelve rooms and on the well- 
cultivated farm are placed two large barns. It is 
all neatly fenced and a good orchard supplies 
plentiful fruit. Mr. MullioUand is entirely free 
from debt and manages his afifairs with prudence 
and success. In point of politics he is a stanch 
Republican and takes great interest in the prosper- 
ity of the part}'. Both he and his good wife have 
for many years joined their interests with that of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they 
have made themselves beloved and respected. 



j<-r-> 



-^[j DDISOX W. STRONG. Success generally 
marks the efforts of the man who, in earlj^ 
life acquires the habits of imhistry, per- 
severance and self control. We find man}' 
a youth equipped with the possession only of these 
traits of character. Later on in life in the matur- 
ity of manhood we find this youth often successful 
and wealthy. Our subject passed through these 
vicissitudes, and is now a prominent manufacturer 
of Ionia County. Mr. Strong is a dealer in cider, 
vinegar, and cider jelly, and is a native of Calhoun 
County, Mich., and was born March 11, 1847. He 
is a son of Nelson and Caroline Strong, who were 
both natives of New York, and probably some time 
in the '408 his parents emigrated to Calhoun County, 
this State. Here they settled and remained until 
the time of their death. 

Of seven children born to the parents of our sub- 
ject, five survive and are living in this State: Rich- 



ard 15., residing in Belding; Harrison F. living in 
Jackson; Addison \V.; Caroline, wife of Charles 
Cooper, residing in Jackson; and Lucinda, wife of 
George Clothier, living in Burlington, Mich. The 
father of our subject served as Township Treasurer 
of Burlington Township, Calhoun County, and in 
politics was a Rei)ublican. Like most of the pio- 
neers of Michigan, he was obliged to endure some 
hardships. 

The boyhood days of Mr. Strong were spent in 
his native State, and amid the scenes of frontier 
life. His youth was spent on a farm. He received 
a good education in the district and select schools 
of Calhoun County, and being a great reader, he in- 
formed himself upon the general topics of the day. 
In 1876 Mr. Strong came to Ionia County, and for 
a number of years was engaged in farming in Or- 
leans Township, and also ran a cider mill in con- 
nection with his farming pursuits. In the spring 
of 1885 he located at his present [)laceof residence, 
where he is now engaged in making cider vinegar 
and jelly, and also in buying and shipping apples. 

Our subject was united in marriage Ajjril 19, 
1875, with Miss Mary N. Iligbee, whose birthjilace 
w!is in Orleans Township, and her natal day being 
June 2, 1848. Mrs. Strong is a daughter of John 
and Esther Higbee. Her [larents were among the 
first settlers of Orleans Township, coining to this 
county in 1838, and her father built the second 
frame house in this vicinity. In politics her father 
is a Democrat. 

The parents of Mrs. Strong liad a family of nine 
children, seven of whom are living: Helen M., wife 
of V. J. Martin, a resident of Lake View, this State; 
Mrs. Strong; Julius A., living in Buffalo County, 
Neb.; Flora JI., wife of D. J. Penny, living in Isa- 
bella County; Edward, residing in Orleans Town- 
ship; and Frederick J. living in this county. 

There have been born to our subject and his 
worthy wife five children, only three of whom are 
living — Maud S., Claud and Hany E. The de- 
ceased arc Mabel and Hubert. Mr. Strong isi<len- 
tified with the Church of the Disciples. His chosen 
line in politics is Democratic, and he has servccl as 
Justice of the Peace. He is capable and enterpris- 
ing, and is meeting with great success. Mr. Strong 
is one of the leading business men of Easlon Town- 



748 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



■yy 



ship, and bis fine abilities are securing for him 
great rewards in the financial line. Mrs. Strong is 
a daughter of an old time-honored pioneer of Ionia 
County, and is a lady of intelligence and great hos- 
pitality'. We takes pleasure in representing this 
esteemed family in this work. 



'OSEPII GARDNER. The results of unflag- 
ging perseverance, prudent economy, and 
good habits, probably find no better expo- 
nent in Ionia County, than in the above- 
named gentleman, who is a representative citizen 
of Keene Township. He is the owner and occu- 
pant of a fertile estate, upon which are to be seen 
the usual farm buildings, but of better construction 
than many, while the appearance of fences and fields 
give the impression that Mr. Gardner understands 
tilling the soil and caring for the |)roduce of his 
farm. In a quiet and unassuming manner Mr. Gard- 
ner has pursued his way in life, conscientiously dis- 
charging the duties which lay in his pathway, ac- 
cumulating a comfortable share of this world's 
goods, and gaining the esteem of all who know 
him. 

A native of London, England, Mr. Gardner was 
born September 12, 1828. He is a son of John and 
Mary (Turner) Gardner, who emigrated when this 
child was about four years, old to Upper Canada, 
where they settled in Brant County, Ontario. There 
the parents died, leaving alarge family of children, 
of wiiom the following survive: Thomas; Marj', 
now the widow Kinney; Joseph, George H. and 
Robert. Our subject grew to manhood amid the 
pioneer scenes of Canada, and has been a life-long 
farmer. He received his rudimentary education in 
Canada and had few advantages in the line of edu- 
cation. 

An important event in the life of our subject 
took place June 1, 1853, when he was united in 
marriage with Ellen Durant. She became the 
mother of nine children, seven of whom are living, 
and they were named as follows: Mary A., deceased; 
Joseph A., John, James, Emily, (Mrs. John Cron- 



inger), Matilda, wife of William Foster, Mary A., 
wife of Alfred Bowen, Louisa and Thomas (de- 
ceased). 

In 1859 with his famil}- our subject migrated to 
Michigan, and coming to Keene Township, Ionia 
County, settled on section 8, where he lived for a 
number of years. He then took the farm where he 
now resides on section 5, of the same township. 
When he took tlie farm it was pr.ictically in the 
woods, and he built it up to its present highly cul- 
tivated condition. He has one hundred and sixty 
acres of land under excellent cultivation, and en- 
dured the usual hardships incident to pioneer liffi. 

Mr. Gardner is a stanch Republican in politics, 
and is in all ways a public-spirited citizen, willing 
ever to promote the best interests of the countv 
and the neighborhood. He and his good wife are 
now enjoying the fruits of a life well-spent and are 
prepared to spend the winter of their days in com- 
fort surrounded bj- children and friends. Our sub- 
ject possesses prominently many of the characteris- 
tic virtues transmitted to him by his Anglo-Saxon 
ancestors, characteristics which have made the sturdy 
and unyielding Britain the world's great colonizer. 
He is loyal in heart to his adopted country, and 
rejoices that he has been able to establish so fair a 
home in Uncle Sam's domains under the fair ban- 
ner of the stars and stripes. lie is well-known for 
his sterling integrity and his fine farm attests to his 
success in life. A lithographic view of Mr. Gard- 
ner's beautiful residence is shown on another page 
of this Album. 



^@iS!E 



RRY WATERBIRY. This name is not only 
familiar to the residents of Ionia, iu which 
'/' city he who bears it resides, but is equally 
familiar in several other places where prominent 
buildings have been put up under the supervision of 
its wearer. Mr. Waterbury is a practical mechanic, 
good architect, and as contractor and builder has not 
only done well for himself financially, but has been 
instrumental in adorning the streets of this and 
other cities with attr.active and substantial buildings. 
His own elegant home, a view of which is shown on 







RE5IDEMCF,0F MRS. ELIZABETH PARKER, STAUiiijN j U NOTION .JON I A CO, MICH. 




RESIDENCE QF LUTHER E. HALL, SEC. 3G. ORLEANS TP..10N1AC0 



I 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



751 



anotlier page, is on Kast LaFavettc Slreot anrl is one 
whose (lesifjn and suiroundings al once draw tlie 
attention of a passer-by. 

Tiic birtli place of Mr. Watcrbiny was Rensselaer 
Count}', N. Y., and liis natal day November 25, 
1838. His parents are Barton and Mary J. (Peas- 
ley) Watorbur}', who were boru in the Empire State, 
in which their respective ancestors for several gene- 
rations had resided. The Waterbiir3's were of 
English origin and the Peasleys German. The work 
to wliich Barton Waterbury has given his attention 
during a long and useful life is farming, a work 
which he still continues at the age of seventy-nine 
years. Ilis family includes three children besides 
our snl)ject, viz: Stephen, a farmer in Western New 
York; Angcline, who lives with her parents in 
Orleans County, that State; and Daniel, a painter 
whose home is in Ionia, Mich. 

When our subject was but a lad his father re- 
morcd to Orleans County, N. Y., where he attended 
the common school and acquired the greater part of 
his education. He spent one winter in attendance 
at an institute of learning in the eastern part of the 
State. He was reared to farming until nineteen years 
old, and tiien began to study the carpenter's trade, 
with which he in due time became thoroughly ac- 
quainted. He came to Ionia in 18G4, and has 
followed contracting here until a few years past, 
when he devoted himself to architectural work ex- 
clusively. For several years he carried on a sash 
and blind factory, but it was destroyed by fire in 
1H78 and he did not resume the business. Many 
of the best residences here and in Beltling have been 
designed by him, and several fine properties in 
Lansing, St. Louis and elsewhere were buil* by hira. 
The asylum, pooriiouse and other public buildings 
are monuments of his skill, anil he has recently 
completed two life-saving stations at Marquette for 
the Government. 

At the head of the household affairs at Mr. 
Walerbury's home is a lady wlio was known in her 
maidenhood as Miss ALiry Lucina Hart, wiiich name 
she exchanged for tiie one she now bears, November 
2G, 18G2. Mrs. Waterbury is the daughter of 
Ivcscom Hart, a carpenter and millwright, who in 
addition to working at liis trade carries on a farm. 
She is an intelligent, cai)able woman, who under- 



stands how to make her lujine attractive to the 
members of the family and their numerous friends. 
She is the mother of four children, named respec- 
tively; Delia June, Alice !May, Raymond B. and 
Orry, Jr. The elder daughter is now in New York 
and the younger is happily married to Herbert T. 
Powell. 

Mr. A\'aterl)ury is a well read man and one who 
is numbered among the reliable members of society, 
interested in the progress of the community and 
kindly in his associations with those about him. 
He is Trustee and Deacon in the Baptist Church 
and wears his religion as an every-day garment. 



EBENKZKR P. KELSEY is the son of Levi 
Woodbury Kelsey, born in 1805, in Che- 
' nango Count}', N. Y. He was a farmer and 

very prominent in the |)olitics of the Western part 
of the State, being a member of the State Legisla- 
ture. He was the son of Dr. Alexander Kelsej', a 
native of New York, but of tlic best Scotch de- 
scent. The town of Kelso, in Scotlantl, was the 
ancient home of the family and received its name 
from them. The ruins of Kelso Abbey are the 
most interesting sight to tourists who visit the an- 
cient home of the Kelsey family. The Abbey was 
demolished September 5, 1515, by order of King 
Henry VIII. of England. At that time a part of 
the family were executed by the royal order and 
others made their escape to Ireland. Their grand- 
father Alexander was killed by the falling of a 
tree in 1824. The ancestors of pur subject were 
very early emigrants to America, settling in New 
Hampshire in the first part of the seventeenth cen- 
turj-. There was a long line of ph3-sicians in the 
family. The mother of Ebenczer was Asenath 
Laura (Hoj't) Kelsc}', born in 180G, in Montgomery 
County, N. Y., and still surviving, a resident of 
Orange Townshi[). She was a daughter of Ebene- 
zer and Rebecca (Pinckney) Hoyt, a descendant of 
the Pinckney family of Revolutionary fame. Grand- 
father Ilo^'t died during the War of 1812. The 
Hoyt side of the family is of mixed blood, Scotch 



752 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and Dutch. Ebenezer Hoyt was a son of John 
and Eunice (Preston) Hoyt. Rebecca Pinckney 
was a daugliter of Joseph and Mary (Latimer) 
Pinckney. 

The parents of our subject were married in Rusli, 
Monroe County, N. Y., in July, 1 824. There they 
resided until 1857 when they came to Michigan and 
settled upon this farm on section 29, Ionia Town- 
ship. They took this farm when it was already 
partially improved, a small log house being their 
home in which they remained, continuing improve- 
ments until 18C3, when they removed to Berlin 
Township and made their home there until the 
death of Levi Kelsey in 1867. He was always 
active in politics, like many other old time Whigs 
becoming a Republican on the formation of that 
party, and being afterwards elected to the oflice of 
Supervisor. During liis residence in New York he 
was for twenty years Justice of the Peace and in 
1848 served in the State Legislature. His wife was 
a useful and conscientious member for more than 
sixty years of the Methodist Church. They were 
the parents of seven children: Mary Jane, Mrs. 
Grove P. Barber, deceased, February 7, 1891; Al- 
exander Frink; Ebenezer P., our subject; Robert 
Treat, deceased ; Helen Lovisa, Mrs. William B. 
Taylor, deceased November, 1873; Levi Martin, 
deceased October 23, 1886; and Hann.ah Gertrude, 
Mrs. William B. Taylor. 

Vj. p. Kelsey was the third child of his parents 
and was born February 5, 1830, at Rush, Monroe 
County, N. Y". After completing his studies in 
the common schools he entered Genesee Wesleyan 
Seminary and 'was also for a season at Genesee 
College at Lima, N. Y'. His intention was to study 
for a physician, which seemed to be his hereditarj^ 
profession but he did not begin the study of medi- 
cine proper, for at twenty- one years of age be felt 
it his duty to begin work for himself, that he miglit 
be able to pay back to his father the expenses of 
his education. He worked at 114 per month for 
two seasons and during the winters taught school 
and tiius settled his obligation. He continued 
teaching, completing eighteen terms in district 
and union schools, being one year at Fowlerville, 
and two years at Caledonia. He then engaged as 
a bookkeeper iu the railroad office of the Elmira, 



Canandaigua and Niagara Falls Railway and bought 
grain on commission for J. F. Brown & Co. His 
next move was to keep books and travel for a mer- 
cantile house in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1857. He 
tlicn removed to his present farm on section 29, 
and spent the year 1858 here, when he next re- 
turned to New Y'ork, to marry and bring home 
"the girl he left behind him." 

The subject of this sketch married March 30, 
1859, Miss Theresa Ermina Loomis, a daughter of 
John and Anna (Winship) Loomis. Her father 
was a native of Ancram, Columbia County, N. Y., 
born there March 5, 1781. He was a son of Tim- 
othy and Lueretia (VonFreidenburgh) Loomis, 
and grandson of Thomas Loomis, also of Ancram, 
N. Y. He in turn was a son of Josiah, who mar- 
ried Elizabeth Kelsey and lived in Windsor, Conn., 
and grandson of Uaniel and Mary (Elswortli) 
Loomis of the same town. Daniel was the son of 
Deacon John Loomis, of the same place, who mar- 
ried Elizabeth Scott, of Hartford, in 1648. The 
father of Deacon John Loomis was Joseph Loomis 
born in Braintree, Essex County, England. He 
came to America in the ship "Susan and Ellen," 
arriving at Boston Jul}' 17, 1638, and settling in 
1640 in Windsor, Conn., where he had large landed 
possessions. The estate is iu possession of de- 
scendants of the family and always has been. He 
died there November 25, 1658. The ancient an- 
cestors of Mrs. Kelsey on the Loomis side are 
largely college prc)fessors. The late Prof. Ellas 
Loomis, of Yale College, was a member of the 
same family. He left the second largest endow- 
ment to Yale College, the amount being $300,000. 
Her immediate ancestors were all scholarly men. 
The coat of arms of the Loomis family is as fol- 
lows: Greyhound Courant; Grejhound Rampant; 
three Escalops, Ermine. Motto, "3Ior8 Christi 
Vila Mihi." 

Mrs. Kelsey's mother was a daughter of Nehe- 
miahaud Catherine (Westfall) Winship, whosettled 
in Dutchess County, N. Y. Ho was a blacksmith 
by trade. The family is an old New England one. 
Her parents married in Clinton Township, Dutchess 
County, N. Y'., in 1807, and settled in that town- 
ship, making their home tliere for many years. 
Here twelve of their children were born. Later 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



753 



they mored to Livingston County, N. Y., where 
lie died May 21, 1841, she surviving him until 
August 15, 1871. Thej' were the piirenls of thir- 
teen cliildren, five of whom are now living: 
Chauncey lives in Ionia; Catherine, Mrs. E. H. 
Dnvis, lives in Avon, N. Y.; .lane, Mrs. Samuel A. 
Sihley, in Grand IJIanc, Mich.; James W., lives in 
Berlin Township, and Mrs. Kelse^' is the youngest 
of the surviving cliildren. 

Mrs. Kelscy was born December I'J, 18;j:i, in 
I^ivingston County, N. Y. After attending the 
district school she went to the academy at Avon; 
afterward to Le Roy Female Seminary and com- 
pleted her course at the (lonesce Wcsleyan .Sem- 
inary. 

After they left New York in 1850 the family 
oame to Slichigan, where the father and his son 
Ebenezer purchased one hundred and twenty acres, 
which comprises a part of the present homestead. 
It was on that farm that the father continued to 
reside until his removal to Hcrlin Townshii). After 
the father went to IJerlin Township, our subject 
rented his ftthcr's part of this farm. He has since 
(tarried it on adding to it, so that he now owns 
live hundred and twenty-live acres of land, all but 
thirty of which are well im[)rovcd. lie has never 
received assistance from anyone, being a thorough 
business man as well as a first-class farmer and all 
that he has, his splendid farm and beautiful resi- 
dence, has been gained 'by his own efforts supple- 
mented by those of his faithful wife. His fine 
house built in 1876 cost !fi7,000. The main barn 
is 40x110 feel, on a basement wall nine feet high, 
with a straw barn attached 4U.y70 feet in dimen- 
.'iions. Three more barns me.isure one 00x90 feet, 
another 20x70, and the third 40.\5O feet, having a 
b.asement. These barns were erected at a cost of 
over ^5,000. Corn houses, tool houses, etc., milk 
houses and shops, help to complete the fine appoint- 
ments of this fine farm. A well two hundred feet 
deep has pipes connecting it with every part of the 
farm. 

Mr. Kelsey carries on mixed farming and pays 
consitlerable attention to fattening stock, feeding 
large quantities at all times. This spring he sold 
seventy-five thousand pounds of meat. lie has 
one hundred acres in wheat and seventy in corn, 



and cut last year one hundred tons of hay. lie 
has made a specialt}' of blooded stock. In 1857 
he brought with him some full-blooded Short-horn 
stock, which he had bought from Gen. Wadsworth, 
of Western New York, lie keeps Shropshire sheep, 
also Percherou horses of which he is a great ad- 
mirer. Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey are the parents of 
three children: Lillian, born September G, 1860, 
is the wife of Edwin I'ennell, now Sheriff of Clin- 
ton County, Mich., and residing at St. .lohns; they 
have no children. Ada Loouiis, born June 21, 1868; 
Levi William, born January 28, 1876, died Feb- 
ruary 3, 1876. The best education has been given 
to these children. Miss Ada's schooling has been 
at home conducted entirely by her mother. She is 
proficient in literature, music, painting and em- 
broidery, having had special teachers in the last 
three. The whole family are members of the Pres- 
byterian Church of Ionia, of which they are liberal 
supporters, except the youngest daughter who be- 
longs to the Episcopal Church. 

Ebenezer Kelsey is a member of the Masonic 
order. Blue Lodge. He has taken great interest in 
local school matters for a time :is a member of the 
School Board. He has also been active in politics, 
is a stanch Republican and has frequently been a 
delegate to district and State [Mjlttical conventions. 
He has been School Commissioner, Supervisor of 
Ionia Township, and also County Drainage Com- 
missioner. He is a man of [wwer in his party and 
was at one time nominated for Representative but 
declined. During the first six wiuters of his resi- 
dence in the State he was in the schoolroom as a 
teacher. He was among the early founders of the 
County Agricultural Society, serving successively 
as Secretary, Director and twice as President, hold- 
ing continuous ollice for eighteen years, lie was 
also for eight years one of the Directors of the 
Central Michigan Agricultural Society. jMI public 
improvements, as railroads, wagon works, and 
whatever pertained to the welfare of the city of 
Ionia has found an earnest and practical promoter 
in him. 

Levi Martin Kelsey, one of the brothers of our 
subject, was born February 18, 1841, at Rush, 
Monroe County, N. Y. He received a common- 
school education and when he came to Michigan 



754 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



with bis parents, identiCed himself with the others 
in efforts for the farailj' welfare. At his death 
October 23, 1886, he had one hundred and sixty- 
five acres of improved land, a good residence with 
all first-class appointments. lie was married De- 
cember 15, 1864, to Alice Adella Murdock, who 
was born in November 1842, in Medina, Orleans 
County, N. Y. She was the daughter of Zimri 
Murdock, who married Nancy Pennell. She was 
the daughter of Dr. John Pennell and Sarah J. 
Winslow. Dr. John Pennell was the son of Cap- 
tain Ebenezer Pennell and Nancy Smith, lie was 
of Scotch descent and au officer in the Colonial 
army in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Kelsey taught 
school previous to her marriage, and preceded her 
husband to the other world June 9, 1879. They 
were the parents of one child — Agues Estella — born 
December 29, 1865; she is the wife of JohnThwing 
Loomis, a nepliew of Mrs. E. P. Kelsey; they live 
in Ionia. Levi Kelsey was beloved by all who 
knew him as an honest, noble, generous and manly 
man. lie and his daughter were members of the 
Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Repub- 
lican. The Agricultural Society engaged much of 
his attention, as lie was an active worker therein 
and at the time of ids death was a member of tlie 
County Board. He was also Vice-President of tlic 
Ionia County Wool Growers Association, the last 
years of his life. This generous, kind hearted man 
iiad a remarkablj' strong hold upon the affections 
of the coninuinity in which he lived. 



JOHN J. EITELBMSS. The accounts of the 
freedom to be found in America and the 
wonderful resources of this country have 
drawn hither many a native of foreign lands, 
and throughout our broad land they are to be 
found working their way from povertj' to com- 
petence and proving their attachment to the land 
of their adoption by their interest in her progress 
and various institutions. This class is represented 
in Montcalm Count}' as elsewhere throughout the 
State, and it is our purpose to give a brief outline 
of the life of one who has been a resident of Home 



Township for several years past. Mr. Eitelbuss 
has four hundred and seven acres of land on sec- 
tions 30 and 31, two hundred and twenty of wliich 
are under the plow. 

Tlie ancestors of our subject lived in Wurtcm- 
burg, Germany, and his grandfather, Johanes 
Eitelbuss, owned a farm near Herrenberg. He was 
a farmer and teamster and followed the latter call 
ing during the War of 1815. His son J.George 
was reared on the farm and was eighteen j'ears old 
when he was drafted into the armj' for the war 
before mentioned. He received a sabre cut across 
the face. He died in his native land in 1839 
cheered by the consolation of the Lutheran faith. 
His wife was Anna Marie Remp, daughter of a 
Wurtemburg farmer — Stephen Rerap. She was the 
mother of thirteen children, seven of whom were 
reared to maturity. After the death of her hus- 
band siie carried on the farm and reared the fam- 
ilj', doing much manual labor in the fields. She 
came to this country in 1854 and died at Palo, 
this State, in 1870, at the ripe age of seventy-six 
years. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was 
born in Herrenberg, Wurtemburg, Germany, Jan- 
uary 5, 1833. In accordance with the custom of 
his native land he attended sciiool until he was 
fourteen years old and during the last two years 
ranked as first scholar. . He was then confirmed, 
and laying aside his books entered upon his work 
as a farmer, laboring on the homestead until he was 
seventeen years old. He then hired out for two 
years as a farm hand, after which he did teaming 
from Tuebingen to Stuttgart, hauling merchandise 
vviih three spans of horses. He was an expert driver 
and earned a reputation that extended far and 
wide. Being liable to military service and wish- 
ing to escape the obligation he determined to come 
to America, where being a soldier was not com- 
pulsory. 

Mr. Eitelbuss left Havre, France, May 10, 1853, 
on the sailer "AVilliam Tell,' and thirty-four daj'S 
later landed in New York City. He made his way 
to Ann Arbor, Mich., and on his arrival had three 
shillings left to keep him over night. He sought 
employment and hired out for $10 per month in 
haying. Three months later he entered the em- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



755 



ploy of the Michigan Central Railroad at seven 
shillings a day. lie soon resumed farm work and 
when his mother crossed the ocean he rented two 
hundred acres in Washtenaw County, making a 
home in which she was his housekeeiier. He ope- 
rated the place three years, then in A[)ril, 1858, 
moved to Ann Arhor and engaged in teaming and 
soon added contracting to his job work. lie fur- 
nished material for the stone foundation of 
churches, did grading on the University grounds, 
built the tunnel and underground engine house, 
the gas tank, and furnished scaffold poles for var- 
ious buildings. 

Mr. iMtelbuss also built seven miles of the 
Toledo ife Ann Arbor Railroad, and when tiic con- 
tract was finished established himself at .Six Lakes, 
where he used eight teams in lumbering until the 
spring of 1881. Going to Detroit he helped build 
and grade eleven side tracks, then those between 
the depots. There he used seven teams, as he had 
done in other places, and when he came to Mont- 
calm County to make a permaueut location he 
brought them here and used them in lumbering. 
lie did a big business in lumbering near Wyman, 
and after buying his present estate cleared quite a 
large acreage. He first bought one hundred and 
sixty acres on section 30, tlien one hundred and 
sixty-seven on section 31, and still later eigiity on 
section 30. He has made the improvements which 
include a substantial barn and windmill. His 
dwelling is a log house but large and comfortable. 
He has one hundred and forty acres of hay land 
and puts up one hundred and seventy-five tons per 
year, besides what he uses for his own well-graded 
stock. He harvests good crops of grain and raises 
and feeds more cattle than any other man in the 
VK'inity. He keeps graded Short-horns and horses 
of well-known breeds. 

In February, 1858, Mr. Kit(>lbuss was married 
to Miss Louisa Bauer, who came to America in 
1857 and made her home in Ann Arbor. .She was 
born in the same province as her husband Feb- 
ruary 25, 1 838, and W.1S reared by an uncle, her 
parents, Conrad and Barbara (Walz) Bauer, hav- 
ing died when she was quite small. They were 
farmers near Reudlingen. Mr. and Mrs. Kitelbuss 
liave seven children, those who are still at home 



being William F., Lizzie, Annie L. and Carrie. 
Jolin J., Jr., the eldcit, is a blacksmith in Edmore; 
Frank, the second child, is teaming in the north 
woods; Mary is tlie wife of William Simpson and 
lives in Day Township. 

Mr. Eitelbuss has served as Commissioner of 
Ilighv/ays three years anil has shown excellent 
judgment regarding public improvements. He 
belongs to the Royal Templars of Temjierance at 
Ann Arbor and is connected with the Patrons of 
In<1ustry, in which organization he lias been Vice- 
President. He is a firm believer in the principles 
of the Republican party and never fails to deposit 
his vole in behalf of that in which he has faith. 



E. Cl'RTlS, of the firm of Curtis ife 
Sawdy, is one of the most enterprising 
business men in Edmore, Montcalm Count}'. 
He may well be said to have an old head 
on young shoulders, as he is doing a better busi- 
ness and showing more tact in pushing his enter- 
prise than is the case with many older men. He 
carries a fine stock of groceries and the firm also 
deals largely' in provisions, beiug, in fact, the 
heaviest dealers in the [jlace. Mr. Curtis is asso- 
ciated in business with his brother-in-law, Calvin 
Sawdy, who is also a man of abundant energy, and 
the reputation of the two for honest}' and integ- 
rity is unexcelled. 

The grandfather of Mr. Curtis w.ts Dr. John 
M. Curtis, who was born in England and was 
graduated from a medical college there. He came 
to America and located near Boston, Mass., but 
later removed to Chatham, Canada. In 1814 he 
came to this State and established himself at 
Woodland, Barry County, where he became very 
prominent both as a citizen and a pioneer phj-s- 
ician. His last years were spent there, .and he is 
well remembered b}' the old settlers of that sec- 
tion. The direct progenitor of our subject was 
Jolin N. Curtis, who was born in Pennsylvania 
and was engaged in farming in Canada several 
years. He came to Barry County, this State, the 
same year as his father, and buying Government 



756 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



land in Woodland Township, reclaimed a farm 
and finally had one hundred and twenty acres 
under good improvement. During the last twent}'- 
five years of his life he was in poor health, but he 
lived to the age of sixty -seven 3'ears. He was a 
member of the Church of God. His wife was 
Mary Cunningham, a native of Ireland, whose 
parents emigrated to Canada during her childhood. 
Her father, Patrick Cunningham, carried on a 
farm and died in the Dominion. The family of 
John N. Curtis and his wife consisted of nine 
cliildren, and he of whom we write is third on 
the family roll. 

M. E. Curtis was born in Barry County, this 
State, May 29, 1875, and reared on a farm, en- 
joying good advantages in the common schools. 
His labors were given to his own improvement 
and the general welfare of the family until he was 
of age, when he took up farm life for himself, 
buj'ing forty acres in his native township and 
building upon .and otherwise improving it. He 
carried on general farming and stock-raising until 
the fall of 1884, when he came to Edmore and 
opened a meat-market. B'or two years he was en- 
gaged in that business and stock-dealing, and he 
then entered upon the sale of groceries. This he 
has successfully continued, taking in his brother- 
in-law as a partner in the spring of 1889. 

The lady who presides over the household af- 
fairs at the home of Mr. Curtis became his wife 
December 24, 187G. Prior to that time she was 
as Miss Ardella Sawdy. She was born in Wood- 
land Township, Barry County, was carefully reared 
and well fitted to enter upon the duties that lay 
before her when she became a wife. She is the 
mother of five children, named respectively : M. 
Ruth, Omar C, Estella, Ertie and Marilla J. 

The father of Mrs. Curtis was Ebenezer Sawdy, 
who was born in Scipio, Cayuga County, N. Y., 
March 2, 1812, and was reared in Orleans County, 
to which his parents went when he w.as four j-ears 
old. He was married there at the age of twenty- 
four to Ruth Rose, who was born in that county 
in 1820, and whose father, Benjamin Rose, was a 
farmer. The latter spent his last years in this 
State with his daughter and family, having retired 
from active life. In the spring of 1842 Mr. 



Sawdy came to Barry County, this State, traveling 
from the lakes on foot. He bought fortj' acres of 
wild land, then returned East and in the fall 
brought his famil}' to their new home. He built 
a rude log house and literally hewed out a farm 
from the timber. He eventuall3' became the owner 
of considerable landed property and was numbered 
among the successful members of the community. 
He was the first mail carrier between Woodland 
and South Cass, and carried the mail tied up in 
a handkerchief. He was Justice of the Peace for 
years and in politics wag a Republican. His death 
took place February 27, 1890. The Sawdys are 
of English ancestry. 

Mr. Curtis has been A'illage Trustee two years 
and in his otFicial life displays the same zeal that 
has characterized him as a business man. He is 
interested in social orders and is connected with 
the Odd Fellows, Good Templars and Knights of 
the Maccabees, in each of which he has held otflce. 
He is particularly active in the Good Templars' 
work and is now Chief Templar of the Thirteenth 
District. He exercises the right of suffr.age with 
the Prohibitionists, being one of those who believe 
the liquor question the all-important one at this 
time. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, is a Trustee and has been Class- Leader, 
and takes an active part in the religious and be- 
nevolent work that is carried on by the congrega- 
tion. 



WW 

jLi^Cs Hall is one ihat is well known in Ionia 
/|®j II Couuty and in other parts of central Mich- 
^'^:=^ igan. He has been connected with various 
interests in this section, owns considerable real es- 
tate, and is the manager of the well-known summer 
resort at Long Lake. His home is on section 3, 
Orleans Township, where he is engaged in farming 
and looking after his other interests. He was 
born in Washtenaw County, January 12, 1843, but 
was only a child when bis parents removed to Ionia 
County. Here he has spent most of his time and 
here his chief interests center. 

Mr. Hall is desconcied from an old V^crmont fam- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



757 



il^- and grandfalber Willard Hall, is numbered 
among the pioneers of Washtenaw County, this 
State. He came liilher from the Green Moun- 
tain homo, Iielioving that a farmer could do bet- 
ter in this country than among the hills of New 
England. Grandfather Hall built forty-seven log 
houses for himself and lived in many different lo- 
calities. He linally came to Ionia Count}- to make 
his home with his son Ilirani, and here he breathed 
his last. 

Hiram Hall, father of our subject w.as born amid 
the hills of N'ermonl and came to this State when a 
small boy. He lived in Washtenaw County until 
after his marriage, and from his early life was en- 
gaged in farming and lumbering. In 184Ghe took 
up eighty acres of Government land in Orleans 
Township, Ionia County, and lived upon it until 
his death, which occurred February 3, 1883. He 
was an extensive dealer in lumber and with I''Jder 
K. I). Howe, built the first sawmill in the township, 
which was run by water power. He also built a 
steam sawmill at Long Lake, which he ran twenty 
3'ears. He was married in Washtenaw County in 
1830 to Julia A. Olmsted, who is still living on 
the farm and is now seventy -six years ol<l. She is 
the mother of six children, viz: Eliz.abetli, Frank- 
lin, Kliza, Benjamin, Irvin and Hiram. Her father, 
Hciijaniin J. ()linste<i, was born in Vermont and 
was an early settler in Washtenaw County. Thence 
he came to Ionia Count}- and in Orleans Township 
ho died about 187(1. 

Uenjamin Hall spent his early years under the 
shelter of the (larental roof, acquiring a practical 
education anil a knowledge of pursuits in which his 
father was engaged. In 1867 he boughtan eighty- 
acre farm in the township that is now his home, 
but he subse<)ueiitly sold it and went to Kalama/.oo 
Count}' and ke])t a lumber yard at A'icksburg a 
year and a half. He then sold out the yard and 
returning to Ionia County bought a half interest 
in the mill then owned by his father and in three 
hundred acres of pine land he possessed. He was 
in the mill about six years and he now owns the 
land thai belonged with it. He also owns one hun- 
dred and twenty acres in Montcalm County. In 
188!) he and his brother Hiram visited Washington 
anci Oregon to look for timber land. Hiram Hall 



took two claims of three hundred and twenty acres 
in the latter State and in 1890 sold to our subject 
a half interest in the property. At the Long Lake 
Summer Resort people gather for recreation and re- 
cuperation during the summer and the fame of the 
place is quite extended. 5Ir. Hall now has twenty- 
six row boats on the lake. 

The marriage of Mr. Hall was solemnized in Or- 
leans Township August 9, 18G8. The bride. Miss 
Mary Morton, is the youngest child of Alexander 
and Mary (Grier) Morton, and has three brothers, 
Alexander, .Tames A. and John W. Mr. Morton 
was born in Scotland and his wife in Ireland. Af- 
ter their emigration from their native lands they 
lived in Canada and thence came to Ionia County 
in 1851. Mr. Morton bought eighty acres of land 
in Orleans Townshii), lived upon it a number of 
years, then sold it and with his wife made his home 
with their daughter. Mr. Morton died February 1."), 
188.5, and Mrs. Morton November IG. 1886. The 
father was eighty-two years old and the mother 
seventy-four years old. They were members of the 
Congregational Chnreh and in Canada Mr. Mor- 
tf)n had been a teacher. 

Our subject anti liis wife are the hajipy parents 
of four children who bear the names of Frank J., 
Lizzie, Morton I>. and Raymond. It has been the 
aim of the parents to fit them for useful .and 
honorable positions in the world by giving them 
the best educations possible and training them in 
the principles of right living. Mr. Hall is a Re- 
publican in politics. 



IKORGE A. PHILLU'S is one of the old 
settlers of Otisco Township, and has an 
extended acquaintance throughout Ionia 
County. His labors in life have proved so success- 
ful that he is enabled to spend bis declining years 
without, feeling the necessity of toil, but with a 
suflicicnt amount of wealth to furnish him with 
every comfort and enahle him to enjoy the delights 
of generous giving .as well. His home is at Cook's 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Corners, near whieli village his agricultural work 
has been done. 

Among the early settlers of New York was one 
George Phillips, son of Thomas Phillips, of Rhode 
Island, and of the old Quaker stock. That gentle- 
man was married in the Empire State to Dolly, 
daughter of Elkanah and Ilepsibah (Phillips) 
Smith. To them were born the following children 
besides our subject: Thomas H., now living in 
Australia; Hiram, Stephen and Ilosea, deceased; 
Charity, who died in Chicago a few years since; 
Susan deceased : Faun}', a resident of New York; 
and Freclove and Salma deceased. The father had 
never ab.indoned the Quaker belief in which he 
had been reared, and the mother was a member of 
the Christian Church. 

Tiie gentleman whose name introduces these 
paragraphs was born January 12, 1818, in Rens- 
selaer Count}\ N. Y., and as his father was a farmer 
liis boyhood was spent amid rural scenes. At the 
age of sixteen 3^ears he went to work on the neigh- 
boring farm and iield his position there eight years. 
His mother having died, leaving two small chil- 
dren, he took charge of the home farm and filled, 
as best he could, the parents' place to the little 
ones for two years. A brother then took ids pl.ace 
and in 1845 he turned his footsteps toward Mich- 
igan, driving from Pittstown to Troy, thence com- 
ing by the Erie Canal and lake to Detroit, whence 
an ox-team brought him to the neighborhood of 
his present home. He was accompanied in his 
journey by a wife to whom he had been married 
but a few j-ears, their wedding day having been 
.lanuary 22, 1842. 

Mrs. Phillips bore the maiden name of Abigail 
Wright, and is one of the eleven childien compris- 
ing the family of Hezckiah and Elizabeth (Claik) 
Wright. Her parents were born in Massachusetts 
but at the time of her marriage their home was in 
Pittstown, N. Y. Those of her brothers and sis- 
ters who are now living are Elihu, a resident of 
Coral, this State; Cynthia, whose home is in Otisco; 
Abner in Orleans Township; James, in Montcalm 
Counl\-; and Charles in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. 
Pliillips liave two sons, Wilson M. and Edmond W., 
both of whom are engaged in farming, the elder in 
Saginaw County and tiie younger In Otisco Town- 



ship. The elder son served in the Tenth Michi- 
gan Cavalry from February until in November, 
1865. 

Tiie first Presidential ballot cast by Mr. Phil- 
lips was for William Henry Harrison and he has 
lived to vote for a grandson of that General. Al- 
though never an aspirant for public ofDce our sub- 
ject has been an active worker in political circles 
and during a residence in Otisco Township of for- 
ty-six years, he has missed but one election and 
one town meeting. As will be understood, he 
is a member of the Republican party. He is a 
member of Ionia Lodge, No. 16, County Grange 
and Banner Grange of Orleans Township. He and 
his wife belong to the Christian Church that was 
organized in 1846 and they, together with Mrs. 
Clark Demorest and Erastus S. Jinks, are the only 
surviving charter members. 



^^ SMOND S. TOWER. The business interests 
II jj] of this gentleman are varied and extensive. 
^5^7 His residence is in Ionia, Ionia County, and 
he is Vice President of the Michigan Overall Fac- 
loiy in that city, a stockholder in the First Na- 
tional Bank and the owner of much rented property; 
he is also a farmer with the oversight of consider- 
able outlying land. He was born May 27, 1840, to 
Osmond and Martha (Gallagher) Tower, and grew 
to manhood in Ionia. His father passed away 
August 4, 1886, but his mother is still living. The 
chief incidents in their lives are given elsewhere in 
this volume. 

Our subject attended the State Normal School 
and Seminary at Ypsilanti five years, and then 
studied in the law department of the State Univer- 
sity at Ann Arbor. After completing his schooling 
he engaged in the hardware business in Ionia, un- 
der the firm name of Tower & Todd. After a time 
he disposed of his interest in this business, and 
going to Edmore embarked in a similar enterprise 
there, continuing it until the death of his father, 
when he was called upon to take [inrt in tiie joint 
management of a large estate. In looking after his 
varied interests he displays an unusual amount of 




'[(/l^'u J^ /^^OA oC^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



761 



tact, so lliat tlie affairs he has incliarge are moving 
on satisfactoiilj'. In August, 18(!4, Mr. Tower en- 
listed in liie Sixth Micliigan Cavalry-, which became 
a part of Sheridan's army, going the front as Cap- 
tain of Company K. lie took part in llie cam- 
paigns in the Siienandoali Vallej- nud participated 
in tiie capture of Lee and Johnson, and afterward 
tooi< part in tlic Grand Review at Washington. 

Mr. Tower was married in September, 18G2, to 
Miss Sarah, daughter of A. M. Bartholomew, of 
Detroit, and the union lias resulted in the birth of 
three children: Elsie, Fred and Marion. The lat- 
ter is now the wife of \V. B. Carpenter, of Chicago. 
Mr. Tower is a Republican, and an active, stanch 
and influential member of his party. He belongs to 
the Knights of Pythias, in which his social quaili- 
lies and kind!}- spirit are duly recognized, lie is 
an .active and useful member of societj', and a po- 
tent factor in extending the business interests of 
Ionia. 



--»*o"®X1^-«>*«- 



^^EORGE 11. MINARD. A book filled with 
(|| a=i the records of the lives of good men is sug- 
^^Jl gestive of the most precious and important 
truths. As was said by one famed in English lit- 
erature, such a book is the " precious life-blood of 
a m.aster spirit, embalmed and treasured u[p on 
purpose to a life beyond life." They serve as po- 
tent examples to each succeeding generation, and 
teach them how to make life a success. As a prom- 
inent farmer of Montcalm Counlj*, Mr. Minard 
deserves representation in a volume designed to 
perpetuate the names of her lending citizens. AVe 
are pleased to invite the attention of our readers 
to liis portrait on the opposite page, and to the 
following brief account of the main events in liis 
life. 

Mr. Minard was bom in Allegheny County, Pa., 
October 2, 1841, and is the son of ,Iolin and 
Rebecca (Ililynrd) Minard, both natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. His mother is a resident of Sidney Town- 
ship, and his father was killed soon after the 
removal of the famih- to Ohio, which occurred when 
George was about six j'cars old. When he was 
twelve years old he removed from Ohio to Noble 



County, Ind., in which State he resided until at the 
age of Iwent}' years he entered the I'nion army. 
In September, 18G1, he enlisted in Company G, 
Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry-. He was ordered 
to Henderson, Ky., and thence to Bowling Green, 
and Ft. Henry, where he fought in the battles of 
Ft. Henry and Ft. Donelson. From there he went 
to Sliiloh and was in that battle April 6 and 7, 
1862. He removed after this to Corinth, Miss., 
and was present at the evacuation, which occurred 
June 3. He was then sent to Sherman's field lios- 
pital in the State of Tennessee, on the ground 
gone over in the march and then to the marine 
hospital at Evansville. October 8, 1862, he re- 
ceived his honorable discharge at Indianapolis, 
Ind. 

After remaining at home until February, 1863, 
this young man who was deeply interested in the 
war, went again into the cmploj' of the Govern- 
ment at Covington, Ky., then at Nicholasville, Ky., 
and on to Camp Nelson. lie carried provisions 
between Camp Nelson and Cumberland Gap, to 
and from different divisions of the army ualil 
about June lo, when he went home again to Indiana. 
In February, 1865, he re-enlisted in Company C, 
One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, 
and was Orderly Sergeant of the companj- which 
w.as organized at Indianapolis. He was sent to 
Uari)er's Ferry, from there to Cliarlestown,and was 
at Wincliesler when Lee surrendered. He enjoyed 
greatly helping to tear down the old prison .ind 
court house where John Brown was tried ami im- 
prisoned. He returned to Grafton and from there 
to I'arkersburg, on the Ohio river after the sur- 
render of Gen. Lee. He received his honorable 
discharge at Charlcstown, W. Va., and returned to 
Indiana August 30, 186'). 

This war veteran now decided to seek the ways 
of peace in domestic life and was married March 
26, 1866, to Mary T. Barns, of Noble County, Ind. 
Thej- found their first home in Edgar County, III., 
but remained there only a year, coming to Michi- 
gan and settling in Allegan County in the fall of 
1867, and making a removal to .Montcalm County 
in the fall of 1871. The first seven years of his 
residence in this Slate he devoted himself to engin- 
eering, and since that time has followed the voca- 



762 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tion of a farmer on the place where lie now resides, 
which has seen great improvement since he took it 
in hand. The four children of his first wife have 
all passed away from earth. His second marriage 
was with Pheba Lenard. This event took place 
May 2, 1880, and the union was of short duration 
as the wife lived only four months. The present 
Mrs. Minard, to whom he was married February 7, 
1881, bore the maiden name of Arena McClow. 
Three children have been born of this union: Mauda 
B., born May 17, 1883; Arthur Blaine, January 5, 
1885; and Kitty M.ay, December 7, 1889. These 
little ones are all living to rejoice tlio hearts of 
their parents. 

Mr. Minard has held the office of Constable for 
some time; has been School Director for eigiil 
years and is now School Inspector and a probable 
candidate for Treasurer. He takes an active in- 
terest in the educational matters at his home. He 
is a Republican in politics and in his religious con- 
victions is connected with the Congregational 
Church. 



ellARLES G. SANDERS. The annals of the 
biographer are the mystic link.s that bind 
the shadowy past to the living, pulsing pres- 
ent, and a truthful record of the lives that are 
measured by deeds and not b}' the cycling years, is 
a theme of surpassing grandeur. Thirty 3'ears, how 
brief the span! and yet, in the simple record of 
those years is a fruitful source of the proof of the 
possibilities of young American manhood. The 
subject of our sketch owed his origin to G. T. and 
Mary (Fairchilds) Sanders, natives of New York, 
which State was also the native place of Charlie. 
The family name indicates their descent from the 
English of Cromwell's time, and they were proba- 
bly among the earlj' settlers of that name to colo- 
nize New York during the Revolutionary period. 
In his early youth Charles was brought by his 
parents to Corunna, Shiawassee County, Mich., 
where he gained a good education, the character of 
which we can conjecture by the effect of his train- 
ing on his mature mental faculties. Already strong 



in the equipoise of a well-developed mind, at the 
age of twentj'-twohe located at Stanton, Montcalm 
County, Mich., and began the study of dentistry'. 
In his pupilage were developed that ambition to 
excel and unconquerable desire to succeed that can 
only reach its fruition through patient stud}- and 
ceaseless application. It was here that the testi- 
mony as to his sterling traits first attracted the at- 
tention of those who so gladly give credence to the 
data of his life. 

On completing the preliminary study of his pro- 
fession our subject began business for himself in 
Stanton, Montcalm County. "Honesty is the best 
policy" was the unwritten law of his business ca- 
reer and the talisman of his success, l' ncorrupta- 
ble in honor, he carried the law of his life into 
business transactions and whatever of reward he 
gained in worldly store came as the golden guerdon 
and legitimate result of industry and ripe judg- 
ment; and wealth gained in such manner brings 
peace, only, in its train. 

A nature of such noliility as that of Dr. Sanders 
turns to the prototype of heaven, a home, for its 
full enjoyment and the woman of his choice to 
whom he was married April 13, 1879, and whose 
devotion to him was as beautiful as sincere, was 
Miss .lennie Philo, a native of Michigan. The bond 
of union was forever sealed in the parentage of two 
children — Gladys Lillian, born Februar}' 4, 1884, 
and Charles Garfield, May 5, 1887. In the enjoy- 
ment of the presence of those loved ones seemed 
his perpetual delight, and around the fireside was 
spent ever}' hour not filled with business cares. 
Scarcely cau we fathom the infinity of bereavement 
caused by the relentless hand of death to her 
who bore the holy name of wife and to the little 
children so early deprived of a father's care. But 
to his descendants he has left the priceless boon of 
his example and thej' can walk in the path trod by 
"father" with unfailing trust that leads to safet}', 
honor and success. 

In the traits of character shown in the two rela- 
tions, in business and in the home, are to be found 
the secrets of his strong friendships, an<l i-are in- 
deed must be the nature that could meet so nearly 
with universal favor. Such a character needs no 
praise to adorn it, and these annals are only a fair 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



763 



\ 



expression of those wliosc relations to liiiii caused 
liieni to know not only the outer hut the inner man. 
.Such a life is loo [)rccious and rare to he lost. The 
standard of manhood of this hrief life is the only 
true one for American youth; what he did, by the 
force of will, you can do, and it adds one more 
leaf to the garland that crowns the brow of him of 
whom it can be truly said ''well done." 

>)ILLIAM V. MITCHELL. The father of 
our subject, Geor-re Mitchell, was a New 
.Jersey farmer and a soldier in the War of 
1812. He married in Jsew York INFary Di.xon, a 
("onnoclicut woman. They made their home in 
.Jefferson and Lewis Counties, N. Y., until 1829, 
when they came to JHchigan and in October set- 
tled on section 13, in Berlin Township (then Cass 
Township.) He bought fortj' acres of wild land, 
and was to chop and clear five acres for Nathaniel 
Pierce in p.ajMiient. He died, however, before the 
job was begun. He came by boat to Detroit, 
thence by ox-team to Ionia. With him were five 
of his children, whom his death in 1841 left home- 
less and penniless. His wife survived until 1864. 
Thej' were the parents of eleven children. Nine 
grew to maturity and two of these are now living. 
His mother w.is a member of the i!a|)tist Church. 
He was in politics a .Tacksonian Democrat. 

William P. Mitchell was born November 10, 
183.5, at Hrownville, .Jefferson County, N. Y. He 
was the youngest child of the family and was but 
four years old when the journey was made to 
Michigan. He attended tlie first organized school 
in this township, which was situated where the 
Coon schoolhouse now stands on the Hellcvueroad. 
This temple of learning was a log shanty, having a 
fireplace in a corner. The door had a wooden latch 
which was lifted by the traditional latch string. 
The first teacher was Eliza Kirkham. After the 
death of his father the family was careil for b}- an 
older brother, Curtis B., who was then about 
seventeen years old. He kept tiie family together, 
sent the younger ones to school, paid for the land 
and fed Ihem on johnny cake. The grim disease 



' ague took hold of them and they learned early to 
shake with him. They had to drink maple and 
beech tree tea. William w.as put to work quite 
young, .as soon as he could earn $5 per month. He 
worked In the summer and attended school in the 
winter. The example of the brave older brother 
was not thrown away upon the younger children, 
but had its influence in the formation of their 
characters. 

William has always been an industrious and 
hard-working farmer. He chopped and cleared 
about two hundred acres with his own hands. He 
began for himself when nineteen years of age, but 
worked very little by the month as he used to 
chop and log land by the job. He bargained for 
his first piece of land in the fall of 1854. It was 
eighty acres, on the spot where he now lives on 
section 4, of Berlin Township. He paid aboutone- 
third of the cost and went in debt for the balance. 
Clearing five acres of it he proceeded to build a 
log house which he completed in the fall of 1858. 

William Mitchell married, March G, 1859, 
Louisa .S. Crane, a daughter of .John W. and Sarah 
(.Jones) Crane. Mrs. Mitchell's father, a stone- 
mason, was born in New Jersey, and her mother 
w.as a n.ative of New York. They came to Michi- 
gan in 1834 and settled in Novi Township, Oak- 
land County, upon a raw farm which he proceeded 
to improve and lived there until his death in 1858. 
His wife survived him until 1877. Of theireleven 
children seven arc now living. Mrs. Mitchell w.as 
the tenth in order of birth and was born No- 
vember 2, 1834, in Oakland County. After mar- 
riage this young couple came to their homestead 
and settled March 21, 1859, in their log house. 
Jlr. Mitchell h.as cleared off sixty-six acres of this 
farm and has it in a high state of cultivation, so 
that he able to carry on successfully his mixed 
farming operations. All improvements to be seen 
on this farm were i)laced there by his own hands 
and his present residence was built in 1878. He 
came onto this section entirely empty-handed. 

Of their four children two are now living: 
Elora E., l)orn .January 25, ISfiO, died in infancy; 
Frank C, born August 23, 18C2; .John O., born 
•July 31, 18C4,died Decembers, 1881 ; Thomas W., 
born July 31, 18CG. Frank C. has been a student 



764 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



at tlie Ionia High School and has since taught ten 
terms in Berlin Township, four of which in succes- 
sion were taught in his iiome district. He was 
also School Inspector for two years. Mr. Mitchell 
still carries on the farm with the help of his two 
sons. He is interested in all matters of public 
import, is a member of the Patrons of Industry and 
of the Grange. In the latter organization he has 
held the otiice of Overseer one year, of Master 
two years and of Lecturer three years. He belongs 
to the Boston Lodge, No. 146, of the Masonic 
order at Saranac, in which he has been Junior 
Warden. For eleven years in succession he has 
held office on the School Board, and has been 
Supervisor of Berlin Township and also Treasurer 
for five years. From 1884 to 1886 he was Under 
Sheriff. For two years he has been Director in the 
Ionia County Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company. He has been Notary Public and for 
seven j'ears past has acted as agent for the insur- 
ance company. He has taken a great interest in 
politics, voting the Democratic ticket, and has fre- 
quently been appointed delegate to both county 
and State conventions. 

An essay read bj' Mr. Mitchell before Conviction 
Lodge, Patrons of Industry, at Eddy Schoolhouse, 
January IG, 1891, is given below: 

My FmsT Fodrth of Juli' Celebration. 

" It has been said, and perhaps trutiifully, that 
with all human beings there are in old age some 
bright and sunny spots upon which the retrospect- 
ive eye can rest in looking over the dim and misty 
past. Something that is ever fresh and green in 
the mind, down to death's dark hour. Such is the 
case with myself in looking back along the patlis 
over which I once traveled. My first Fourtlu of 
.July celebration is one spot that is still fresh in m}' 
memory and will ever be. If I remember rightly 
it was forty-three 3'ears ago. I was at that time 
twelve years of age, living with my brother, C. B. 
Mitchell, and going to school at what is now known 
as the Coon district. In those days there were no 
millionaires in Ionia County and school children 
were not extravagantly dressed. My outfit for 
school, for church, for Fourth of July and for all 
occasions consisted of a straw hat, one pair of 



pants (factory cloth), one pair of suspenders 
(factory cloth), one shirt (factory cloth). Coat 
and vest I had none. The pants and suspenders 
were colored with the dye make from soft maple 
bark; the sliirt was white. My hat was homemade 
from rye straw braided and sewed by my mother's 
hand. My feet were clothed in Nature's garb. 

" The settlers arranged to have a celebration 
upon the coming Fourth of July a mile and one- 
i)alf south of Coon schoolhouse and eight miles 
south of Ionia City. As the time drew near my 
school did me but little good, and at least two 
weeks prior to the great event the good time com- 
ing was constantly in ray mind. At last the 3d of 
July arrived and joy swelled my bosom. My 
mother had promised to let me go home from 
school with the boys who lived in the neighbor- 
hood where the celebration was to be held, and at 
an early hour I was making tracks along my two- 
mile winding path tlirough the woods to the school- 
house. The most interesting event of that day was 
that school was dismissed promptly at 4 o'clock 
P. M., as near as the teacher could guess. About 
half past three o'clock the next morning found us 
up and dressed and on the road to the Tamarack 
Swamp, wading through nettles up to our armpits 
a mile or more. When I went into that sea of 
nettles the tops of my feet looked somewhat like 
toad's backs, as they had not fully recovered from 
the 'chaps' that the cool spring weather had 
caused. But when I came out the "chaps" were 
all gone, and my feet were covered with blood and 
my legs seemed all on fire, but my pockets were 
full of tamarack gum, which seemed to have a 
soothing efi'ect on the bodily anguish I then en- 
dured. The hours passed by and about 10 o'clock 
the delegations came pouring in from east, north 
and northwest until the crowd numbered probably 
forty or forty-five souls (allowing but one soul for 
each body). People came for nine miles with ox- 
tcams, the men on foot swinging the whip in their 
right hand and a large bush in their left to avoid 
being devoured by mosquitoes. 

"A short piece of a shot gun barrel was used as 
a cannon until it burst, wounding the old man 
Butler in the rear. The wound bled freely but 
proved to be nothing serious. All this time the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



765 



good old Irisb mothers were arranging tables in the 
wilderness, preparing to feed the multitudes and 
fighting mosquitoes to the best of their ability. At 
last dinner w.ns announced. The grown folks were 
to eat first, the table beinij too small to accommo- 
date all. After dinner came the oration. Luke 
llarwood w.as called upon to 'orate' and rcsi)onded 
with some very appropriate remarks, lie w.as fol- 
lowed by Asa Houghton. During his preliminary 
remarks the announcement was made that there 
was room .at the table for the children, and that is 
all I remember about his oration. 

" I seated myself at the table and had a rich 
feast. For the first time in a long, long while I 
had all the wheat bread I could eat, well covered 
with leaky butter. After dinner the young people 
favored the audience with vocal music which in 
these days would be styled music by the Glee 
Club. The first song was ' The Bride's Farewell,' 
and now after the lapse of more than forty years 
that mournful wail sounds in my ears. 

' Farewell mother 1 Tears are streaming,' 

I will name a few of the songs sung: 'Cruel Bar- 
bara Allen,' ' Bonnie Light Horseman' and ' Dog 
and Gun.' Luke Harwood remarked that the 
singing w;is good, and the songs were good, but he 
thought them hardly appropriate. He volunteered 
two. The first was ' Bold Dighton,' and the sec- 
ond w!is an historical ballad, giving a description 
of the naval battle between the American ' Hornet' 
and the British ' Peacock.' The afternoon waned 
away and our shadows leaned to the eastward. 

"The ol<l peoi)le began to journey homeward, 
while the 3'oung and middle aged repaired to the 
house of Zophur Alderman to join in a jovial 
dance. Arriving at the house the men pulled off 
their stoga boots, and their socks serving as slip- 
pers they were ready with the girls for a dance. 
Kemember it was pioneer days and no fiddler was 
to be had. The country was too new for that, but 
we had one mighty singer. They formed for an 
eight-hand reel, and the singer stood upon a log 
lieuch and sang all night long the same tune, 

' Ri-doodle, doodle, do 
Ri-doodle, dandy.' 

■^hen he danced he sang the same tune and same 



words, except when he became a little out of 
breath, when he would sometimes change 'Ri- 
doodle' to ' Ri-duddle.' I would not think it possi- 
ble to live through one night and go through what 
he did on that great and glorious Fourth of July. 
'Ihat was the first dance I ever attended. My eyes 
beheld great sights, my ears heard melodious 
sounds and my stomach had a great feast on that 
great day. 

"I cannot call to mind any celebration that af- 
forded me as much pleasure as this, and now after 
more than forty j'ears my mind turns back to it 
with pleasure. Many of those friends have passed 
the Jordan of Death and are now numbered among 
the pale nations. Part of that host have crossed the 
flootl and part are crossing now. The "Ri-doodle' 
man still lingers on this side of Jordan's ware, 
unable to perform manual labor, his lungs nearly 
gone, a mere living skeleton. I have often 
thought that if the wise physician of to da^' were 
to examine his case and to learn his early habits he 
would look wise, shake his head «nd assign as the 
cause of his condition, too much 'doodle, do,' loo 
much 'doodle, dandy.' " 



ALLETT G. BENTLEY, a native of Steu- 
ben County, N. Y., was born July 10, 1829. 
His father, James Bentlej, was a native of 
Beekman, Dutchess County, N. Y., and the 
mother, who bore the maiden name of Esther 
Marshall, was also born in Dutchess County. Af- 
ter their marri.age there they removed to Steuben 
Count}', later to Daricn, Genesee County. In 1812, 
when our subject was about thirteen years old, ho 
accompanied his parents to this Stale, the trip being 
made across Lake Erie in the steamer "Robert Ful- 
ton," and they sojourned in Farmington, Oakland 
County, from May of 1842 until the following Feb- 
ruary. They then commenced the journej' to Ionia 
County, where the father had two hundred acres 
of wild land, which none of the family had ever 
seen. 

Before leaving Farmington. Jlr. Bcnlley ex- 
changed his horses for two yoke of oxen, and the 



766 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



household goods being loaded in a wagon drawn by 
two yoke of oxen, the leaders (his brotlier AVilliam 
driving the wheel oxen) were led by Hallett 
by means of ropes attached to rings through 
their noses. Numerous incidents, both amusing 
and annoying, marked tiie progress of such an ex- 
pedition. When they had come as far as fifteen 
miles east of Lyons, and were going over a very 
rough primitive road, the covered wagon, in which 
the father, mother and sister were riding, slipped 
off the icy road over an embankment, but fortu- 
nately no one was hurt, a feather bed helping to 
break their fall. The wagon landed against a fence, 
thirty feet from tlie road ; the father was thrown 
over the fence, but the mother and sister were un- 
der the load, and by hurriedly tearing off the cov- 
ering of the wagon, they were pulled out none too 
soon to save them from suffocation. 

After this accident the mother and sister walked 
the remaining distance, fifteen miles, to Lyons, as 
they feared they would not again escape unharmed 
if a similar accident occurred. When within a 
half mile (jf tlieir destination, the father noticing 
the grubs and brush were very high and thick on 
the old Chauncy Goodwin farm, remarked that it 
his land looked like that he would never unload the 
goods. However, they were all much pleased with 
the ai)pearance of the place, as the fires had kept 
the brush down. Tiie work of improvement com- 
menced at once, and our subject assisted in this 
pioneer labor until in February, 1849, when he 
went to Indiana with his eldest brother Hezekiah, 
By contrast to his emigrant team he found tliat a 
coach and four had a great attraction for him, and 
he engaged to drive a stage from Rochester to Lo- 
gansport, Ind., for a time. This he did for tlie 
Western Stage Company. 

The great lumbering Concord coacii, the notes of 
the liorn proclaiming its approach, the merry-mak- 
ing passengers that often fell to its lot, are all things 
of the past. The horses of steel have usurped the 
place of the horses of flesh, while the rumble of the 
cars has taken the place of the rattle of the coach 
wheel, and the whistle of the locomotive reaches 
farther tlian did of old, the tooting of the horn. 
When this change carae in methods of transporta- 
tion our stage driver gave up that occupation, and 



rather than follow his coach horses to the Western 
plains, chose to apply himself to blacksmithiug, 
which work he took up in Ionia. He also followed 
it in Otisco for twelve years before the war. Dur- 
ing his sojourn in Indiana he was sick for seven 
weeks with typhoid fever, and one hour and a 
quarter with the Asiatic cholera. Upon his return 
home his health very pour, but by going to work 
he recovered health and appetite, and since then he 
has looked upon good, honest labor as a panacea 
for most of the ills to which humanity is heir. 

Tabor Bentley, the grandfather of our subject 
was a decided Whig in the days of that party, and 
was a participant as a soldier in the Revolutionary 
War. In connection with his record it is of inter- 
est to note that his devotion to the Colonial inter- 
ests aroused the enmity of some of his family. His 
brother William was loyal to England, and was 
known as a tory or as they were sometimes then 
called a (^ueensman. The same spirit of patriotism 
that had inspired Tabor Bentley roused his grand- 
son to action, and in 1862, when the call for three 
hundred thousand men was issued by the lamented 
Lincoln, then President, he threw down his ham- 
mer and helped to raise a company, of which he 
enlisted fifty-one. Mr. Bentley enlisted August 8, 
18G2, and became a member of Compan3' B, Twen- 
ty-fifth Michigan Infantry. He was made Third 
Sergeant in his com[)any, and served two years and 
eleven months, enduring many hardshii)s from ex- 
posure. He was offered a captaincy in the Sixth 
United States Infantry, but refused on account of 
poor health. 

The regiment went through the various scenes of 
the war not without honor or bloodshed. They 
were in the southwestern department and accom- 
panied Sherman in his march to the sea, but the ex- 
posure of camp life impaired the health of our sub- 
ject to such an extent that he was unable to do 
field dut}', but being anxious to serve in the army 
as long as possible, he was detailed to aid in the 
work of recruiting for the service, in which he was 
unusually- successful. At the close of the war he 
was mustered out of service July 8, 18G5, and go- 
ing to Chicago, kept a restaurant there for a time, 
lie then returned to Ionia, where he has since lived. 
For three or four years he kept a "tavern" as it 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



767 



was called in those duj-s, but during that period he 
was in ill-healtii, disease having faslened on him as 
on many otiier soldier boys who endiuxvl liardships 
in the camp and on the field. 

I'ndisiuajed by his poor health and slender 
purse, Mr. Bentley was ambitious for success and in 
186;j bought tlie old tavern property on time. His 
friends declared it was folly and said tiiat he could 
not meet his obligations, but he cleared his prop- 
erty of debt, and was prosperous in tlio pursuit of 
his business. Two years ago a disastrous fire lev- 
eled the building to the ground. In 1872 he re- 
turned to blacksmithing, a business he has since 
successfully |)rosocuted, combined with farming, as 
he purchased land iu 1883. He has been a Repub- 
lican ever since the party was organized, casting 
his first vote for John C. Fremont, and never miss- 
ing a vote for President since. He became a mem- 
ber of the Church of Christ iu Ionia in the winter 
of 1879. 

On March 2o, 1851, Mr. IJentlcy was united in 
marriage with Miss Eunice, the daughter of I'aul 
P. Hewitt, an early pioneer of Olisco, and of the 
union two sons were born: Ralph S., a farmer in 
Ionia County; and Ja3- H., who lives in Dakota. 
The wife and mother died in October, 1806, and 
Mr. I5entley was again married January 3, 1870, 
choosing as his bride Addie R. Onians, a native of 
Onondaga County, N. Y. Their congenial wedded 
life was blessed to them by the birth of two chil- 
dren, one of whom, Millie M., died when eight 
months old. The son survives, Roy L., who is now 
a student of medicine in the Slate University at 
Ann Arbor. As would naturall}' be supposeil, Mr. 
Bentley is a member of the (Jrand Army of the Re- 
(lublic, and he also belongs to the Masonic order. 
His life has been uneventful, but not unhapp}'. He 
has alnaj'S been cmiilo^'ed, tLercbj- escaping the 
misfortunes attending the career of the idler. Mr. 
Bentley has been a hard worker all his life, and 
was an expert at horse-shoeing. He has frequently 
shod eight span of horses in one day, taking off, 
refitting and setting their shoes without a.ssistanee. 
At the age of sixty-two he is still following his 
trade, although naturally he is obliged to take 
things a little glower. For the last twenty j-ears 
be has adopted the pay-as-you-go system, tfking 



as his motto, "owe no man anything," and finds it 
a success. He remembers, as among the happiest 
days of his life, the early pioneer times, when deer, 
bears an<l turkeys fell the victims of his unerring 
rifle, and when the family for months would have 
no other meat excepting the venison with which he 
kept them supplied. 



5^<N^'< - 



\|7 ORENTITS 15. .SOULK. This gentleman 
jl (p belongs to the bar of Ionia, Ionia County, 
(Jl^) and is one of the lawyers of the city who 
are well versed in legal lore and anxious to use 
their knowledge in such a way as to subserve the 
interests of justice. He h.as not accumulated a large 
property, but has the approval of his own con- 
science and the regard of those to whom his gen- 
erous nature has endeared him. He has ever been 
openliearted toward those who were in need, givino- 
way to his generous impulses, and taking a share 
in whatever would increase the ha|)[)iness of others, 
even to the extent of more than orilinary self- 
sacrifice. To those who count success by dollars and 
cents, his life might seem a failure, but when 
looked at from the standpoint of righteousness and 
usefulness, it is seen to be quite the opposite. 

As the patronymic indicates the Soule family is 
of French extraction. The parents of our subject 
were Job and Phebe (St. John) Soulc, both of 
whom were born in Saratoga Count}-, N. Y. The 
father was a farmer and was the possessor of a good 
property. In his family Lorentus was the sixth 
child and his birth took place in Montgomery 
County, N. Y., August 8, 1831. The lad attended 
the district school and then studied in a select school 
two years under a superior teacher — Prof. Winans. 
He took up the study of law, alternating it with 
teaching, his reading being done in the oflice of 
Field A Foster. He was admitted to the bar Sep- 
tember 11, 1852, at Cortland viile, N. Y.. and the 
following September opened an olTice in Friend- 
ship, Allegany County, remaining there until A|)ril, 
1857. 

In 1850 he was nominated l)y the American party 



768 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for District Attorney, but was beaten in the race. 
A year later lie bade adieu to tbe East and estab- 
lished himself in Ionia in partnership with A. F. 
Bell. In this city he remained until January, 1860, 
when he opened an office in Detroit, but continued 
there only until August, 1861. Returning to Ionia 
he formed a partnership with W. B. Wells and the 
connection between the gentlemen continued until 
1864, after which ]\Ir. Soule practiced alone six 
years. He then went to Chicago, 111., which was 
his home until about the time of the great fire 
when he became a resident of Grand Haven, this 
State. In August, 1872, he returned again to Ionia 
and here he has remained, giving earnest heed to 
his professional work and such other affairs as his 
character leads him to take an interest in. 

Since September 14, 1853, the joys and sorrows 
of Mr. Soule have been shared by a faithful wife, 
whose maiden name was Martha A. Nelson and 
whose early home was in Otsego County, N. Y. 
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Soule and two survive. Frank A., who was born 
September 6, 1856, lives in Ionia, and Charlotte 
A. is still at home. Mrs. Soule died March 14, 
1891, after a lingering illness. She was a member 
of the Christian Church, to which Mr. Soule and 
his daughter also belong. In politics Mr. Soule is 
a Republican. 



^S^ SMOND TOWER was born in Massachusetts, 
|l I February 16, 1811, and was a genealogical 
^^^ descendant of John Tower, who emigrated 
from Hingham, England, to Ilingbani, New Eng- 
land, in 1609. Mr. Tower passed his youth in the 
Bay State, but having resolved to locate in the 
West came to Michigan in 1835, and was so 
well pleased with the prospects of Ionia, Ionia 
County, that he decided to locate here permanently. 
Accordingly he returned to Massachusetts for his 
family, whom he brought to this county in March, 
1836. 

Mr. Tower was married September 1, 1834, to 
Miss Martha Gallagher, who is now residing at Uie 
old homestead. After locating here he became 
identified with the best interests of the county, and 



was a prominent factor in its growth. He served 
as United States Marshal of the Western District of 
Michigan, being appointed by Abraham Lincoln, 
and for forty j-ears was a member of the School 
Board of Ionia. It is fitting that one so thoroughly 
identified with the development of the State and 
county should be represented in a volume contain- 
ing the biographical records of the pioneers, who 
braved dangers, encountered innumerable hard- 
ships and overcame countless obstacles in the path 
of progress. Too much cannot be said in their 
praise, and the pages of history should perpetuate 
their careers for the i^erusal of coming generations. 



/^) IIARLES L. DOLPH is an intelligent young 
(|(^1 man who is employed as manager of the F. 
^^^' Neff & Prestle Company, in the manufacture 
of lumber and shingles at Harrison, Clare County, 
Mich. He is the youngest son of L. H. and Surah 
(Akins) Dolph, of Montcalm County, and was born 
in New Lyme, Ohio, December 29, 1867. The next 
year he was brought by his parents to Montcalm 
Count}', Mich. He attended the common schools 
and after that the High School at Stanton. 

At the age of nineteen Charles entered Alma 
College and in the course of time was graduated 
from the business department. He then went into 
the employ of H. P. Smith at Saginaw, and after- 
ward entered the service as book-keeper and ste- 
nographer of C. H. Pluramer, of Saginaw. In this 
gentleman he found a noble-hearted and friendly 
employer and they became stanch friends. He 
then engaged as traveling salesman for F. Neff & 
Prestle and later took charge of the mill which he 
is now operating, which had been run ilown under 
a bad system of credit. He succeeded in building 
up here a successful business. 

Although now under twenty-five years of age 
Cbarles L. Dolph is a thorough and practical 
manufacturer of lumber. He is a brilliant young 
man and has a future before him of no mean 
promise. While in attendance at Alma College he 
became acquainted witii Miss Dora Spraguc, who 
was born at St. Louis, Mich. In September, 1889, 



PORTRAIT AND BFOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



769 



these younj.' people were united in marriage at 
St. Louis, and have estahlislied a happy home at 
Harrison. Mr. Dolph is a Republican in politics 
and keenly alive to matters of public interest. 



-S^^- 



RS. MKLISSA CONVERSE, residing on 
section 20, Keene Townsliip, Ionia Count\-, 
is a native of Genesee County, N. Y. 
where she was born October 28, 1832. 
She is a daughter of Ozias and Hannah (Lamb) 
Smith, both natives of New York. In the Revolu- 
tionarj' days her grandfather Lamb was taken a 
prisoner by the Indians. Mrs. Converse emigrated 
with her parents in 1838 to Washtenaw County, 
IMich. They came by lake to Detroit, passing 
through that city when it was a small town. From 
there they teamed it to Washtenaw County, where 
they resided until the death of both her parents. 
Four of her parents' seven children are still living 
— John, Nancy, Mrs. Brainard; Jeanette, Mrs. 
Cook and Mrs. Converse. 

Mr. and Airs. Smith were among the representa- 
tive pioneers of W.ishtenaw County. The mother 
belonged to the Baptist Cliurch and the father to 
the Christian Church. Their daughter Melissa was 
reared to womanhood in Washtenaw County and 
received the best education which they could give 
her in that day. Her marriage with Adin Con- 
verse took place February 19, 1853. Her husband 
was born August 5, 1813, in New York State. He 
was a son of Perrin and Phoebe Converse, both 
New Yorkers. He received a fair common-school 
education in his youth and was an extensive reader, 
being largely self-educated. He was in tlie ser- 
vice of the country during the Seminole War in 
Florida and took part iu a number of fights. 

From the union of Mr. and Mrs. Converse ten 
children were born, seven of whom still survive: 
(jeorge; Josei)liine, wife of Lewis Watson; Frank; 
Carrie, wife of A. Vanderbrook; Frederick; Cora, 
wife of Clarence Peck; and Ida. In 18.J3 Mr. and 
Mrs. Converse removed from Washtenaw County 
to Ionia County- and settled on the farm now occu- 
pied by Mrs. Converse. They underwent the 



usual hardships incident to the founding of a home 
in an unbroken forest, and the wife assisted her 
husband materially in the various duties which 
fell ui)on him. She now owns eighty .acres of 
excellent and well-tilled land. 

Mr. Converse departed this life March 7, 1877, 
respected by all who knew him. In his death the 
county lost one of her most honorable citizens. He 
was a Republican with Greenback proclivities. 
He held various ollices in the gift of the township, 
and was alwaj-s active in promoting the best inter- 
ests of the community, especially in the line of 
education. He was a member of the Free Metho- 
dist Church, in the belief of which lie carefully and 
affectionately trained his children, who will never 
cease to mourn his loss. Although he has long 
since gone to ''that bourne from which no traveler 
returns,'' yet his memory is still cherished by those 
who knew and revered him. Ilis neighborly kind- 
nesses and his strict integrity made him well wor- 
thj' of imitation not only by his posterity but by 
all who knew him. 



^^ICHOLAS ROACH is one of the prosper- 
ous farmers of North Plains Township, 
Ionia County, who began life there with 
very limited means. He has two hundred anc^ 
eighty acres of well-improved land but when he 
came liere his purse contained but 85. He is doing 
a large farming business and has one hundred head 
of sheep and other stock in proportion. He is a 
Democrat in politics and notwithstanding the 
changes in the administration he held the PostolUco 
for twent3'-Cve years. This one fact shows the 
confidence and esteem of his neighbors. 

The subject of this sketch was born in County 
Wexford, Ireland, in 1821. His parents, David 
and Mary (Mylon) Roach, were born, married and 
died at the old home in Ireland. They were the 
parents of one daughter and one son. The subjccft 
of this sketch received his early education in the 
Emerald Isle and came to New York in 1851. He 
emigrated to Michigan, and located in North Plains 
Township. Ionia County, on section 11. Here he 



770 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



built a log house aud improved the place. He 
had married in Now York before coming to Mich- 
igan in 1851, Mary Roach, a native of Ireland. 
They were the parents of one child, David, who 
now resides in Colorado. The mother of David 
died in 1853 aud she was hud to rest in the North 
Plains oeniclery. 

The second marriage of Mr. Roach took place 
in 1857. His wife was Margaret Mylon. They 
were the parents of six children, Maggie, deceased, 
Mary, Staze, Nicholas, Patrick, and Thomas. Their 
mother died in 188G and was also buried in the 
North Plains cemetery. Mr. Roach is always inter- 
ested in public affairs and is earnest in endeavoring 
to build up the interests of the community. 



y,.,' BE L. MOON. This gentleman has an 
<M/ul honorable rank among the young farmers 
of Ionia Count}', and like other native-born 
citizens is continuing with characteristic 
energy the development that was begun by the pio- 
neers many decades since. He was born in Otisco 
Township, June 6, 1865, and owns and operates a 
farm of eighty' acres, his residence being not far 
from his birthplace. Sixty acres of this land is 
improved and good buildings have been erected 
upon it, including everything that is necessaiy for 
the furtherance of his work. 

In Herkimer County, N. Y.,Geoige Moon, father 
of our subject, was born, and thence he removed to 
this State about 1834. In 1845 he established him- 
self in Otisco Township, buying eighty acres of 
land on which he remained until called hence, No- 
vember 5, 1887. He was married in Smyrna to 
Rachel Willetts, daughter of Amos Willetts, who 
was a native of Niagara County, N. Y. The only 
surviving child of Mr. and Mrs. George Moon is 
he whose life is our topic, the others having died 
in infancy. The father served as Justice of the 
Peace two terms. 

The educational advantages afforded by tlie 
schools during the childhood aud youth of Abe L. 
Moon were sufficient to give him all necessary 
knowledge regarding the practical topics and he 



made good use of his opportunities. With the 
exception of a year spent in Dakota, his time until 
lie was of age was spent at home. A few mouths 
after attaining his majority he married, the riles of 
wedlock being celebrated between him and Miss 
Lizzie Buell, January 17, 1888. The congenial 
union has been blest by the birth of a son, Clayton, 
whose natal day was January 3, 1800. Mr. Moon 
belongs to the Patrons of Industry and to the 
Republican party. Intelligent, of manly character 
and genial manners, he is well regarded by his asso- 
ciates and his future promises to be prosperous. 

Mrs. Moon is the daughter of T. S. and Mary 
(Rogersou) Bueli, whose home is at Smyrna, where 
Mr. Buell is engaged at the trade of a carpenter. 
He is a native of Connecticut and Mrs. Buell was 
born in England. Besides Mrs. Moon their family 
includes three children — Martha B., George and 
Willie. Mrs. Moon received a good education aud 
such instruction in domestic duties and social 
affairs as have fitted her for the place she occupies 
at home and in societ}'. 



4-H|.=^K^sf+-J— 



/^ EORG E W V HSTER. This name belongs to 
I'll ,_-, the list of energetic and intelligent men 

^^41 "'lo have made of Ionia County what it is 
today, a thriving agricultural region, whose people 
are contented and happy, enjoying the best things 
of modern civilization. Mr. Wurster is located on 
section 1, Easton Township, where be took posses- 
sion of a good farm in 1884. His estate which con- 
sists of seventy-seven acres, is productive and 
thoroughly iinprovetl, among the buildings upon 
it being a fine brick dwelling, put up by him the 
year he came here. In connection with ordinary- 
farming Mr. AVurster pays considerable attention 
to raising high grade Durham cattle. His citizen- 
ship of Ionia County dates much farther back than 
the year mentioned and he has done much work 
here, chiefly in Ionia Township, which was his home 
for nearly a quarter of a century. 

Mr. Wurster was born in the historic region 
known as the Black Forest, in Wurtemburg, Ger- 
manj", March 18, 1837. He was the eldest son in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIOAL ALBUM, 



771 



the family of George aud Maiy (Kern) Wursler, 
who were of old Geriuau families. His education 
ill his native language was quite good, anil since 
he came to America he has become familiar with 
English, so that he has been :'.ble to keep »[> with 
the times in gleaning news in either tongue. He 
took pass.'igc at Havre on the sailing vessel "Wil- 
liam Tell" in the fall of 1852, and after a voyage 
of little more than a month landed in New York 
City, October 23. He came direct to this Stale, 
making Washtenaw County his objective point, 
and worked there by the month as a farm hand for 
several years, receiving from 1^7 to ^15 as his 
wages. 

From that county he came to Ionia which has 
been his permanent abode. For some time lie con- 
tinued the work in which he had previously been 
engaged and he also clerked in a store for a few 
months. After his marriage which took place Jul}' 
5, 18G2, he settled upon a farm and lived as do 
others who are building up their (iiianues, improv- 
ing his condition from j'ear to year and enlarging 
his farming operations. It will be seen that he has 
made good use of his time when we note the fact 
that he landed in New York with twenty-five cents, 
and an indebtedness of ^15 hanging over him. 
Selfraade in the iinancial sense, he has won his com- 
petence by honest industry and the exercise of 
wise economy. While in Ionia Township he served 
two terms as Treasurer and two as Supervisor, with 
creilit to himself and his constituents. Since he 
came to Kaston Township he has discharged the 
duties of Supervisor one year. 

The wife of Mr. VVurster was born in Ontario 
County, N. Y., March 22, 1828, and is a daughter 
of Alexander and (Jrizle (Chapman) Armstrong. 
Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her 
mother of Connecticut, and the i)aternal ancestors 
were Scotch. Her mother's father was a Revolu- 
tionary soldier. She remained in her native State 
until she was eight years old, when she came with 
her parents to Washtenaw County where Mr. and 
Mrs. Armstrong died. Mr. Armstrong had been 
twice married and was the father of seven children 
but two of whom are now living: Elizabeth, wife 
of Hiram Mace, in Utah, and Emily J., wife of our 
subject. The latter grew to maturity in this State 



and in 1850 was married to M. M. Armstrong who 
died in 1851), leaving her with four children. Her 
sons an<l daughters by that marriage are Alice, now 
the wife of Charles Castle, of Ionia Township; 
Adelaide, who married Charles Hoyt and lives in 
Detroit; Theodore, a resident of Minnesota, and 
Malhew, whose home is in Ronald Townshii). Mrs. 
Wurster has borne her present husband one daugh- 
ter, Mary E., who lives in Ionia Township and iii 
the wife of Henry Robertson. 

Mr. Wurster is convinced of the worth of Repub- 
lican principles and is their unfailing supporter. 
He is identified with the Patrons of Industry and 
takes a genuine interest in such movements as he 
believes will be for the benefit of society. He con- 
tributes to the support of religious institutions, al- 
though ho is not a church member, but his estima- 
ble wife belongs to the Presbyterian Society. She 
is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, capa- 
ble of doing much to advance the social life of the 
section, and with hvv husbaiul she is active and 
esteemed. 



•^^^ 



\1/UDGE ALFRED M. WILLETT isoneof the 
most favorably known of Ionia's citizens. He 
has an excellent record as a soldier, is known 
'f^^ to have shown business ability of a high 
order, and in Ids connection with public affairs he 
has advanced the interests of his constituents by 
zealously advocating wise projects in wliicli they 
were engaged. Ho is a native of the Empire 
State and is descended from the old Knickerbocker 
stock which settled in the Hudson River Valley in 
an early day. His mother was a daughter of Will- 
iam Willett, of New Jersey. The original name 
of the Willett family was Smith, but by an act of 
the Legislature of Michigan was changed to Wil- 
lelt. The father of Judge Willett was Alfred F. 
Smith, who was born at Hrookhaven, L. I., in 
1801, and died in the Empire Slate in August, 
1844. He was a tanner, currier, farmer and shoe- 
maker. Mrs. Hannah (Smith) Willett breathed 
her last December 28, 1874, having survived her 
husband thirty years. The parental family con- 



772 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sisteil of five children, of whom those now living 
are: Gordon A. and Alfred Milan, of Ionia; and 
James W., a lumberman at Stanton, Montcalm 
County. The deceased are Abram "\V., who died 
in Wayne County, N. Y., and Jane, wife of James 
R. Curamings, whose demise occurred at Augusta, 
Kalamazoo County, this State. 

Alfred M. AVillett was born in Oswego County, 
N. Y., April 18, 1829, and his early home was on 
a farm. After bis father's death he learned the 
carpenter's trade, working at it in the summer and 
traching in the winter. He bad become well 
versed in the common branches and had the tact 
and perseverance necessary to one who would be 
an instructor of youth. In 1850 he made his way 
to Minnesota and spent a summer at St. Anthony's 
Falls, now East Minneapolis. In November of the 
same year he returned to New York, where he re- 
mained until the tlie fall of 1853. His next change 
of residence was to this State, and from his ar- 
rival in Ionia County until 18G0 he worked at his 
trade in Muir. In the latter part of that year 
he bought a farm and abandoned his trade for 
the life of a farmer. 

The war broke in upon Mr. Willett's dreams of 
quiet, rural life, and in 1861 he recruited a com- 
pany which, in the early months of its career, 
was popularly known as ''Willett's Fifth Company 
of Sharp-Sliooters." It was mustered into Col. 
Berdan's famous regiment and did a great deal of 
duty on outposts and as skirmishers. It was one 
of the six companies of sharp-shooters organized 
in Michigan and of its one hundred and eleven 
members Ionia Countj' contributed forty-eight, 
Montcalm thirty, AVashtenaw eleven, Eaton seven, 
Clinton four, St. Joseph three, and Ingham, Wayne, 
Monroe and St. Clair each one. The company 
rendezvoused at Detroit and was mustered into 
service March 4, 1862. Capt. Willett was in active 
service thirteen months, when he resigned on 
account of disability. 

After his return from Southern battlefields Capt. 
Willett made his farm one of the best in the vi- 
cinity, rendering it popular by his great success 
in breeding fine sheep. In 1880 he was elected a 
member of the Legislature, and re-elected in 1882. 
IJe has Jield various minor offices and in 1888 



was elected Probate Judge. He is President of 
the Central Fair Association and of the Mutual 
Fire Insurance Company, is now serving liis third 
term as a Director of the first corporation and is 
also a Director of the County Fair Association. 
He takes an active interest in agricultural matters 
and the farmers find in him a wise courselor and 
stanch friend. 

At the bride's home in New York, September 8, 
1852, Judge Willett was married to Miss Julia 
Yager, daughter of Wandel Yager. Tlie happy 
union has been blest by the birth of three chil- 
dren, the youngest of whom, Allie J., is at home. 
Eva M. is the wife of James Bamborough, of Ionia 
Township, and Carrie H. is married to John D. 
Strachan, a druggist in Muir. Judge and Mrs. 
Willett are active and devoted members of the 
Church of Christ and respond liberally to all its 
calls upon their lime or means. The Judge is a 
most estimable citizen, a friend of the poor, a 
helper of the weak and a thoroughly honest and 
conscientious man. In politics the Judge is, and 
always has been, a stanch Republican. 



kARS P. SORENSON, a merchant at Lake 
View, was born in Denmark, near Copen- 
hagen, February 24, 1845. He is a son of 
Soren Nelson and Tina L. P. .Sorenson, natives of 
Denmark, where they lived and died. Both par- 
ents were earnest and consistent members of the 
Lutheran Church, and brought up their seven chil- 
dren in that faith. They trained them earnestly in 
habits of industry and frugality and instructed 
them according to the best opportunities furnished 
in their country. Our subject was the first-born, 
and now is the sole survivor of the family. 

In 1868 L. P. Sorenson came to America with- 
out money and without the ability to speak the 
English language. He trusted alone to his honest 
intentions to earn a livelihood, and his willingness 
to do hard work. He had an excellent trade and 
one that would commasd patronage in a new coun- 
try. He caqie to GyeenvUle, Mich,, and worked at 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



773 



cabinet-making for eiglit 3'enrs. He tlien removed 
to Luke View, April 1, 1876, and engaged in the 
mercantile liu.siness on a small scale. 

Mr. Sorenson is the pioneer merchant of the vil- 
lege, and his prosperity is the direct result of pluck 
and perseverance, coupled with the confidence al- 
ways granted to a man of integrity. He opened up 
his store with less than 81,000 worth of goods, 
which he bought on credit. His business has stc.id- 
ily grown, and he now carries a stock of about 
i|il5,000 of general merchandise. He ha.s now been 
in business longer than any man in Lake View, and 
h.as a large trade, and the general confidence of the 
community. All that he has, he has made himself. 
He is lookeil upon as one of the solid men of Lake 
View, and ids elegant residence is the pride of the 
village. He is a Republican in politics, and he has 
been repeatedly elected to numerous town and 
county offices, thereby receiving a proof of the 
esteem in which he is lield by his neighbors. He 
is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Free 
and Accepted Mason of the third degree. He was 
joined for life March 2, 1872, to one of his own 
countrywomen, Tina Uasrauson, of Greenville. To 
them have been given five children, who all reside 
at home: Kmnia, Harry, Charles, Line and Birdie. 



ELDER JEROMI': FARGO, one of the oldest 
residents f)f Montcalm Count}-, now resid- 
ing on section 14, Kureka Township, is a 
prominent and influential man. He was born in 
Chautaucpia County, N. Y., September 26, 1824. 
Both his father, Daniel Jesse, and his grandfather 
Daniel were New Yorkers. Three traditional broth- 
ers of Colonial days were the founders of the Fargo 
family in this country. The family- is of English 
descent. The grandfather of our subject, a Herki- 
mer County, N. Y. farmer, died in this county 
when upwards of eighty-seven years of age. The 
father came to Michigan in 1837, and to this county 
in 1847. He was a member of the Baptist Church 
and strongi}' opposed to Masonry. His wife was 
Margaret Devandorf, and was born .September 26. 
1707, in licrkiuier County, N. Y., of Holland de- 



scent. She bore ten children, nine of whom grew 
to maturitj-, namely: John D., Mary C. (Mrs. Huff- 
man), Gibson S., Jerome, Elizabeth (Mrs. Shell); 
Dan T., Dwighl, Hiram B., Margaret M., and Ade- 
line L. (Mrs. Gibbs). She was a devoted and lovely 
Christian, and a member of the First ISaptist 
Church, and died in April 7, 1862, aged sixty-four 
years, six months and nineteen days. Daniel Far- 
go, Jr., died December 11, 1870, aged seventy-eight 
years and four months. 

The subject of tiiis sketch was educated in the dis- 
trict schools, and is in all respects a self-ma<le man. 
He came to Lenawee County, Mich, with his parents 
in 1837, but after living 'with thorn there for four 
years, returned to Ohio and New York State, in 

1841. He came again to Ionia County, Mich., in 

1842, and in the fall of 1846 settled in Montcalm 
County, spending that winter lumbering on the 
Flatt River. In the spring of 1847 he and liis 
brother John D. bought two hundred and forty-four 
acres of land in Fairplains Township. This they 
cleared up and divided between them, lumbering 
winters while clearing up the farm. Our subject 
lived on the farm for twcnty-fivo years and had it 
finely improved and furnished with spacious build- 
ings. 

Mr. Fargo fared hardly during the first few 
years of his residence in the county. His market 
was at Grand Rai)ids or Ionia. Deer, bears and 
Indians were here in abundance. He sold his farm 
in 1872, and removed to his present location. His 
fine large frame residence, which he erected in 
1873, two miles east of Greenville, is acredit to the 
neighborhood. He built his barn in 1872. 

Mr. Fargo was married September 10, 1853, to 
Rachel C. King, who was born in Chemung County, 
N. Y., May 18, 1834. Their home has never been 
blessed by the advent of children of their own. 
To fill this vacancy they adopted an infant whom 
they named Dora, and who is now a beautiful and 
accomplished young lady, the comfort of her adopted 
father, who mourns the loss of his beloved wife 
who departed from earth August 30, 1889. 

The subject of this sketch former!}' belonged to 
the Baptist Church, but accepted the faith of 
Seventh Day Adventists in 1860, and has been for 
fifteen 3'car3 a preacher of the doctrines of that 



774 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ilenomination. He is also a Director and stock- 
holder of the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich., 
which is under the manaj^ement of that denomina- 
tion. He lias served for ten years as President of 
the State Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, 
and has been a member of the State Conference 
Committee since 1873. He is active in Sahbath- 
school work, and has been Superintendent of their 
Sabbath-School for several years. 



■viJOHN C. BLANCHARD. Ionia has no citi- 
I zen more justly entitled to be called a self- 
made man than Mr. Blanchard, who, by 

'Mj innate ability and indomitable perseverance 
has overcome every obstacle that stood in the waj- 
of success, and one by one crossed each impedi- 
ment in his path. His life history presents some 
peculiar features, and the thoughtful reader will 
wonder that his character was not ruined by his 
surroundings, rather than that he became a man 
entitled to respect and wielding an unusual influ- 
ence on the side of right living. His standing 
among the members of the bar is high, as he has 
many qualifications which fit him for successful 
public life. As a criminal lawyer he is acknowl- 
edged to he at the head of iiis i)rofessiou in Michi- 
gan. 

Mr. Blanchard is a native of the Empire State, 
born in Mentz, Cayuga County, September 19, 
1822. His father, Washington Z. Blanchard, was 
born at Andover, Mass., and went from his native 
place to Cayuga County, N. Y., where he did his 
professional reading and was engaged in the prac- 
tice of medicine some years. There he married 
Hannah, eldest daughter of the Rev. Mr. Jeffries, a 
lineal dt?scendant of the renowned Judge Jeffries 
of England. When their sou John was a bo_v. 
Doctor and Mrs. Blanchard removed to Nunda, a 
village whose Indian name means hill country. 
The lad attended (Jeneseo Academy, where ex-Gov. 
Begole was a fellow student. He also studied for 
a time in Cayuga Institute but he never attended 
school after he entered his teens. 

In the fall of 1836, being then fourteen j-ears 



old, young Blanchard ran away from home, and 
going to Port Byron, worked until he got SlO per 
monti). He then took the tow-path for Chicago, 
but on reaching Detroit was put off the boat on 
Oliver Newbury's dock, as his money was gone. 
He found friends in the City of the Straits and 
cut wood for a living a short time. He then went 
to Livingston County and secured work. There 
he met a man who had known him at home and 
who at once wrote to his parents who followed him 
to this State, greatly surprising him by their arri- 
val upon the scene. Before winter had come young 
Blanchard had gone from Livingston to Shiawasec 
County, where he lived with an Indian family and 
was adopted by them, having bestowed upon him 
the name Optupsue, which means "to drive, to 
push, to overcome." In tiie Indian family' was a 
son called Pewamo, and the village of that name 
was named for him by our subject. 

While living with the Shaco family young Blan- 
chard made $53, with which he came to Ionia County' 
the ensuing year, through a trackless wilderness, 
and located forty acres of land, paid for it out of 
his fund and had $3 left. He still lias the patent 
for the tract, which is described as northeast quar- 
ter of nortiieast quarter of section 11, township 6, 
range 3 west. AVhile en route to and from Shia- 
wassee County Mr. Blanchard slept in the woods. 
In i\\\),\ 1838, he came again to Ionia County, and 
locating at Lyons worked out until he was seven- 
teen years old. The wages bargained for were $12 
per month, but his employer gave him ?'20, as he 
was found to be industrious, faithful and efficient. 
His parents had reached this State while he was 
living with the Indians, and he had been persuaded 
to adopt a more civilized mode of life than w.as 
possible with them. 

December 31, 1839, was the date of the entrance 
of young Blanchard into the law office of Roof A 
Bell as a student, and he began to practice when he 
was but nineteen years old, although he was not 
admitted to the bar until the next year, when he 
passed the requisite examination in Clinton 
County. When he reached his majority he was 
appointed Prosecuting Attorney by Gov. Barry 
and held the office six years, being elected after 
the law was changed. At the early age of twenty- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIJUM. 



775 



three years lie was admiltod to practice in tlie 
United States Conrt, liis admittance being brought 
about by his defense of a man wiio was arrested 
for counterfeiting Mexican dollars. This case 
came before liic United States Court in Detroit 
and the fact of the counterfeiting was established 
and the plates had been produced. Hlanchard, wlio 
was defending the criminal, siraiily cited the atten- 
tion of the judge to the fact that United Slates 
laws looked only to the protection of United States 
moneys and had nothing to do with foreign coin; 
that each (iovernment was presumed to lake care 
of its own interests. On this teclmical plea the 
prisoner was discharged. 

In 1850 5Ir. Rlanchard located in Ionia where 
he has continued to make his home. He is one of 
the owners with Judge Lovell of the Ionia Stone 
(Quarry from which beautiful building stone of 
variegated colors is taken out. In 1856 he was 
appointed by President lUichanan Registrar of the 
land ofliee. He was President of Ionia village 
board prior to its organization as a city two years, 
School Director nine years an<l Prosecuting Attor- 
ney five years. He is one of the Trustees of Albion 
College, to the endowment of which he lias liber- 
ally contributed. He has distinguished himself as 
a speaker in the interests of the Democratic party, 
with which he is at one in thcorj', although be is 
somewhat independent in his use of the ballot, par- 
ticularly in local elections. In 1872 he made a 
good race for Lieutenant Governor on the Demo- 
cratic ticket, but his party was left behind that 
year. He is a member of the Masonic Order and 
finds his religious home in the Methodist Kpiscopal 
Church. 

October 6, 1845, Mr. Rlanchard was married to 
Miss Harriet Augusta Brewster, who is a lineal de- 
scendant of ?>lislia IJrcwstcrof the Mayflower. Her 
father was Frederick Brewster, of Burlington, Vt. 
Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard have ft)ur children: Han- 
nah Cornelia, wife of Thomas (i. Stevenson; Lucia 
A., wife of Benjamin Vosper; Ellen Augusta, wife 
of A. L. Todd, and John C, Jr. The son is a jew- 
eler by trade and he and bis sisters Hannah and 
Lucia, still live in Ionia. Mrs. Todd resides upon 
a farm in Gratiot County. Mr. Blanchard owns 
one thousand acres of land on Bois I'lanc Island, 



where he has a home, with a small steamboat for the 
accommo<lation of his family and friends. The 
landed estate of the family includes twenty-four 
hundred acres. Mr. Blanchard has tried thirty- 
si.\ murder cases, being retained for the defendant 
on thirty of these and never losing a case, while 
his prosecutions nearly always resulted in convic- 
tion. 

Tbe following somewhat amusing incident occur- 
red while Ionia County was yet a forest. Jeremiah 
Hunt and Ann Tripp, a young couple desirous of 
being married, were taken by Mr. Blanchard to a 
Justice of the Peace, who was unaccustomed to the 
duties of his olHce. He was so confused at the 
prospect of an untried duty that he stood like one 
confounded not knowing what to do or which way 
to turn until Blanchard poked him in the ribs and 
told him to go ahead. With the desperate resolve 
of one who felt that something must be done, the 
Squire suddenly cried out in a loud voice "Mr. 
Jeremiah Hunt, hold up your hand. Do j'ou swear 
by God Almighty that you take this woman for 
your wife.''" The assent being given the Squire 
rapidly addressed the same form of inquiry to the 
woman, and upon being similarly answered, yelled, 
"then I swear by God Almighty that you arc man 
and wife, and God Almighty's curse on the one 
that shall separate you." Having delivered him- 
self of that remarkable and original form of joining 
two souls, the unhapp3' .Tustice subsided, thankful 
that he had passed through the trying ordeal. 



vfjOHN W. KLOTZ. Many Americans arc 
I now a days protesting against excessive and 



m 



unrestricted emigration. America has so 
long been painted in glowing colors as an 
El Dorado that the lazy and worthless of many 
nations have turned their faces hither, hoping to 
pick up gold in the streets without the alchemy of 
character and industry. But forty years ago con- 
ditions were difTerenl; at that period the emigrants 
who came to us from foreign lands were largely of 
the most worthy character. The}' brought with 
them sturdy" princi[)les of integrity, perseverance 



776 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and a capacity for hard work. Among those who 
came in that da3' from Germany were the parents 
of our subject, both natives of Wurtemburg, Ger- 
many, John C. Klotz born January 10, 1809, and 
Fredericka M. (Treiber) Klotz, who was born May 
20, 1811. 

John C. Klotz was a weaver by trade while in 
Germany but later he took up the business of 
farming. He married his wife in their native city 
January 24, 1836, and started for the United States 
April 23, 1853, landing at New York. They went at 
once to r)3'niouth, AVayne County, Mich., arriv- 
ing there June 11, of that year. Here they 
remained for two j'ears and then came on to Orange 
Township, Ionia Count}', October 5, 1855. They 
settled on section 23, where the}' still reside, all 
alone, having brought up and launched upon the 
world three children — Augustus F., Mrs. Alexander 
Gibbs and our subject. 

John W. Klotz was born May 30, 1842, in Wur- 
temburg and was therefore eleven j'cars old when 
he accompanied his parents to America. His 
schooling was five years in Germany and nine 
months in this country, but his education went on 
all the time, and in the home of his honorable and 
high-spirited parents he learned the lessons of 
braver}' and patriotism, to both his native and 
adopted countries. The sturdy growth of these 
principles was helped forward by the hard work 
which he took hold of in his early youth, as he 
spent his early manhood with ax in hand among 
the primeval trees of Michigan. When the Civil 
War broke out he was nineteen years of age and 
too young to enlist without his father's consent, 
bnt that parent cheerfully and unfalteringly signed 
the papers which were necessary to his legal enlist- 
ment and sent him into the array to fight for their 
adopted country. He entered the army September 
5, 1861, in Company D, Ninth Michigan Infantry. 
This first Michigan regiment to enter upon active 
duty in the Western Department of the army was 
organized at Ft. Wayne, Detroit, and was sent at 
once to West Point, Ky., which he reached October 
25, 1861. Having erected fortifications upon Mul- 
drew's Hill they left January 4, 1862, for Eliza- 
bethtown, Ky., but soon marched back again to 
AVest Point. They were sent by steamer to Nash- 



ville, Tenn., arriving there March 23. During the 
month of May this intrepid regiment did much 
hard marching in the wake of the rebel Gen. Mor- 
gan's forces. May 28 they started on an expedition 
under Gen. Negley to Chattanooga, Tenn., in which 
they indulged in considerable hot skirmishing. 
June 8 they chased the last of the rebels over the 
Tennessee River into Chattanooga and followed 
this up by a great deal of hard marching until the 
latter part of August, when they were set to guard- 
ing railroad bridges. In a chance encounter with 
Division Two from the Eighteenth Ohio and Com- 
pany D, of the Ninth Michigan, the three companies 
of brave boys gave Gen. Forest all he wanted to 
fight. Thirteen rebels were buried on the field and 
a number were carried off for interment. 

Then began the famous race with rebel Gen. 
Bragg's army on the road to Louisville. After 
leaving Gallatin Junction four companies of the 
Ninth Michigan were again isolated and ran into 
Forest's Division, losing thereby two of their best 
officers, but they came out of that encounter with 
flying colors. They were next with Gen. Rose- 
craus in the battle of Stone River, ihence following 
on to Chickamauga with the army of the Cumber- 
land, taking part in that battle on the second day. 
Mr. Klotz was all through the siege of Chattanooga, 
from September 22, until November 25, and twice 
aided a guarding a train of provisions through the 
mountains. Having so bravely served out a term 
of enlistment many a foreign-born citizen would 
have thought his duty done and would gladly have 
retired to a peaceful home, but not so our young 
hero, although having but just reached his major- 
ity. He re-cniisted December 7, 1863, "for three 
years or the war,"' at Chattanooga, Tenn., coming 
home on a thirty-days' leave of absence to gladden 
the hearts of his parents. 

Returning to Chattanooga in the latter part of 
February, 1864, ho was detailed to act as Orderly 
to Maj.-Gen. George H. Thomas. This personal 
connection with the great general is a precious 
memory to Mr. Klotz and is regarded by all his 
friends as a just tribute to his bi'avery and devo- 
tion to the cause. He has a number of very valuable 
souvenirs of that period of his engagement, one of 
which is an autograph letter very highly recom- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



779 



mending liim and signed by Gen. George H.TIiom.as; 
also one from Col. Robert 11. IJamsey. lie also has 
in his possession a [licce of Iho flag which formed 
the colors of (Jen. Uosccrans' headquarters, and a 
large piece of the colors of Gen. \V. T. .Sherman's 
headquarters. lie served as personal Orderly for 
Gon. Thomas from May 1, 1864, until September 
15, 1865. 

Our subject served altogether four yeni'S and 
twenty-two (bys and was in numerous hard-fought 
battles, having never been absent from his command. 
lie had a constitution of iron but came home with 
health broken and has been alHicted with rheuma- 
tism and other dilliculties ever since. He was with 
Gen. Thomas at the battle of Nashville and fol- 
lowed him through all his movements, being the 
only man of his regiment who had the privilege of 
seeing Gen. Hood's defeat. lie was brought into 
personal relations with all the Union generals of 
tiie western army, also with Andrew .lohnson be- 
fore he was President. 

Upon leaving the army he at once settled down 
to farm work. He bought his present farm on sec- 
lion 14 in 1865, it then being a swamp, wholly 
unimproved. He promptly began cutting it and 
and now has about half of his eighty acres in good 
condition for agriculture, all done under his own 
hand as he h.as given his entire attention to his 
farm. He married, February 26, 1861, Jliss So- 
phie E. Bromberg, a daughter of Guslav and So- 
phie (Lute) Bromberg, both natives of Prussia 
who emigrated to America in 1857 and coming on 
directly to Michigan settled at first in Wayne 
County. Two years later they went into Katon 
County and settled there in 1860 upon a raw farm. 
Mis. Bromberg died February 12, 18'.(1. Her hus- 
band survives her at the age of sixty-eight years. 
They were the i)arenls of seven children, who are 
all living. One daughter, Marena L. Bromberg, is 
a graduate of the Woman's Medical College of 
Chicago, having received her degree of Doctor of 
Medicine in 1890, and having begun practice in 
Chicago. 

Mrs. L. Klotz was born .July 19, 1851, in Prus- 
sia. She and her linsliand arc the jiarcnts of two 
children — Lula A., born March 15, 1872, and Flor- 
ence B., .lune 12. 1875. The former was gradu- 



ated from the Portland High .School in 1889, and 
has taught five terms of school and intends making 
this a profession. The second daughter is now 
carrying on her studies in the same High School. 
The^^ are all members of the First Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, in which Mr. Klotz is active and 
where he occupies the office of Steward. He is a 
member of the Grand Army of the Uepublic at 
Portland. He has alwjjj-s taken a deep interest in 
political affairs and votes the Hepublioan ticket; a 
stricly temperate man he receives the universal re- 
spect of his neighbors and has held the position of 
Highwaj' Commissioner of Orange Township. In 
188(1 he took the United States census but refused 
the work in 1890. Among his treasures is an old 
Springfield rifle which he carried through the war. 
With this trusted weapon he shot and killed, in 
1866, a full-grown bear in the top of a high bass- 
wood tree near his home. Mrs. Klotz was a stu- 
dent at the High School at Charlotte and afterward 
taught in Eaton Count}' for two years. The}- are 
both active in Sunday-school work. 



«^'LVA W. NICHOLS, M. 1)., a highly iion- 
(@fu l| ored physician of Greenville, Montcalm 

/// (ii County, enjoj'S a wide-siiread reputation 
^jj profcssionall}', belonging to a professional 

faniil}- who have been instructors for half a cen- 
tury, and manj' of whom are inenibers of the med- 
ical fraternity. He was born in Cannon Township, 
Kent ("ounl}-, Mich., October 6, 1848, and is a son 
of Charles M. ami Mar}' A. (Winslow) Nichols, 
natives of Batavia and Stockholm ,N. Y. 

Cliarlcs M. Nichols was a teacher and also an 
instructor in penmanship. He was educated at Ober- 
lin, Ohio, anil came to Michigan and settled at and 
near Grand Kapids. For some years he was 8chool 
Inspector and Justice of the Peace, and was iiromi- 
nent in the Episcopal Church, and man}' years sec- 
retary of the Plainficld parish, and held that 
position at the time of his death which occurred in 
18C1. He was Principal of the Grand lir.pids 
School, also of the schools at Plainficld and Can- 
nonsl)urg for many years while at the same time he 



780 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



owned and managed a farm at Cannon. His wife 
was also a teacher at Grand Rapids and vicinity 
for many years, and now resides in that city. Her 
father, Dr. Jason Winslow, came West and settled 
in Grand Rapids, and was the second practicing 
physician in that city where he died in 1843. He 
was highly educated and bore a fine professional 
reputation. Of his family of two children, Maria, 
late Mrs. H. Leonard, was the eldest. 

The sisters of our subject are mostly engaged in 
professional life. The eldest, Elmira M., now the 
wife of Dr. W. C. Stone, of Ciiicago, is a graduate 
of the Normal School at Ypsilanti, Mich., of the 
class of 1876, and was for many years a Principal in 
the schools at Grand Rapids and Chicago. Emma 
M. is the wife of George P. Wandy, of Grand 
Rapids, a member of the law firm of Fletcher & 
Wandy. She is a graduate of the Women's Med- 
ical College, Chicago, of the class of 1880, and has 
been in active practice in Chicago and Grand Rap- 
ids, the latter place being her present home. She 
was associated with the late W. II. Byford in the 
Women's Hospital of Chicago. She also taught in 
Grand Rapids and Chicago. The next sister, Kate 
M., is also a physician, and is the wife of George 
S. Finney, who is interested in real estate and min- 
eral lands in the Upper Peninsula, Mich. Harriette 
A., Mrs. A. A. Barr, the fourth sister, resides in 
Grand Rapids. An aunt of our subject, late Mrs. 
H. Leonard, was for many years a teacher in Grand 
Rapids, and for several ^ears the Principal of the 
Union High School. 

Until Dr. Nichols reached his thirteenth year he 
attended no school but his father's. After the 
death of that parent he attended district schools 
until sixteen years of age, when he went to 
Grand Rapids and attended the High School, and 
the late Prof. Everett's select school. In the spring 
of 1869 he came to Greenville, entering the High 
School in the academic department, Prof. C. W. 
Borst, Principal, and later Prof. S. S. Babcock, now 
a member of the State Board of Education. From 
the time our subject was thirteen j'ears of age he 
worked on the farm and at masonry during vaca- 
tions. In the latter work he received |3 per day, 
which he says he scarcely thiijks he earned, how- 
ever he became quite proficient as a lather and 



l>lasterer. In the spring of 1867 he was engaged 
in running logs for a month or more on Rogue 
River, and in 1868 was so engaged on Fiat River. 
Although rather young for the heavy work of 
breaking log jams yet ho was proficient as a log 
rider, which enabled him to keep his position. In 
1866 he became restless in school and drove his 
mother's team to Big Rapids through the dense 
forests, sold out his load of corn and oats and en- 
tered the employ of the Rust Lumber Company, 
on the Big Muskegon River. They paid him 14 per 
day and he remained with them two months. Dur- 
ing the latter years of his schooling he taught 
school about a year and a half. From early boy- 
hood our subject went by the name of Doctor, for 
he had early shown a liking for the profession, and 
was always a student of his grandfather's library of 
medical works. 

In 1871 our subject was in the office mornings 
and evenings of Drs. Mulhern and Morgan. In 
1872-73 he attended the State University at Ann 
Arbor, and was graduated by the Bellevue Hos- 
pital Medical College, in New York City, in 1874. 
In 1882 he took a special course at the New York 
Eye and Ear Infirmary, on diseases of the eye and 
ear, under Profs. Noycs and Mittendorf. At the 
same time he took a special course in the outdoor 
department of Bellevue Hospital, under Prof. 
Frank H. Bosworth. 

Greenville has been the center of Dr. Nichoi's 
eighteen years of active practice of his profession, 
and he enjoys a high reputation as a physician and 
surgeon. He is President of the Northern Mich- 
igan Agricultural Societj' and a member of the 
American Medical Association, also of the Mich- 
igan State Medical Society, in which he has read 
several papers, one of which, on ''Chronic Catarrh," 
was widely copied by the medical journals of the 
country. He is a member of the Board of Trust- 
ees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a 
man who thinks for himself on political questions, 
was interested in the Tilden campaign of 1876, 
but was always opposed to Wall Street financier- 
ing. He thinks that nothing could stand before 
the Republican party if it had continued to carry 
out the financial policy of 1861 and 1862. In 
1878 Dr. Nichols became a member of the Green- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



781 



back party, and has made vigorous eainpainns in 
tiie county and State. He never inisse<l a conven- 
tion of the party in liie county, Slate or nation 
until its death, and was Chairman of the County 
Committee for ten j-ears and a member of tlic Slate 
Central Committee for several years. In 1882 
ex-(iov. Josiah W. Begole was elected, beins the 
second Greenback Governor of the United Slates. 
The Governor on assuming his oflico appointed our 
subject a member of the Board of Trustees of the 
Michigan Asylum for the Insane, of Kalamazoo, 
which office he held for six years. For three and 
a half j'ears he held a position as Pension Examin- 
ing Surgeon. 

In 1886 the subject of this sketch was a candi- 
date for the State Senate on the Fusion ticket. lie 
ran several hundred ahead of his ticket but lost the 
election. In this campaign he was opposed b^' the 
Hon. L. G. Palmer. He was a Presidential elector on 
the Fusion ticket of 1888. On March 12. 1891, he 
was elected President of the Citizen's Alliance, of 
Michigan, and is actively interested in the new 
Peoi)le's party. He has been Supervisor of tiie 
Second Ward of the city of Greenville for three 
years, the first time being elected on the Fusion or 
I'nion ticket, but his assessment being so satisfac- 
tory to the majority of the i)roperty holders that 
since then he has been elected on slijis, although 
opposed by both the old parties. 

The Independent, the Republican organ of the 
city, has this to say of him April 9, 1891, after the 
spring election: "Dr. A. W. Nichols, the political 
hustler, was nominated by no party, and his name 
wiis printed on no ticket, but he "got there all the 
same," on slips pasted nearly equally on the Re- 
publican and Democratic tickets. lie had fourteen 
majorit}' over both opposing candidates. For a 
man tiius to run into oflice and re-elect himself to 
the same otiice. su|)porled by neither political and 
opposed by both political parlies is a jjolitical mar- 
vel." 

Dr. Nichols is the proprietor of a fine drug and 
jewelry store in Greenville, and has landed inter- 
ests in the nortliern sections of the Stale. He is a 
member of the Knights of I'ytliias, Ro3-al Arcanum 
and Knights of Honor. He received the nomina- 
tion for County Superintendent in 1871, but the 



oflice was abolished by an act of the Legislature 
before the election. He is a man of pleasant address 
and alw.ays re.idy to help any good cause. All 
(Jrcenville and country around may be counted his 
friends, and his professional skill is widely .acknowl- 
edged. He h.as performed a large number of sur- 
gical operations with great success, many of them 
diflicult and some of them rare, hence his standing 
as a surgeon in this part of Michigan is unsur- 
[wssed. 



-^ 



IpTVEV. .lOHN COMPTON. On ministers of 
IL^ the Gospel the people look with unmeas- 
ured confidence; as a matter of fact in the 
world's history it cannot be denied that 
ministers have mainly controlled the opinions of 
mankind respecting Divinity. The solemn author- 
ity associated with their oflice, their means of gain- 
ing informatioUf have always put in the hands of 
the clergy the power of molding the religious 
opinions of men. "Like priest, like people," is au 
adage whose truth is illustrated on every pa>'e of 
history. Among the large number of consecrated 
ministers, who arc elevating the standard of piety 
and inlluencing the moral characters of this age, 
especial mention belongs to the Rev. John Comi>- 
ton, to whom for more than sixty years has been 
entrusted the sacred office of ministering to the 
spiritual needs of mankind. 

In his sixteenth year Mr. Complon was con- 
verted to Christ, and since that time has liveil a 
consistent, God-fearing life. Two years after his 
conversion he united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Bath, Steuben County, N. Y., whither 
he had gone to learn the trade of a tailor. Three 
months after joining the church, he w.as appointed 
Class-Leader and has served in this ca|)acity for 
many years. Later he was licensed to exhort and 
preach and given appointments to fill, and wherever 
sent, preached witli the high aim of jilcasing God 
and impelling Christians to lofty aspirations after 
glory, honor and immortality. He was ordained a 
local fleacon of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
more than thirty years ago and since that time has 
united in marriage ninety-one couples, otliciated at 



782 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a great many funerals, and preaclu'fl inniiraerahle 
discourses. 

Of those in whose association the greater part of 
Mr. Conipton's life lias been passed, he is almost 
the sole survivor, and is now in the eightj'-second 
year of his age. He was born September 6, 1809, 
in Perth Amboy, N. J., to John and Eliza (Coriell) 
Compton. His father died when he was onl}' two 
years old, but his mother managed to keep the 
family together until the children had attained 
maniiood and womanhood, and were prepared to 
fight life's battle for themselves. Of the nine chil- 
dren included in the family circle, our subject is 
the only one now living. John Compton, Sr., was 
a native of England, whence he and his brothers 
David and William came to America at a very early 
day and settled in New Jersey. He was a weaver 
of fine linen in the Old Country, but did not fol- 
low his trade in the United States. 

In his personal characteristics, the father of our 
subject was ver3' firm and detepmined; for more 
than thirty j'ears he was a Deacon in the Baptist 
Church, and died in the full triumphs of his faith. 
To the last he prayed earnestly and devotedly, 
even when unable to arise from his sick bed, and 
passed quietly away, happy in a Savior's love. It 
was largely due to the influence of religious par- 
ents that our subject owes his greatest successes in 
life, for his widowed mother early instilled into his 
mind principles of truth, religion and honor. Tiie 
mother, who was a native of New Jersey, died at 
the age of »ixt3'-fivo years, and although not so 
active in religion as the husband, was equally as 
zealous. 

When he was still quite young, our subject ac- 
companied his mother to Steuben County, N. Y., 
where he grew to man's estate. In Bath, that 
county, he learned the tailor's trade, at which he 
was employed for about fifteen years. On July 14, 
1831, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann 
Hull, the daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Ch:ip- 
man) Hull and an estimable Christian woman. To 
them were born four ciiildren, three living, namelj' : 
Martin, who married Miss Eliza J. Rice; Elvira, the 
widow of John Ramsey; and Jane Elizabeth, wife 
of Sylvanus Peabodj', of MuUiken. After a happy 
wedded life of ten jears, the devoted wife and 



affectionate mother w.is called from eartli Septem- 
ber 27, 1841. She was an ardent worker in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she was a 
consistent member, and died praising her Redeemer. 
Her life adorned her sex and deatli left tlie praises 
of an untarnished name on the lips of all who knew 
her, while the memory of her worth is graven deep 
in the afflicted hearts dear to her. Her children 
are all memljcrs of the same church in which she 
worshipped and are prominent in business and 
social circles. 

The second marriage of Mr. Compton was con- 
sumatcd February 14, 1842, when Elizabetli Nickle 
became his wife, and for more than a half century 
thej' have trod life's pathway side by side. Mrs. 
Compton was born in Lettermakenny, County 
Donegal, Ireland, March 28, 1797, to John and 
Margaret Nickle. Of tliis union one daughter, 
Didama Ann, was born, but died at the age of two 
years. Mrs. Compton, or Aunt Betsey, as slie is 
familiarly known, is devotedly attached to home 
and household, and a wise and affectionate mother 
to her step children, whom she tenderly cared for 
during their residence under the parental roof. 

In township affairs Mr. Compton has alwa^'S 
been useful and prominent. At the first election, 
■when the township was set apart by itself, he was 
elected Town Clerk, and was Highway Commis- 
sioner, School Inspector, and the first Postmaster 
in tlie township of Danby. His son carried the 
mail, which was then very light, and the salary 
received in compensation for his services was even 
lighter. Mr. Compton was for a quarter of a cen- 
tury Notary Public, but amid all these duties 
always found time to preach the Gospel, and never 
omitted family worship night and morning. His 
house was the minister's home. Through his long 
life he has always been temperate in all things, 
never taking a drink at the bar in his life, never 
using tobacco in any form, and it is to these tem- 
perate habits that he owes much of his strength in 
his old age. In politics he was never aggressive, 
but has usually been allied with tlie Republican 
p»rtj' and the temperance cause. 

The first missionary sermon ever preached in 
Danby was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Moneat in 
Mr. Compton's house in June 9, 1838, and there was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



783 



then orgnnized a class of nine members, of whom 
our subject is llie only survivor. Toward the 
buildiiij; of eiiurches lie has always contributed 
largely, and was especiall}- instrumental in secur- 
ing the erection of tiic church near his home. While 
he has engaged in preaching manj- years, he has 
labored not for the meat that perisheth, and has 
receiveil little compensation in the line of monc3\ 
but has at the same time contributed to the support 
of other ministers. He was for several years a 
preacher for the Indians and a teacher of their chil- 
dren, for a short time receiving for liis services |10 
per month. He found his little pupils quite bright 
and in writing they were especially apt. He helped 
to build the Indian Mission at Dauby, hauling the 
first lumber and helping in ever}' \iay possible. 
His preaching, although he was compelled to use 
an interpreter much of the time, was productive of 
much good. His Indian name was Te-kum-a-ga-zhe, 
which meant '-wade through the river." Their only 
complaint of him was because he couldn't be more 
with them. It is the delight of the rising genera- 
tion to give all honor to the worthy aged people, 
now so rapidly passing from earth, who have been 
instrumental in developing the conntrj' and in- 
fluencing its progress, and as one of these the name 
of John Compton will be held in reverence long 
after his eyes shall have been closed in death. 



•v — r"^ r 



^^^ 



^lj=^\^ENO^'I IIOLCOMB. It affords the pub- 
L^, lishers of this Bio(;uai'uical Ai.uum pleas- 
|XM)]i ure to present to its readers a brief outline 
^^fe<^ of the life of one of the honorable and self- 
sacrificing men who have done so much toward the 
development of Ionia Count}'. Mr. Holcomb and 
his wife, who deserves equal credit witli him for her 
cheerful endurance of the discomforts and toils of 
pioneer life, came to this countj' in 1845, and lo- 
cated in Eastoii Township, where they have since 
resided. They hafe a good property, consisting of 
one hundred and nine acres of land on which are 
to be seen the many conveniences which belong to 
modern farm life. Here thej' are spending their 
declining years in the enjoyment of the ease of 



mind which comes of well-spent lives, and the rest 
which properly follows tiieir long years of toil. 

In Washington Count}', N. Y., December 18, 
1812, Mr. Ilolcorab opened his eyes to the light. 
His parents were Jesse and Lucy (Webb) Holcomb, 
natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respec- 
tively. A brother of his mother was an officer in 
the Colonial array during the Revolution. When 
Benoni was twenty 3-ear8 old the family went to 
Genesee County, N. Y., where his father subse- 
quently died ; the mother spent her last years in 
Ionia County, this State. In 1836 our subject came 
West and located in St. Clair County, where he re- 
mained until he became a citizen of Ionia County. 
He is therefore personally cognizant of affairs con- 
nected with the Territorial days as well as with 
those of later times. 

Mr. Holcomb bought one hundred and ten acres 
of land on section I, Easton Township, to which he 
made his way through a trackless forest, and where 
he bravel\' settled in the midst of a region of wild- 
ness. He was accompanied by a wife, formerly 
Miss Lucy \. Wedge, with whom he was united 
September 24, 1843. She was born in Connecticut 
June 29, 1823, being a daughter of Moses Kod Mary 
A. (Draper) Wedge. She is one of a large family 
of whom Sanford, Mrs. Mary A. McCoy, Oliver, 
Mrs. Harriet E. Malone, Henr}-, George and Mrs. 
Jlelissa Harter survive, also living in Ionia County. 
Tlie widowed mother resides inthecouniy seat and 
is now in her eighty-ninth year. Mrs. Holcomb 
belongs to a pioneer family, and in her early life 
was surrounded b}- influences which developed her 
character and fitted her to be the helpmate of such 
a man as her husband. 

Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb are the parents of si.Y 
children, the youngest of whom, Moses, lives near 
his parents in Easton Township. Jesse S. and Will- 
iam E. reside in Montcalm County; Lucy is the 
wife of Theodore Harris, and lives in Stanton ; 
Sanford lives in Mecosta County; Melissa M., wife 
of Grant Cunningham, has a home in >Ioutcalin 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb are well informed, 
as they spend considerable time in reading and have 
always trieil to keep up with llie progress of events. 
Mr. Holcomb, after studying in the district schools 
of the Empire Slate, had the pleasure of attendinor 



784 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the Wyoming (N. Y.) Academy two years. He is 
a strong advocate of the public school system, and 
takes an interest in every movement which promises 
to elevate society. In politics he is a Republican. 
He belongs to the Baptist, and his wife to the 
Christian Church. 



U.ILLIAM W. WILLIAMS. Among the 
reputable business houses of Ionia, Ionia 
^^ County, is that of the gentleman above 
named, which in many respects miglit be taken as 
a model. The goods in which Mr. Williams deals, 
and many of which he manufactures, are harness 
and turf goods, robes, blankets, saddles, bridles, 
etc. His place is also headquarters for trunks and 
bags, and a well-selected assortment may alwa3's 
be found there. Every detail of the business is 
systematized and the proprietor of the establish- 
ment keeps an accurate record of every trans- 
action, no matter how small it may be, and finds 
this thoroughness wonderfully to his advantage. 
He has been established in business for himself 
only a few years, but has already' secured a good 
position among dealers and an excellent reputation 
among the people. 

Tiie parents of him of whom we write were 
Orren and Minerva (Peacock) Williams, both born 
in the State of New York. Mr. Williams was a 
• shoemaker. He came to this State the year after 
its admission to the- Union, and located at Dundee, 
but after a residence of thi-ee years removed to 
Battle Creek. He died in that city in August, 
1877. His wife survived him more than a decade, 
breathing her last in Cairo, 111., June 30, 1889. 
To the gooil couple tliere were born three children 
of whom our subject is the eldest. The others are 
Homer A., who is in the employ of the Chicago 
Varnish Company in the Queen Cit}' of the Lakes, 
and Chailotte, wife of Willard P. June, living in 
Cairo, 111. 

Our subject was born in Dundee, this State, 
April 20, 184G, but spent his early years iu Battle 
Creek. He learned his trade — harness-making, of 



Leonard Robinson and remained with that gentle- 
man a year doing journey work. The ensuing two 
years he was in the employ of Hobbs & Bliss in 
Jackson and in 1866 he came to Ionia. Here he 
worked at his trade with different parties, being in 
the employ of Duncau Shepherd nine years prior 
to opening his own establishment in 1888. Mr. 
Williams frequently alludes to Mr. Shepherd, wlio 
was a grand man, and says that to him he owes 
much for his example and precepts. Indeed the 
integrity' of character and devotion to principles 
of right which are possessed by Mr. Williams in an 
eminent degree are largely due to his contact with 
his former employer. 

The home of Mr. Williams is presided over by 
a lady who became his wife May 10, 1869, prior to 
which date she was known as Miss Nettie M. Mil- 
lard. She is a daughter of Peter Millard, was well 
reared and has been faithful to her obligations 
toward her family and friends. The congenial 
union has been blest by the birth of two sons — 
Carleton G. and Burtie L. The younger is at home 
and the elder is in Chicago, employed by George 
S. Harris & Sons, lithographers and printers. Mr. 
Williams is a Democrat but would disregard party 
afflliations to vote for an upright man in opposi- 
tion to a rogue. He has served two terms as 
Alderman and in and out of office is public-spirited 
and progressive. He is strong in his friendships, 
honorable and straightforward in his dealings, and 
upright in his life. He is a member of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church and Steward of the organi- 
zation, in whose interests he is an untiring laborer. 



"s^^REDERICK BLUEMLE was a typical rep- 

P' resentative of the sturdy, manly and intel- 
ligent German-American citizens, who have 
become .ibsorbed into our body politic, and have 
done much toward the building up of the world's 
greatest Republic. Mr. Bluemle was a man of a 
high order of intelligence, and sturdy integritj*. 
These traits are characteristic of Germans and 
have made the Fatherland not only one of the 
strongest powers of Siurope in a military sense, but 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



785 



have placed it also in the front rank in the arts, 
sciences and discoveries for which Europe is so 
justly famous. Mr. Uluenilc was a prominent 
farmer residing in Ionia County, witii itie growth 
and development of whicii he was closely identi- 
fied. 

Our subject was a native of Baden, German}-, 
and was born March 13, 182.5. He was reared to 
manlu)od in his native country and received a fair 
education in his native tongue. After arriving 
in this conntr}' he acquired a fair knowledge of the 
English langu.ige and w.as able to transact business 
in tliis tongue. Earl}- in the '50s he came to 
America on a sailing vessel, and after landing pro- 
ceeded as far West .as Indiana, where he worked 
for a time as a common farm laborer for 16 a 
month and hoard. 

Mr. Bluemle was married in December, 18.53, to 
Rosina Meier, who was l>orn in Baden, Germany, 
Januar}' 31, 1838. By this union eleven children 
have been born, who survive and are living in 
Michigan: Carrie, wife of .Joseph Meier, residents 
ofFenwick; Mar}', wife of Daniel Olmstead. now 
residing at Mt. Pleasant; Sophia, vvife of Edward 
Callow, living at Ionia; Emma, wife of Rev. John 
Dietridi, of Orange 'I'ownsliip, this county; Minnie, 
wife of Rev. Albert Swenk, now located at Petos- 
key, Mich., and a prominent minister of tiie Evan- 
gelical Church; Eugene, Frederick, Herman, Elzora, 
Pauline and Alvin are still at home, and the sons 
are farming his old homestead. 

Mr. Bluemle came to Easton Township, Ionia 
County, in 1863, and settled on the farm where 
his widow and family now reside. He first pur- 
chased ninety acres of timber land and partially 
cleare<l twenty .acres. On this land he built a 
house and improved a farm and made it what it is 
at the present time. There are now one hundred 
and ten acres in the homestead, and its fine im- 
provements are due to the untiring exertions of 
Mr. Bluemle. In politics be generally aimed to 
vote for the best man irrespective of party, al- 
though his inclinations leaned rather toward the 
Republican party. A kind father, and a loving 
husband, his efforts were untiring for the good of 
his family, and he was highly esteemed by all who 
Itnew him. He was identified witli the rierman. 



Evangelical Church and was well informed. He 
died .January 2.5, 1889, and left an estate of over 
one hundred acres of land which he had accumu- 
lated by native energy and perseverance and also 
by the assistance of his wife. 

In his death Ionia County has lost on« of its 
best citizens and one who alw.ays favored imjjrove- 
ments in the community. Mrs. Bluemle resides on 
tlie homestead with her family and is a valued 
and esteemed member of the German Evangelical 
Church. Mr. Bluemle was an obliging neighbor, 
accommodating to an unusual degree and his death 
was an irreparable loss which his family mourn. 



mimi^^i 



W ABAN A. -SMITH. During the many years 
I 101 in which Mr. Smith h.as been a resident of 
Jr^V Ionia County he h.as not only witnessed its 
progress from a comparatively unimportant por- 
tion of the State to its prouil position as one of the 
foremost counties of Michigan, but he has aided in 
its development and liis history is closely inter- 
woven with tiiat of the county. His life has been 
a busy one, but he now lives retired from .active 
labor in Portland, where he removed in 1890. 
Realizing that the aim of iiis life is not merely to 
'•kill lime" he rightly valued every moment given 
him and has tiius gained a reputation for prompt- 
ness in originating plans and dispatch in executing 
them. He is of commanding presence and cul- 
tured mind. His desire for knowledge caused him 
to seek the companionship of good books, the perusal 
of which was a constant source of gaining informa- 
tion and storing an alre.idy well-balanced mind. 

Mr. Smith is descended from renowned ancestors, 
whose genealogy traces back many generations. 
The first of the name whose record has been perpet- 
uated was Thomas Smith, who lived in East Haven, 
at that time New Haven. In that town in 1662 he 
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Paterson, 
and among the children born to them was .Samuel. 
The latter chose as his wife Anna Morris, and of 
their union, which was solemnized in 1708, a son 
was born whom they named Daniel. In 1749 ibis 
son married Hannah Atwaler, and year.s afterward 



786 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



their son Benjamin, married Lydia Gates. The 
children born to this couple were named Desire, 
Benjamin, Esther, Marvin, Daniel, Lydia and 
Evely. Marvin was twice married; he was united 
in the holy bonds of wedlock December 17, 1809, 
with Jlartha Otis, and they became the parents of 
three children, all of whom grew to maturity — Ben- 
jamin, Isaac O. and Elizabeth. 

On the maternal side Laban Smith traces his an- 
cestry back to John Thompson, who signed the 
Colony Constitution in June, 1639. The genealogy 
is briefly as follows: to him and his wife Eleanor, 
a son John was born, who married Priscilla Powell 
March 29, 1666. Among their children was one 
wiiom they named John and who first opened his 
eyes to the light August 6, 1667. To him and his 
wife Merc5', a son John was born October 11, 1692, 
and upon attaining years of maturity he married 
Sarah Pardee. Tlieir son Timothy, who was born 
December 26, 1727, married Esther Perkins and 
they became the parents of a son John, who was 
born April 27, 1753. In 1783 this son was united 
in marriage with a widow, Dorcas Andrews, and of 
their nine children, the fourth was Lucy, the 
mother of Laban A. Smith. 

The subject of this notice was born at lloneoyc 
Falls, Monroe County, N. Y., November 14, 1828, 
and is the son of Marvin and Lucy (Thompson) 
Smith, natives of East Haven, Conn. The paren- 
tal family is of Scotch descent. When Marvin 
Smith was twelve years old he came to New York 
with an uncle, Daniel Gales, and located in Bloom- 
fleld, Ontario Count}'. His father had previously 
died and his mother, fearing that he might be 
tempted to go to sea, as some-of his relatives who 
had been sea captains, were lost, willingly gave 
her consent that he could come as far West as tlie 
Empire Stale. At the time of his location in 
Bloorafield it was a wilderness and he experienced 
llie usual hardships of pioneer life. He returned 
to the New England Slates for his second wife, 
with whom he was united in marriage April 3, 
1826. Of the five children born to him and his 
wife three are living, viz: Daniel G., on the old 
homestead; Esther M. Burt, also in New York and 
our subject. 

He of whom this sketch is a life record was 



reared to farming pursuits and married Hannah 
Gillette, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth 
(Backus) Gillette, November 17, 1852. In 1857 
he moved to Elkhart, Ind., where he followed farm- 
ing seven j'eaisand in 1865 he removed to White 
Pigeon, Mich., where he lived a year. He then 
came to Portland in 1866, and has lived in this 
township ever since. He retired from active farm 
life in 1890, moving to the village of Portland. To 
himself and wife hare been born eight children, of 
whom six are living: Leonard II., farming in 
Portland Township; Benjamin M., on the home- 
stead; Harriet W., wife of Charles A. Frost, resid- 
ing in Portland Township; William G., who is 
farming on the homestead; Daniel attending school 
in Portland; and George also at school. 

The subject of this sketch is a member of the 
Baptist Church and is a Republican in politics. His 
first vote was cast for Scott; later he voted for 
Fremont and his votes since have been cast in the 
Republican line. He was Supervisor in the town- 
ship from 1875 to 1879, four terras in succession, 
for a number of years Highway Commissioner, and 
was County Superintendent of the poor from 1880 
to 1890. Mr. Smith is a leader among men and an 
unswerving friend of right, relentless foe of wrong, 
(Iccided and outspoken in his views and his nature 
knows no compromise. He has labored industri- 
ously and faithfully for the rewards he is now reap- 
ing. His home is one of culture and refinement, 
and one of its most noticeable features is a library 
of choice books, silent friends of himself and fam- 

iiy- 



^Ij OHN AV. P11F;STEL is a prosperous citizen 
I of Sheridan, Montcalm County, who has 
I gained a large property by his own efforts, 
1^^/ and by his enterprise in taking advantage of 
the opportunities which have been placed in his 
way. He was born in Ohio, on the 18th of Decem- 
ber, 1838, and is the son of Wentlan and Cathe- 
rine (Bodemiller) Prestel, both of German birth. 
He had the misfortune to lose both parents while 
still in his teens, and his education was cut short. 
When only eighteen years old he left home, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



787 



going to Calhoun County, Mich., bcg.-in work on :i 
farm. A little later he engaged himself as a Stew- 
ard on a steamboat on Lake Krie, and served in 
this capacity for three years. 

Our subject then decided to learn the black- 
smith's trade, and had been working in this way for 
one year, when his patriotic impulses led him to en- 
list September 10, 18G1, in Battalion U, First Ohio 
Light Artillerj'. He entered the service at Cleve- 
land, and was sent to Camp Denison, from wiience 
he went to Covington, K3'. He served until Sep- 
tember, 1865, under various leaders, but most of 
his term of service was under Gen. Sherman in his 
various campaigns. He was at Chickaraauga, and 
was present when Johnston surrendered to Sher- 
man. He also saw fight at Ferry ville, Atlanta, Shi- 
loh, Franklin and Kuoxville, and saw the destruc- 
tion of Hood's ami}- at Nashville. 

At the close of the war he returned to Ohio and 
spent two years in finishing his apprenticeship in 
the blocksmith's trade. He then began this work 
for himself at Wasson, Ohio, and afterward resided 
in Williams County, Ohio, where he was married 
May 23, 1878, to Caroline Dell, at Kdgerton. 

Mr. and Mrs. I'restel are the happy parents of 
six sons, who are all residing with them at home: 
Frederick L, born March 22, 1868; Lawrence G., 
September 30, 1870: Charles A., January 30, 1873; 
John J., April 18, 1875; Harlon H., September 15, 
1881 : Bayard, December 6, 1883. Our sul)ject re- 
mained in Ohio until 1870, when he removed to 
Muir, Ionia County, Mich., and took up mercantile 
pursuits. Two years later he and a Mr. Nefif re- 
moved the stock to Sheridan, Mich., and began a 
general store. In 1874 be erected a nice store 
building, in which they continued business until 
1882, when they bought a sawmill and then dis- 
solve partnership. Mr. I'restel took all the prop- 
erly in Sheridan, while his partner took that which 
was situated in Day Township and elsewhere out- 
side. He continued along for some time in the 
general store at Sheridan. 

Mr. I'restel owns a large amount of real estate 
which may be listed as follows: .Si.x houses and lots 
in Sheridan; a farm of two hundred and fort}- 
acres on the south side of the village; a large mill 
in St. Clair County; twelve hundreil acres of fine 



timber near Grand Traverse; and an interest in 
twelve thousand acres of choice timber land in Ar- 
kansas. He is fitting himself up a beautiful home 
in the suburbs of Sheridan. He says that he got 
his start for all llii:< [)ros[)eril3' in the army at ^\li 
per month. 

-^^-^'-^NN^-^-^ 

eHARLKS L. BEMIS. All who study the 
early history of Michigan have noted with 
pride and i)leasure that the first effort made 
by the pioneers after clearing a little spot upon 
which to erect a log cabin for a home, wjxs to estab- 
lish a district school. In many cases this was 
within log walls, and sometimes the first school was 
started in one end of the rude home which shel- 
tered an earnest family of pioneers. The direct 
descentlant of the log school house appears in these 
days as the white sclioolhouse of the country dis- 
tricts and the splendidi}' appointed public schools 
of the towns and cities. The interest in education 
has never flagged but as o|)portunity has offered, 
the work has developed on broad and sure founda- 
tions. 

The Count}' Board of School Examiners is a 
notable feature of the county school organiza- 
tion, and the appointment of a first-class man to 
the position of Secretary of this board, is one of 
the strongest elements in the prosperity of any 
county. Ionia Count}- is unusually favored in this 
respect. Prof. Charles L. Bemis, who holds this 
position is worth}' of the highest praise. Under 
his direction the schools are taking a high rank, 
among other Michigan counties. He has excellent 
capability in the line of organization and he is 
a fluent and impressive speaker. His addresses 
made before gatherings of teachers and conven- 
tions of County Secretaries, have been listened to 
with great interest and arc always requested for 
publication. 

Tliesubjsctof this sketch was born in Hampden 
County, Mass., March 30, 1850. His father was 
Marquis de LaFayette Ileinis, a native of Massa- 
chusetts. His mother bore the maiden name of 
Eliza J. Stafford and w.as born in ^'c^mont. The 



788 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



father was a cabinet-maker a».l undertaker, but now 
lives on a farm in Ionia County. He came to 
Michigan in 1863, and locatcdfirsl in Easton Town- 
ship. He liad previously lived in Lorain County, 
Ohio, where the mother of our subject died in 
1854. By her. twocliildren were born to Mr. Bemis, 
William Wallace and our subject. The father of 
<nir subject married again, Helen C. Gunn being his 
second wife. Her two children are: Arthur L. 
and Edla R. Arthur is the editor of a paper in 
Carson City, and the daughter is the widow of 
William R. Henderson. 

C. L. Bemis was brought up on a farm and when 
seventeen j-ears of age worked out on a farm for 
$16 a month, his first job being one of picking up 
stones. He attended school during the winter 
months and at the age of twenty years went to 
Lansing and hired out as a teamster for a year. 
While teaming lie kept up his studies, keeping bis 
text book of grammar upon the seat beside him, 
and snatching a few minutes for stud}' whenever 
possible. The thoroughness and practicality of his 
plan of work was made apparent by his proficiency 
in this branch of study being so unusual as to 
afterward elicit high compliments from his pro- 
fessors. Working and studying, he managed to 
earn money and saving every cent possible he en- 
tered the Agricultural College at Lansing, from 
which he was graduated in tlie class of 1874. He 
never had a dollar's worth of aid extended to him 
in the pursuit of his education. He taught school 
for two years at Lyons, but although he had been a 
thorough student while in college he realized that 
he would be much benefited by a course of tech- 
nical training. In pursuit of this he went to 
Ypsilanti and attended the Normal school for one 
year. 

Prof. Bemis married Sarah Sprague, a daughter 
of Silas Sprague, August 7, 1878. That season he 
taught in Lyons but the next fall commenced teach- 
ing in Portland, where he continued eight years, 
and commenced teaching on the ninth, but resigned 
at the end of six weeks to accept an appointment 
as Secretary of the County Board of School Ex- 
aminers. His appointment bore date October, 
1887 and he still continues in that office. As a 
teacher he was eminently successful and jp tU"? 



office he has i)roved efficient and capable. He is 
one of the Elders in the Church of Christ at Ionia,,|p 
having united with that body in 1875. He is af^ 
stanch Republican in politics, a member of iaPk' 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, of the Masonic 
order, in which he is Junior Warden, and a mem- 
ber of the Knights of Pythias. To him rnnl hi- 
wife have been born four children— Bessie Ktl , 
Melviu S., Delia II. and Eldeu ,1. 

Since the above sketch was written, Mr. Bemis, 
without any application on his part being made 
for the office was unanimously elected in M»'^, 
1891, by the School Board of Ionia as Sup^.. • 
tendent of the city schools, and will enter upoiNnd 
duties as such in September. 

— ^-^^— ^— 

AMUEL W. BADGER presents in his 
life an example of persevering industry 
crowned with success, that is encouraging 
to others who start as he did, with no capi- 
tal. He came to Ionia Couutj' in 1842 and has 
been identified with its interests from that time 
until the present, and for a number of years was 
associated with other well-known men in pioneer 
labors in an undeveloped region. He is now 
pleasantly located on section 1, Easton Township, 
where he has a property of considerable value, so 
arranged and managed as to afford the family every 
comfort they can desire and enable provision to be 
made for future needs should the^' arise. 

Mr. Badger was born in Warner, N. IL, July 29, 
1807, and comes of respectable families of the New 
England States. His father, Stephen Badger, was 
born in Massachusetts and was the son of Obadiah 
Badger, of Araesbury, Mass., who followed the sea 
for a livelihood prior to the War of the Revolution, 
and fought during the seven 3'ears' struggle for 
independence from the Mother Country. Stephen 
Badger was also a soldier in the Colonial army, 
having enlisted when but sixteen years old. He 
was present at the capture of Burgoyne at Saratoga, 
was also Lieutenant of a privateer, and having 
been captured bj' an English ship, was imprisoned 
!Vt Dartmoor, After following the sea a nurnberof 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



789 



i 



years he purchased land in the town of Warner, 
N. H., and became a farmer. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Saraii Sawyer, and was descended from the old 
I'niitan stocii, her ancestors by liie name of llop- 
iiins Iiaving crossed in the "Mayllower." Coming 
of such parentage our subject could scarcely fail to 
act well his part in life and display the sturdiness 
of mind and the uprightness of character which 
were among the traits of his ancestors. When he 
was perhaps ten years old his father not finding 
agriculture very remunerative exchanged his proj)- 
erty for the Warner Mills, consisting of a grist- 
mill, carding and woolen mills. Our subject re- 
mained at home until he was about seventeen years 
old, passing his time in such an alternation between 
study, recreation and work suited to his years, as 
is gencrall}' the case in families of respectabilit}'. 

At the above mentioned ago Mr. Badger went to 
Massachusetts and for two years worked in the 
flannel mills of James Ilowarth at Andover. Not 
liking it there he went to Brighton and served an 
apprenticeshi|) of two years with James Green- 
wood at the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which 
he followed more or less from that time until 1842. 
At the expiration of his term of apprenticeship he 
started for what w.as then known as the far West, 
and arrived in Buffalo in August, 1828. Koads 
were rough even at that season of the year, and 
the trip by stage from Albany to Buffalo required 
five days. While there JSIr. Badger worked at his 
trade as journeyman and cast his first Presidential 
vote for Andrew Jackson, by whose money policy 
the advancements and improvements of the country" 
were seriously checked. 

In the spring of 1834 Mr. Badger proceeded as 
far west as Toledo, Ohio, and commenced business 
for himself, erecting (hvellin,:^ houses, also building 
liridges on the Palmyra & Jacksonburg Railroad, 
and working at VI. Defiance on the Krie & Wabash 
Canal. Owing to the hard times and the state of 
the currency, he failed to receive his paj', as some 
took advantage of the bankrupt law and left him 
minus ^3,700. In 1838 he came to Lenawee County, 
this State, and in 1842 to Ionia County with his 
family. There was plenty of work to be done in 
this new country, but money was scarce, and few 



probably experienced the disadvantages that con- 
fronted Mr. Badger when he attempted to make a 
home for his family by building on and improving 
his wild land in Orange Township. The following 
circumstances will illustrate the discouragements 
he met with: In order to procure nails with which 
to fasten the roof to the walls of the house, he car- 
ried some maple sugar which he had made a dis- 
tance of eight miles to Portland, selling it for five 
cents per pound and paying ten cents a pound for 
the nails. 

In due time the house was completed, the farm 
cleared, and improvements added. Mr. Badger 
built the first sawmill in the vicinity and carried it 
on for a number of years. As one of the early pio- 
neers of Orange Township he passed through the 
usual experiences of the frontiersman, from the 
time he made his home in a rude log cabin and 
began the development of his properly to a period 
fort}' j-ears later when it was a fair and fruitful 
estate. Notwithstanding the losses which Mr. 
Badger experienced, he has been able to pay his 
debts and owes no man anything. 

Mr. Badger was married October 28, 1838, to 
Miss Mar}' J. Fleming, who was born in the North 
of Ireland, June 16, 1822. Her parents, William 
and Mary (Watt) Fleming, were born in the same 
section of country as herself but both were of 
Scotch descent. She was about ten years old when 
they crossed the Atlantic, taking passage on a sail 
vessel at Londonderry, and landing at Quebec, 
Canada, after a voyage of eight weeks, during 
which they experienced variable weather. The 
Flemings went at once to A'erniont, where they 
made their home three years, then removed to 
Lenawee County, this State. They afterward came 
to Ionia County and established themselves in 
F^aston Township, where both parents died. The 
family of Mr. and Mrs. Badger included five chil- 
dren: Fallen, wife of W. N. Heed, now living in 
Kansas; George W., in Oregon; Abigail, wife of 
Edmund \nn Doran, in Ionia County; William and 
Charles, in Dakota. 

It was in the spring of 1886 that Mr. and Mrs. 
Badger removed to their present home, where they 
are enjoying the many comforts they have earned 
by meritorious efforts for their own advancement 



790 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and the good of others. Both are identified with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and make of their 
religion a matter of everyday experience. They 
have been active members of society and have had 
a deep influence over those with wiiom they have 
come in contact. Mr. Badger is independent in 
politics, although he is inclined toward Republican 
principles. 






E^^^ 



<jB?^\ELSON E. SMITH, who operates a fruit 
[[ jj] farm on section 18, Ionia Township, Ionia 
lt>('M) County, bears out consistently in his life 
the reputation for industry, probity and devotion 
which is his ancestral inheritance, descended to him 
from his Puritan forefathers. The family dates 
back its history in America to the timps of the 
'•Mayflower." The father of our subject, Arthur 
Sinitii, was a native of Vermont, while his wife was 
Mary Smith, a native of New York, where they 
were married and resided throughout their lives, 
being pioneers of Cayuga Count}', where they 
opened up and improved a farm. 

Arthur Smith had an interest in the invention of 
the first cast iron plow ever made. His wife died 
when about fifty years of age, but he survived to 
the good old age of eighty-two years. He was by 
preference and belief a Presbyterian, but as tiiere 
was no church of that order in Cayuga County, he 
joined the Bafjtist Church and served it as a Dea- 
con. He used occasionally to fill the vacant i)ulpits 
in Aurora. He was a Whig in politics. He was 
married three times, our subject's mother being 
his second wife. 

The gentleman whose name heads tliis sketch was 
ijorn Augusts, 182 7, in Cayuga Count3> N. Y. 
When twenty years old he took a farm which he 
ke|)t for seven j-ears. Then disposing of it he 
started for Michigan where he arrived in 1854 and 
settled on the farm where he now lives. It was an 
unbroken forest and he did hard work, clearing it 
of tiees, removing stumps and stones, building his 
residence and barns. - He went into the fruit busi- 
ness at an early day. His apple orchard contains 
four hundred trees and his peach orchard the same, 



while he has three acres devoted to grapes, and raises 
pears and a great deal of small fruit. He raises 
much fruit for the market and finds this business 
more lucrative than other farming. His harvest 
last fall anaounted to twenlj' eight thousand pounds 
of grapes, five hundred bushels of apples, besides a 
good crop of pears and small fruit. With one ex- 
ception he is the earliest pioneer in fruit growing 
in the count}'. He owns a farm of seventy acres in 
Easton Township. He is consistent in his princi- 
ples of temperance and never turns his grapes into 
wine. 

Mr. Smith's marriage in 1854 with Miss Martha 
M. Thacher, daughter of the Rev. Moses and Hen- 
rietta (Wilmarth) Thacher, united him with an- 
other family of honorable record in the annals of 
America. The father of his wife was a native of 
Princeton, Mass., born there November 14, 1795. 
The emigrant ancestor of the Thacher family, came 
from Salisbury', England, and became the first pas- 
tor of the old South Church, Boston, M.«ss. This 
Ptuitan pastor was the father of Rev. Peter Thacher 
who was again the father of another Rev. Peter, 
who was the grandfather of Mrs. Smith. 

When Moses Thacher was eight years of age, his 
father removed to Northern Pennsylvania. There 
in the year 1808, during a revival, this youth l)e- 
came a subject of Divine grace and made a public 
profession of religion. Anxious to obtain a liberal 
education with a view to entering the ministery, 
he left his father's home in April, 1814, and with 
his pack upon his back traveled on foot three hun- 
dred miles to Providence, R. I., where he arrived 
with fifty cents in his i)ocket, as a fund toward his 
education. He obtained work at |il2 per month 
and entered upon a course of preparatory study, 
and in due time entered Brown University, where 
he was graduated in 1821. He studied Divinity 
with the Rev. Otis Thompson, at Rehoboth, R. I., 
and was licensed to preach the Gospel in 1827. On 
September, 22, the same 3ear he was married, and 
the following year be was ordained and installed 
pastor of the Congregational Church at Wrentliam, 
Mass., where he continued for several 3-ears. 

In 1838 the j'oung minister went to Pennsylva- 
nia, where he ministered to the Presbyterian 
Churches in the counties of Susquehannah and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



791 



15i:i(lf(>r<l, and in New York, in tiie counties of 
Delaware, Chenango, Corllanil, Cayuga, Oneida 
anil Franlvlin. Later lie went with one of his sons 
to Illinois, and in September, 1868, lie was be- 
reaved by the loss of his wife. In August of the 
same year he suffered a sunstroke, from which he 
never recovered either mentally or physically. He 
S|)enl the remainder of his days peacefully with a 
son in Illinois, and a daughter in Ionia, Mich. 
Forty-six years of his life were spent in the active 
ministry, and for man}' yoars he preached annually 
more than two hundred and fifty sermons. 

While in Massachusetts Rev. Moses Timelier 
edited a religious and anti-Masonic paper, the Bos- 
ton Telegraph and many of his writings have been 
published. He was once elected to the Senate of 
Massachusetts. He was an early anti-slavery man 
and was one of the twelve noble and notable men 
including William Lloyd Garrison and Oliver 
Johnson, who on January 6, 18.32, in the African 
schoolrooiB on "Nigger Hill," in the City of Bos- 
ton, formed the New Kngland Anti Slavery society 
and allixed their names to the constitution of the 
society. The home of Father Thaclier, as he was 
called, was one of the stations of the I'ndcrground 
Railroad. 

Mrs. Nelson E. Smith w.is born at North Wren- 
tliam, .Mass., July G, 1829. She was a very superior 
woman, having a wonderful memory and having 
availed herself of good educational advantages. 
Her intelligence was graced by the beauties of a 
modest disposition, an amiable character, and Chris- 
tian devotion. She was a notable Sunday-school 
teacher and for two years was President of the 
Women's Foreign Missionary .Society here. Her 
death, October 9, 1889, was deeply mourned. In 
her memory the following verses were written: 

"A precious one from us has gone; 

A voice we loved is still; 
A pl.ace is vacant in our home 

Which never can be filled. 

"God in his wisdom, has recalled 
The bo<jn his love had given; 

And though the body slumbers here 
The soul is safe in heaven." 

Five children blessed the marriage of our sub- 
ject and his wife, two who survive — Kmmons, 



III 



who assists his father; and May H., who is a kinder- 
garten teacher in connection with the public schools. 
The three deceased — Waller Goiliam and the 
twins, Edie and Lottie, were snatched from their 
parents in the short space of one week with that 
dreail disease scarlet fever, Walter G. at the age of 
nearly eight years and the twins aged almost two 
years. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church for forty years and a Ruling El- 
der in that organization for thirty-six years. He 
has done much active church work. His training 
and associations in connection with the anti-slavery 
interests, made him what was known as a '-lilack 
R'»publican." 



EVI C. GOODWIN, a prominent citizen 
jj; and venerable pioneer of section 7, Easton 
at, Townshi|), Ionia County, is a native of 
Monroe County, N. Y., where he was born March 
18, 1814. He is a son of Ezekiel and Hannah 
(Colby) Goodwin, who were natives of New Hamp- 
shire. His father served for a short time in the 
War of 1812, and was an early settler in Monroe 
County, N. Y. Of the five children of his parents, 
two now survive, our subject and Rozilla. now 
Mrs. Swift, a widow, residing in Ontario County, 
N. Y. The family is of English descent. 

Our subject was brought up on the farm in his 
native State and was early trained in the |)ractical 
work of agriculture. For a short time when a 
young man he boated on the Erie Canal. In the 
fall of 1850, he emigrated with his family to Ionia 
County, Mich., to which he had paid a visit some 
eight years previous. At that lime it seemed to 
him too much of a wilderness for a family resi- 
dence, but later, he found it more to his mind. 
His marriage in New Y'ork Slate in January, 1838 
bad unit«d him witli Ann Barlow, with whom he 
lived more than a half century in domestic happi- 
ness. To them were granted four children, Amanda, 
(ileeeased), Burdette, Maicelliis, Frances, (Mrs. 
Peter M. Sh.iybaugli.) 

The family of our subject found their first home 



792 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in the southeastern part of Keene Township, and 
after a few j'ears residence there came to Easton 
Township and settled on a farm of one Iiundred 
and thirty-six acres where they now reside. Eighty- 
acres of this was then partially improved and a few 
rude buildings were already erected. He had much 
l)ioneer work to do, and has virtually made this 
splendid farm what it now is. His present fine resi- 
dence was put up in 1881, and he has assisted his 
children in getting well started in life by giving 
each of tijem a farm of eighty acres. The golden 
wedding of this estimable and happy pair was cele- 
brated in January, 1888, and March 28, 1889, Mrs. 
Goodwin was called to her heavenly home, leaving 
behind her a void which can never be filled. The 
whole community still mourn her loss and feel that 
a mother indeed has been taken from their midst. 

Mr. Goodwin's son Burdetle E., who was born 
December 3, 1843, in Monroe County, N. Y., and 
who resides on section 4, Easton Township, is a 
prominent citizen also of this county. AVith the 
exception of one and one-half }-cars spent in the 
mercantile business in Belding, Mich., he has en- 
gaged all his life in agricultural pursuits. He was 
married October 18, 1866, to Olive Kellogg, a 
daughter of the Hon. Shiverick Kellogg, formerly 
representative from Ionia County in the Slate 
Legislature. She is a native of St. Lawrence 
County, N. Y., where she was born December 15, 
1847. The Hon. Shiverick Kellogg came to Ionia 
County in 184'J, and settled in Easton Township on 
the farm now owned by widow Cook. He after- 
ward removed to what is now known all over that 
section as the old Kellogg farm in Easton Town- 
ship. At that time there were no roads in that part 
of the county and here this progressive pioneer 
remained until 1881, when he died on November 
14. For two terms he represented Ionia County 
in the Lower House of the State Legislature, where 
he was marked as a stanch Kopublican. He was a 
l)ublic-spirited man and an influential member of 
the Congregational Church. He was for some time 
Supervisor of Easton Township. His wife fol- 
lowed him to the better land, April 15, 1883,' 
rcs|)ected by all who knew her. 

The subject of this sketch has seen the county 
grow up from an uncultivated to a finely culti- 



vated and prosperous condition. His education in 
the rudiments of learning was gained in the early 
schools of his native State. He has ever sedulously 
improved what advantages were granted him and 
is fully abreast of the times in matters of intelli- 
gence. Being a stanch Democrat he has watched 
with interest the growth of the county and recol- 
lects when there were but seven Democrats in the 
township. He is a public-spirited citizen and de- 
lights to promote with his means and influence all 
movements for the upbuilding of the society. He 
is one of the successful pioneers of Ionia County, 
and now in his declining years he is enjoying the 
fruits of a life well spent surrounded by children 
and friends. His son-in-law, Peter M. Shaybaugh 
served two years as Treasurer of P^aston Township 
and is one of the prominent j'oung Democratic 
farmers of that township. 



^p^EORGE MORRIS. The county seat of 
(|| g— Ionia County is the home of this gentie- 
^^4! man and his business is that of a stenog- 
rapher, reporting that which trans[)ires in the 
courtroom and in interviews between lawyer and 
client. He is of Irish descent and was born in New 
York, March 27, 1853. His parents were Arthur 
and Fannie (Fitzgerald) Morris, who removed from 
tlie Empire State to Canada, and later to Detroit, 
Mich. The father died at Detroit and the mother 
still resides there. Our subject attended the pub- 
lic schools and in the metropolis of the State con- 
tinued his stu<lies in the High School. He began 
his active life as a clerk and tlien took up short- 
hand under private instruction. 

In 1877 Mr. Morris was employed in reporting 
legal matters and his entire experience as a stenog- 
rapher has been in connection with law. In 1886 he 
was appointed by Gov. Alger stenograhie reporter 
of the Circuit Court of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, 
at that time consisting of Ionia, Clinton and Mont- 
calm Counties. He is still reporting in the Eighth 
District, now comprising the counties of Ionia and 
Montcalm. Mr. Morris is an expert, very accurate 
and rapid. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



798 



III 1877 Mr. Morris was married to Miss Hattie 
ICc'iulnll, a native of Penns)'lvaiiia, who possesses 
mental culture and an estimable character. Mr. 
and Mrs. ftforris have one son — Fred, who was 
horn in 1882. Both husbauil and wife belong to 
the Presbyterian Church, have good stan<ling in 
the religious socict}-, and are popular in the com- 
niunity. Politically he is a Republican. 

^|"/ OSKPII LOTT. It being the purpose of the 
I publishers of this Ai.hum to present to its 
^j^ I readers sketches of the lives of the promi- 
^^// ncnt citizens of Ionia and Montcalm Coun- 
nies, they would fail were the^- to omit that of 
Joseph Lott, who is one of the energetic and suc- 
cessful farmers of Kcene Township. He was born 
in the Province of Ontario, Canada, in 1839, and 
was bereft of his mother when but eighteen months 
old. His father, William Lott, was a native of 
New York and fought in the American army in the 
War of 1812. He went from his native State to 
Canada and thence came to Ionia County about 
1838. He made liis home in the woods on section 
30, Keene Township, building a log cabin which he 
covered with dirt and which was one of the. land- 
marks of that vicinity for several years. He en- 
dured the usual self-denials and [irivations of early 
settlers but lived to see a great improvement in the 
country. Ho passed away in 1878, leaving several 
cliiUlren, the present survivors being S;uah R., Jo- 
seph, Leonard and Ilciiry. 

The gentleman whose name introduces tliese 
paragraphs arrived at man's estate in Keene Town- 
ship, growing up amid scenes of pioneer life and 
obtaining a common-school education, mostly dur- 
ing tlie winter sesson, as the summers were sjient 
in farm work. He has been an extensive reader 
and by this means has supplied the deficiencies in 
liis early education. In 1864 he settled on section 
28, where he has since made his home, pursuing 
an industrious and ujiright course in life. His 
well-developed farm consists of eighty acres on 
which lie has made the usual improvements. He 
liad practically no means with which to begin work 



when he was ready to take a man's place in the 
worhl and it was by dint of indiistrv, self-denial 
and the exercise of good judgment tliat he built 
up his comfortable home. 

In his labois in life Mr. Lott has been ably sec- 
onded by the l.ady who became his wife November 
24, 18C1, wiiose maiden name was Susan A. Pinck- 
ney. She was born in Clinton County, this Slate, 
and is one of eight cliildrcii, ni.iking up the family 
of Ira and Vienna Pinckne}-. Her surviving broth- 
ers and sisters are tleorge, Henry, Caroline and 
Harriet. Her parents came to Keene Township 
about 1840 and lier mother is still living here. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Lott there has come one danghier, 
A'ienna, now the wife of William Hickctt. 

Mr. Lott is a believer in and supporter of the 
principles of Democracy and favors whatever will 
elevate the status of society and add to the pros- 
perity of the section which he seen grow to a thriv- 
ing and populous territory. Intelligent, law-abiding 
and .agreeable, Mr. Lott is numbered among the 
highly-respected members of the community and 
enjoys the confidence of all with whom he h.is bus- 
ness relations. His wife stands side by side with 
him in sharing the kindly feeling of their acquaint- 
ances. 



ANNII5AL G. COlilKN. Among the good 
hotels of Howard City, Montcalm County, 
is Coburn's Exchange, which was sueccss- 
'l§)) fully conducted by our subject for fourteen 
years. During that time lie became well known to the 
traveling pulilic and deservedly popular as a host. 
His hotel was a well-onlered, neatly-kept and finely- 
appointed house, with an unrivalled service and 
cuisine, leaving nothing to be desired by those 
who patronized it. Tliis superior hostelry has re- 
cently been leased b3- Mr. Cobiirn to a son who was 
formerly one of the clerks and who is continuing 
its affairs on the liberal scale and sound basis to 
which it W.1S brought by his father. 

Mr. Coburn was born in Sumner, Mo., June 3, 
1828, and in tiie same State his parents, Peter and 
Pollj' (Howe) Coburn opened their eyes to the 
light. The Coburns came originally from .Scot- 



794 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



land, three of the name, with three Varnums, cross- 
ing the ocean together in early Colonial da3'S. Tlie 
parental family comprised six children and our 
subject is the third born. The other survivors are 
Henry C, now living in Dakota; Benjamin F., an 
hotelkeeper in South Molunkus, Me.; Freeland J., 
a resident of Mattawamkeag, Me. ; Olive, wife of 
James Warren, living in Bowlder, Col. The other 
member of the family, Granville, died in Aroostook 
County, Me. 

The father of Hannibal G. Coburn was a farmer 
and our subject was reared to the same pursuit. 
His opportunities for acquiring a thorough edu- 
cation were somewhat limited but he attended 
Lees Normal Academy two terms. March 23, 1851, 
he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Enoch 
Stone, and at once leased the Mansion House, in 
Lincoln, Me., and entered upon a long career as an 
hotelkeeper. After being in the business about a 
twelvemonth, he abandoned it for a time and gave 
his attention to farming and carrying on a livery 
and express business. In 1854 he bought the 
Lincoln House, which he carried on until the 
breaking out of the Rebellion, when he was drafted 
and exempted from service. 

Mr. Coburn at once went to work to aid in rais- 
ing the Seventh Maine Infantry-, expecting to be- 
come its sutler, but instead he was appointed 
sutler of the Twentieth, which was commanded by 
Col. Ames. He accompanied the troops to Wash- 
ington and after camping for a time at Arlington 
Heights, followed their destinies three and a half 
years, when he sold out to A. K. Matthews and re- 
turned to his native Slate. During his connection 
with the Twentieth his stores were never raided by 
the boys, as they held him in high esteem on ac- 
count of his kind treatment and the attention he 
paid to tlieir sick. 

Soon after his return home Mr. Coburn was tele- 
graphed to return to Washington with all haste, 
bringing all the money he could command, as there 
was a good thing in store for him. He took a 
private conveyance to Bangor and thence went on 
to Wasliington, taking with him between $8,000 
and $9,000. He bought a half interest in a ship 
load of sutler's supplies ready for shipment to 
City Point, and took a pass made out for Matthews, 



while Matthews took one made out for Knox. At 
City Point he was arrested, placed in what was 
called the "bull pen," and the next day taken back 
to Washington, where he was tried before Judge 
Doubleda^'. He was fined ^200 and committed to 
any prison he might select until it was paid, which 
was done in less than an hour. In the meantime a 
guard had been placed over the goods, and as soon 
as it was learned that everything was straight with 
the exception of the attempt to reach the front 
under a false pass, the supplies were sold out to 
the credit of Coburn & Matthews, although they 
did not realize as much as they would had they 
managed for themselves. 

For six months longer Mr. Coburn continued in 
the sutler's business and when ordered out col- 
lected $1,500 of the paymaster. He was appointed 
Custom House officer at Lincoln, Me., and held tlie 
position three years. As the Government gave 
one-half to the Collector on all seizures and these 
more than met the expenses, it lost nothing. Mr. 
Coburn was appointed United States Marshal in 
1868, but held the position only a few months and 
then engaged in the sale of farm implements. In 
that branch of trade he continued until May, 1873, 
when he came to Michigan and before the year had 
closed h.id bought the hotel that he lias carried on 
most of the time since. Prior to September, 1890 
he had it in charge except for three years, when it 
was leased. He has also been interested in the 
lumber business to some extent, but not with any 
marked success. 

Mr. and Mrs. Coburn have six children, of whom 
we note the following: Flora E. lives in Detroit 
and is the wife of T. H. Anderson, a conductor on 
the Detroit, Lansing i& Northern Railroad; Mary 
I. is the wife of M. H. Stetson, who keeps a hotel 
and livery in Howard City; Fred AY. is an hotel- 
keeper in Bangor, Me., being proprietor of the 
Penobscot Exchange; Hart D. is now carrying on 
Coburn's Exchange in Howard Citj-; Lilley is the 
wife of Gain Robinson, a lumber dealer in Spring- 
field, Mass. ; Hannibal G., Jr., is a young lawyer 
who was graduated from the law department of the 
State University in Ann Arbor and is located at 
West Superior, Wis. 

The political faith of Mr. Coburn is [ironounced 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



795 



and lie always bears an active part in campaign 
work, aiding liie Democratic parly to power. He 
was Postmaster of Howard City under President 
Cleveland. He has been a member of tlie Council 
two terms and was elected President of tlic Vil- 
lage Board in 1890. He has also been a school 
ofTiccr. He is a charter member of Howard City 
Lodge, F. ife A. RI. In religious sentiment he is an 
inGdel ami has entertained those views for over 
forty 3cars. 



iJlIOMAS K. ALLKN, M. D. By nature and 
/igs\\ education Dr. Allen has been well qualified 
-<^^' for his professional work, his marked abil- 
ity is recognized throughout the city of Ionia 
and his reputation extends over a wide circuit of 
country. He was born in Franklin County, N. Y., 
Soi)tember 13, 1841, but acconipa:iied his parents to 
Canada when about seven j-ears old. His father, 
.John Allen, a native of New York, was a farmer 
and drover, and the son learned the details of 
farming and the stock business when quite young. 
The niotherof oursubject was Lucinda (Hussell) 
Allen, who was born in Vermont and died in Huron 
County, this State, in August, 18'JO. The parental 
family included Delana, widow of Nelson Tibbitts; 
Azuban, now deceased, who married Jc>siah Donald- 
son; Maroah, wife of Aaron Steel, living in Huron 
County; Huldah, formerly wife of E. BuUard and 
now deceased; Thora.as K., of this notice; George, 
deceased; KlizaJ., wife of Mitchell Dibb, of Huron 
County; and Lucelta, wife of [<ouis Cooper, living 
in Canada. 

The fundamental education of Dr. Allen was 
obtained in the common schools and in the gram- 
mar school at London, Ontario. Having deter- 
mined to adopt the medical profession as his work 
in life he entered the Homa-opathic College at 
Cleveland, from which he was graduated in 1865. 
Not content with this preparation he went to New 
York City and entered upon a supplemental course, 
but was obliged to ahandon it on account of being 
Uiken sick. When his health was sullicientlv re- 



stored to enable him to begin practice, he opened 
an office in Detroit where he carried on bis profes- 
sional work three years. Again illness interfered 
with his plans and for two years he was not able to 
carry on his work. He came to Ionia Juno IC, 
1871, and as soon as his health would permit he 
began professional work here and has continued it 
to the present time. 

Dr. Allen inherits a taste for fine stock and takes 
especial pride in horses, of whicii he has some ex- 
cellent specimens. He may frequently be seen 
behind a good trotter and driving affords him 
needed recreation. He is of a social disposition 
and greatly enjoys the good comradeship found in 
lodges of the Masonic order. Odd Fellows, Knights 
of Pytliias and Foresters, with each of which he 
is identifie<l. He was a member of the Pension 
Board during theadministration of President Ar- 
thur, but was set aside b3' Cleveland; he was re- 
appointed by Harrison and is still serving. In 
politics he is an ardent Republican. Notwithstanil- 
ing the demand? upon his time, he manages to keep 
abreast of his fellow-physicians, as he is devoted 
to his profession and ambitious to succeed in the 
highest sense. 

Dr. Allen was married Se|)tember 20, 1870, to 
Miss Elizabeth Finch, a native of Canada, who 
shared his fortunes only a decade. She died in 
1880 leaving one daughter, Mamie. After having 
lived a widower until March 12, 1888, the Doctor 
contracted a second matrimonial alliance, bringing 
to his home .as his bride Mrs. Henrietta Wilson, 
foriuerlv of England. 



"''— f — ^"Z- 



E&^ 



TKI'IIKN ,1. WILBFR, a prcniirunt :m<\ 
highly reputed resilient of Keene Town- 
sliip, Ionia Ctuinty, is a native of St. Law- 
rence County, N. Y,, where he was born 
May 12, 182S. His parents, Sylvanus and Sabra 
(Blodgctt) Wilbur, were both natives of X'crmont. 
His fallu-r was born on an island in Lake Cham- 
plain, six miles from Platlsbiirg. N. V., and when 
a boy witnessed the battle at that point. Our 
subject was reared to manhood in his native county 



796 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and lias been a life-long farmer. He received a 
rudimentary education in tlie earl^- schools of St. 
Lawrence County, N. Y., where his father had set- 
tled when that was a wilderness. The school 
building was of logs and had a fireplace in one end 
and a door in the other. The educational advan- 
tages were extremely scanty, but owing to a life- 
long habit of reading he lias acquired a high degree 
of intelligence. He remembers vividly the pioneer 
scenes of his early life, especially an incident when 
one day a wolf came up to his father's house, 
seized a lamb and rushed with it into the woods. 

Mr. Wilbur's first marriage occurred in 1850, 
August 25, when he was united with Harriet Cross, 
who bore him one daughter — Harriet, wife of An- 
drew Town, of Orleans Township, this county. 
In the spring of 1851 he emigrated with bis wife 
to Ottawa County, Mich., and resided about ten 
miles from Grand Rapids until the fall of 1854, 
when be came to Ionia County. He finally lo- 
cated on his present farm in Kcene Township in 
1856. His wife died June 11, 1852. 

The second Mrs. Wilbur was Harriet E., daugh- 
ter of George W. D. and Hannah (Veile) Gern- 
sey. This lady was born in Cayuga County, 
N. Y., April 20, 1838. Her father was a native of 
New York State. One of her great-grandfathers 
was a Revolutionar}' soldier and her father's 
mother was within four miles of the Wyoming 
Massacre and could see the light of the burning 
buildings as they were set on fire by the Indians, 
and could hear the screams of some of the unfor- 
tunates as they were massacred by the savages. 

AVhen four years old Mrs. Wilbur emigrated 
with her parents to Oakland County, Mich. After 
residing there two years the family emigrated to 
Ionia County and became early settlers in Easton 
Township in 1846. Six children blessed the sec- 
ond marriage of our subject, three of whom are 
living — DeWitt; Ann, wife of Edwin Baldwin, and 
George. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur settled in the woods and 
had to out down trees to make a road to their 
home and to clear a place for erecting a small log 
shanty. In this humble home, measuring 14x26 
feet, they lived for years, and later on built a 
better house. He purchased eighty acres of land 



and has improved the farm and made it what it is 
to-day. The ancestors of our subject were Quakers. 
Mrs. Wilbur is (connected with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Mr. Wilbur is a Prohibitionist 
ill politics. This worthy coufile have always led 
consistent and honorable lives, and it would not 
be too much to say that their noble example is 
well worthy of the imitation and emulation of 
future generations. Their hospitality is known 
throughout the county. Mr. Wilbur 1i,hs always 
borne a spotless reputation for sterling integrity. 
He is well informed on general topics and is 
public spirited and liberal toward enterprises hav- 
ing for their object the welfare of society. Long 
after he and his devoted wife shall have been 
called to '-that bourne from which no traveler re- 
turns" will their memory be green in the hearts 
of those who love and honor them. 



j-ALLACE W. BEMIS, B. S. When one has 
had the advantages of the common schools 
and colleges and also the benefits resulting 
from a portion of his life being spent in halls of 
learning acquiring useful knowledge, we naturally 
expect something more than ordinary from such a 
person. Prof. AVallace Bemis does not disappoint 
us in this expectation, for he is unusually prominent 
as a literary man and has occupied high positions 
in the schools of Ionia County. He is a native of 
Hampden County, Mass., and was born February 20, 
1852. He is the second son of M. D. L. and Eliza 
Bemis, natives of New England, and when a mere 
child accompanied his parents to Lorain County, 
Ohio, and there lost his mother by death. The 
familj- remained in that place until 1863 and after- 
ward emigrated to Ionia County, Mich., where they 
settled on section 22, Easton Township. There the 
father still resides and is now (1891) in his sixt}'- 
eighth year. 

Prof. Wallace Bemis began his school days in 
El3'ria, Ohio, attending school in that place from 
his sixth to his eleventh year. He subsequently 
attended a public school of Easton Township, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



797 



aflerwaid alteiuled for a time the Ionia High 
School. In 1873 lie entered the Michigan State 
Agricullinal College at Lansing anil taking the full 
course was graduated with the degree of Bachelor 
of Science. His coninienoement day occurred in 
November, 187G. Previous to this he had taught 
school some four months before he entered the 
agricultural college. lie has been engaged in 
teaching school for fifteoi winters, almost success- 
ively, and has been pre-eminently successful in this 
line of work. 

Prof. Bemis was uniied in marriage October '.), 
1878, with Luella Curtis. The bride was born in 
liranch County, Mich., and is a daughter of Joseph 
and Susian Curtis, who are residing in Easton 
Township. The parents of Mrs. Beniis were early 
settlers of this part of the country. By the mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Bemis four cliildren have 
been born: Lynn, March 8, 1883;Kdith L., Sep- 
tember 28, 1884; Ernest, January 23, 1886, and 
l{ay, November 19, 1888. 

The subject of this sketch located in 1885 at his 
present home. lie has chosen the Heiiublican party 
for his own and is a progressive man in all his 
ideas. He and Ins wife are identified with the 
Christian Church of Ionia and are active and con- 
sistent members. lie has served as Township Su- 
perintendent of Schools one year each in the 
townships of Ionia and Easton, is identified with 
the Grange society, and is now serving as Treas- 
urer of the Banner (I range, No. 640, in Orleans 
Township. As an educator Prof. Beniis has been 
especially successful in that most dillicult feat for 
many teachers to accomplish — the grading of rural 
district schools, and was among the first to experi- 
ment in th'itline in Ionia County. 

The writer finds Prof. Bemis to be a thoroughly 
educated gentleman and well deserving the degree 
of Bachelor of Science which his Alma Mater has 
conferred upon him. As an instructor his increas- 
ing and unwearied labor is the key to his gn-at 
success. Courteous to a marked degree he com- 
mands the confidence of all his acquaintances. He 
and his family reside near Stanton Junction in 
l-°.aston Township where during a portion of the 
year he is successfully engaged in conducting a 
fruit farm, for the cultivation of which his term of 



school spent in the agricultural college has fitted 
him. Prof. Bemis is a brother of the present able 
Superintendent of Public Instruction of Ionia 
County. 



f^lLJ!. of the productive farms of Ionia Countv. 
I, , * 
i> the tract consisting of one hundred and 

seventy-five acres on section 4, Otisco 
Township. Mr. Shaw was born in Washtenaw 
County, to which his father removed from the 
Empire State about 1830. That gentleman, John 
Shaw, was a native of England and had emigrated 
to New York when quite young. He was engaged 
in farming in that State and after coming to Mich- 
igan ho continued the same occupation. In 1838 
became to Ionia County and purchased three hun- 
dred licres of Government land, on a partof which 
his son now lives. This was his (inal home and 
here he died in 1880. He had married in Washte- 
naw County Miss Jane Belding, daughter of Aslier 
Melding, who was a native of Mass-icluisetts. The 

union was blest by the birth of four children 

William and Sylvia, twins, and two sons who were 
cJirisiened by the same name, the first having died 
in infancy. William is living in Minnesota. Mr. 
Jt)lin Shaw was for many years a Deacon in the 
Maptist Church. His father, for whom he was named 
si)ent the last years of his life in Washtenaw 
County, this State. 

Asher Shaw remiiined with his parents uiilil he 
was of age and then took up the occupation of 
farming for himself on a part of the homestead. 
In 1887 he left the farm and went to Missouri 
where he spent a year, and then returning to this 
State he made his home in Lansing until January, 
I81i0. At that time he retmned to his farm and is 
again giving his attention to its management and 
cultivation. He has an estate that is sufficiently 
priiductive to afford him all the con)forts of life 
and allow him to make provision for his future 
needs should he live to old age. 

The date of the marriage of Ashcr C. Sh.iw and 
Elizabeth AVright was May .'5. isi;:!. The bride 



798 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was the third child of Abner and Ruth (Fallman) 
Wright, the others being Charles C, John A., 
George A., Geary P. and Ruth A. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wright were born in New York, whence they came 
to this State in 1843. Mr. Wright is still living 
but his wife died in 1861. He is a farmer and 
cooper, and is well known in Otisco Township, 
which has been his home so many "years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Siiaw are the parents of one son, Alvin W., 
who was born March 5, 1864. 

Mr. Shaw has a social nature, as is shown in iiis 
affiliation with some of the well known orders. 
Ife is a Master Mason, belonging to Belding Lodge, 
No. 355, and is identified with Belding Lodge, No. 
32, A. O. U. W. His political affiliation is with the 
Democrats and he is quite sure to be seen depositing 
a straight ticket when the ballot box is open. 



i EN J AM IN IIARTKR. One by one the 
early settlers of Ionia County are passing 
f5J))||j away, leaving to posterity the lesson of 
their sturdy manliness, their courageous 
pursuit of life's duties, and their hopefulness under 
trying circumstances. Among those who were 
long and favorably known in and near tlie county 
seat, and indeed over a wide circuit of territorj- 
hereabouts, may be numbered the gentleman with 
whose cognomen we introduce these paragraphs. 
As farmer and merchant he was equally energetic, 
straightforward and progressive in his ideas, and all 
his dealings were honest and business-like. The 
guerdon of financial prosperity was won by the 
exercise of these qualities combined with frugality 
and tact in investing liis means, and to his famil\- he 
left a good property, including a beautiful home in 
which his widow still resides. 

The Harters were originally from Germany, and 
the grandfather of our subject was one of eight 
brothers who settled in Herkimer County, N. Y. 
There Michael Harler, father of Benjamin, was 
born and reared, and there lie married Abigail 
Harter. To them came tiiivleen children, of whom 
Benjamin was the third. The date of his birth was 
April 18, 1813, and amid the usual surroundings 



of farm life he grew toward manhood, attending 
the common school, even at tiiattime quite good in 
Herkimer Count}', and learning every particular of 
his father's vocation. He aided in the farm work 
until he was fifteen years old, when he became 
clerk in a grocery store at Utica a few months. 
He was employed in a dry-goods store at Little 
Falls for several years, having the privilege of at- 
tending school during the winter montlis. His 
wages were given to his father until he was of age, 
when the accumulation from three years of his 
labors enabled him to come to Jlichigan. 

The removal of Mr. Harter to this State took 
place in 1839. and four miles from Ionia he bought 
one hundred and sixty acres of land, in the culti- 
vation of which he laid the foundation of a com- 
petency. The country was sparsely settled when 
he located here and much of the territory was an 
unbroken wilderness, still the haunt of timorous 
animals and savage beasts, but no discouraging 
appearances were able to undermine the determina- 
tion of Mr. Harter to win fortune's favors. He 
saw in the lands about him the elements of agri- 
cultural growth, and was assured in his own mind 
that tiie climate and other physical advantages of 
the region would in lime make it the home of a 
prosperous people; and he lived to see his prophecy 
fulfilled and wealth and high civilization abounding 
in the once wild waste. 

Mr. Harter remained on his farm until 1845, 
when he became clerk for James M. Kidd, a rela- 
tion he sustained two years, after which he estab- 
lished himself in the di-y-goods business. For 
twenty years he carried on a trade that grew to 
such proportions as to demand many hands to 
carry it on and an active brain during long hours 
of thought to manage its details and plan for its 
furtherance. Having won a competence Mr. Harter 
retired from the arduous pursuit in which he was 
engaged and gave his attention solely to looking 
after his investments, his lands and stocks, and the 
duties of a Director in the First National Bank of 
Ionia. He built a fine residence, and furnished it 
in a manner befitting his abundant means and the 
tastes of the occupants, and under its roof be and 
his family enjoyed the society of their numerous 
friends and the recreations open to people of wealth. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



799 



In politics Mr. Harter was a staiu-li Republican ; 
in disposition lie was socinl and frank, and in char- 
acter above reproach. lie was a incrabcr of tiie 
Ciuirch of Christ, a faithful and earnest worker 
and a liberal giver to further the cause of Chris- 
tianity, and for a number of years he was a Deacon. 
His death occurred November 11, 1890. 

"Tossed no more on life's rough billow, 
lie has crossed the cliillini;; stream, 

He has safely passed death's Jordan, 
For a land of living green. 

''Tossed no more on life's roujjh billow, 
lie has found his clay-cold bed, 

lie from it shall rise immortal. 
As his gloriou.s Leader did. 

"Tossed no more on life's rough billow, 
Sorrows, pains and anguish past. 

Oh, the pain, the bliss of dying. 
Finding rest in heaven at last." 

The companion of Mr. Harter in bis toils and 
pleasures, the one in whom be found bis chief 
sympathizer and most encouraging counselor, was 
known in former years as Miss Sarah Yates, and 
was a native of Skaneateles, N. Y. She is a daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Hannah (Lockwood) Y.ites, ami 
WHS united in marriage to Mr. Harter August i), 
1841. The union was blessed by the birth of four 
children but two only are now living — Mrs. L. U. 
Avery, of Ionia, and Mrs. U. 15. Rogers, of Grand 
Rapids. Mrs. H.-irter is a fervent Christian who 
delights in doing good and in dispensing hospital- 
itj-, and is a willing worker in all charitable csuscs. 
She is the fortunate possessor of excellent tastes 
and sound judgment, and is a delightful com- 
panion, as numerous friends are ready to testify. 



'^g^AHVEY IIARTKR. Among the well rc- 
!)■ membered citizens of Ionia County the 

gentleman above-named deserves mention. 

He came hither in 1819 and for several 
years was engaged In the sale of merchandise in 
the county seat and he was one of the organizers 
of the First National Bank there. He was a 



heavy stockholder in that institution and for twelve 
j'cars was its Assistant Cashier. After giving up 
the dry-goods business he devoted much time to 
the details of his extensive farming operations, 
having invested his previous gains chiefly in farm 
lands and having a landed estate of six hundred 
acres. Olficial station had no charms for him, 
although he was thought by his fellow-citizens to 
be peculiarly adai)tcd to serve them. His business 
absorbed his time and his family- life made his chief 
enjoyment. 

Mr. Harter was the seventh in a family of thir- 
teen children born to Michael and Abigail Harter. 
His parents were old settlers in the Mohawk Val- 
ley, and in fact the Ilarters located there during 
the Revolution. The natal day of Mr. Harter was 
November 22, 1821, and his birthplace Herkimer 
County. He worked upon the old homestead and 
attended school until he was sixteen years old, and 
upon completing his .studies entered at once upon 
a business career as' clerk in a store at Little Falls. 
After three years spent in that cai)acity he accepted 
the stewardship of a packet plying on the canal be- 
tween Schenectady ,Utica and Rochester. After two 
years as Steward he became Captain, a position he 
held five years. During the winter months, when 
navigation was closed he was employed as a clerk 
or telegraph operator. 

Through his brother Benjamin, who had made 
some investments in this State for him, Mr. Har- 
ter was led to come hither and immediately after 
his arrival in Ionia the firm of Harter Bros., opened 
a store on Main street. They carried it on success- 
fully seven years and at the same time were engaged 
in the manufacture of saleratus and potash, which 
found a ready market in Chicago. As a business 
man our subject was energetic and keen and in 
making investments he showed prudence and fore- 
thought. When called hence he left a fine property, 
and the widow still occupies the delightful old 
homestead, surrounded by every comfort heart can 
wish. She bore the maiden name of Elizabeth M. 
Babcock and entered upon the duties of married 
life October 29, 1850. 

The father of Mrs. Harter was William Babcock, 
who came to Ionia Count}- in 183G,and with Philo 
T. Bates, located two thousand acres of land two 



800 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and a half miles west of Ionia. The next year he 
brought his faniil}' and they were nine days in 
making the distance from Detroit to Ionia. Mrs. 
Hartcr's reminiscences of this trip are very inter- 
esting. One Sunday they had to be pulled through 
a swamp. The first Indians the family saw were 
after they had crossed this swamp, and an older 
sister came near fainting at the sight as the sav- 
ages were skinning a deer, which the girls thought 
to be a person. The sons in the Babcook family 
drove through Canada bringing the stock with 
them. George, the eldest, was a prominent lawyer 
in Buffalo, M. Y., and gained his education by per- 
sonal effort, studying while caring for stock and 
attending to other farm duties. This son did not 
come to Miciiigan with the family, but was one of 
five who remained in the East. 

The first winter in Michigan was a hard one, by 
reason of sickness and the fact that all their sup- 
plies except those coming in the one wagon were 
frozen in at Grand Haven. Tbeir oxen suffered 
for lack of proper shelter and sufficient food, and 
the six cows died. Mr. Babcock, who was a man 
of great activity and perseverance, lived to see the 
country prosperous, giving to each of his sons a 
farm and leaving a handsome property. He died 
December 7, 1871, at the age of eighty-nine years. 
His wife, formerly .Tulia Reed, died in April, 1815. 
Among the old settlers she is well remembered, and 
gratefully too, for her care of the sick. The first 
Fourth of July celebration in Ionia County was held 
on the Babcock farm soon after the arrival of the 
family, in 1837. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Babcock num- 
bered fifteen but ten only came to Michigan. One 
of these, a married daughter, located in Washte- 
naw Count}'. Five of tlie family are still living, 
Dolly, widow of G. C. Overhiser, living in 
Greenville; Herman, whose home is near Petoskey ; 
Olivia, widow of Edward O. Clark, of Lansing; 
Marcus, who resides in Dakota; and Mrs. Ilarter. 
The last named bore her husband eight children, of 
whom the deceased are: Fanny, Carrie, Lula and 
Benjamin. The living are William, Frank, .Julia and 
Fred. William is Cashier of the First National 
Bank in Ionia; having been employed in the bank 
since 1873. Frank is a grocery dealer and Fred is 



living in Omaha, Neb.; Julia, is the wife of C. H. 
Gillett, of Ionia. The death of Mr. Harvey Bar- 
ter occurred October 20, 1890. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Ilarter belonged to the Presbyterian Church. 
In politics he was a Republican. 

Frank H. Harter, second child of Harvey and 
Elizabeth Harter, was born in Ionia, November 29, 
1 852. He was graduated from the High School of 
the town, after which he began clerking for Hall 
Bros., and followed this by becoming an employe 
of Cooper & Thayer, dry goods dealers. In 1880 
he entered into the grocery business for himself, 
the firm being Harter Bros. After a time Fred M. 
removed to Omaha, leaving W. B. and Frank to 
carr}' on the business. The firm became Harter 
& Co., on New Year's day, 1882. Mr. Harter belongs 
to the Knights of the Maccabees, is a Republican 
in politics, and a Presbyterian in religion. He was 
married January 25, 1882, to Alice, daughter of 
Dr. Hammond. 



eAPT. ROBERT W. HOY was in his youth 
one of those courageous boys who being de- 
prived of parental care undertook the sup- 
port and protection of liie family at an age when 
the}- should liave been attending school. This resi- 
dent of Buslinell Township, Montcalm County, 
Mich., was born at Canton, Stark Couuty, Oiiio, 
February 2G, 1824. He was the youngest son of 
Robert and Alice (Tarlton) Hoy, both former resi- 
dents of Hagerstovvn, Md.. His father was both a 
teacher and an agriculturist and our subject's early 
life was spent on a farm. His early advantages 
for education were good and had his father lived 
he would have pursued his stndies in the higher 
grades. 

When Robert was five years old the family 
removed from Stark County, Ohio, to Richland 
County and settled on a farm of one hundred and 
sixty acres in Plymouth Township, and in 1834, 
when Robert was only ten years old his father died 
leaving him the care of the farm together with the 
care and support of an aged mother and two sis. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



801 



tcrs. He contiimed on the farm until 1852, but in 
the meantime married Elizabeth Wilson, daughter 
of Richard and Elizabeth Wilson, of Plj-mouth, 
Richland Counlj', Ohio, January' 30, 1844. In 
1852 Mr. Hoy disposed of the old farm and be- 
came a resident of Lisbon, Noble County, Ind., 
where for three years he engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits and also filled the position of Justice of the 
Peace and Postmaster. 

In consequence of failing health and the death of 
his wife which occurred on May 4, 1857, he disposed 
of his mercantile interests and devoted his time to 
odicial business and to the care of his family, which 
consisted of Elizabeth A., born December 29, 1845; 
George W., October 29, 1847; John Wilson, Jan- 
uary 29, 1850; Robert F. P., January 2, 1853; 
Eliza Jane, February 5, 1855 and AValler L. F., 
April 21, 1857. 

On the 22d of April, 1858, Mr. Hoy again en- 
tered the relations of marriage with Jane R. Wil- 
son, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Wilson, of 
Plymouth, Ohio, and to them was born one daugh- 
ter, Emma Electa, February 2, 1859. Mr. Hoy 
was again called on to mourn the loss of his com- 
panion, she dying at Lisbon, Ind., September G, 
18G(). Mr. Hoy, after making suitable arrange- 
ments for the care of his family of little children, 
which he kept together until early in the war, felt 
calle<l upon to respond to the call in defense of the 



and from there went to Beaufort, Newbern and 
Goldsborough, N. C, where they met Gen. Sher- 
man. Previous to reaching Goldsborough and 
while at Kingston, N. C, the One Hundred and 
Twenty-Nintii participated in their last fight. Gen. 
Lee soon aftcrv/ard surrendered his army and the 
One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth, with other regi- 
ments, was ordered to Charlotte, N. C, for duty, 
and there remained until August 29, 1865, when 
they were mustered out. 

At the close of the war the subject of this sketch 
returned to Lisbon, Ind., and on the 26th of Oc- 
tober, 1865, was again united in marriage with 
Mary L. Grace, daughter of Bennett and Mary 
Grace, of Mill brook, Mercer County, Pa., and 
again resumed house keeping and the care of his 
children. In November, 186G, Mr. Hoy disposed 
of his property and moved to Wood Corners, Ionia 
County, Mich., and there remained until July 13, 
1867, when he purchased the home where he now 
resides, in Hushnell, Montcalm County, Mich. But 
fate decreed that his sorrow and alHictions were not 
to end for on the Gth of September, 1867, he was 
called to mourn the loss of liis third companion, 
but by the assistance of his eldest daughter, Eliza- 
beth, he was enal)led to continue in the care and 
society of his children. Feeling the necessity of 
more competent assistance than he was able to de- 
vole to the care of his children lie was again mar- 



old flag. He organized a company and was chosen as I ried to Mrs. Sarah A. Lang, daughter of Bennett 



its Captain which position he held until the close of 
the war, refusing |)romotion, preferring to remain 
with his men that he had enlisted and associated 
with, many of them companions and neighbors in 
his younger days. His company was lettered Com- 
])any I, One hundred and Twenty-Ninth Indiana 
Infantry', and was attached to the Twent3--Tbird 
Army Corps. During their service they partici- 
pated in the battles of Resaca, then Kenesaw Moun- 
tain, Decatur, Ga., Columbia, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., 
Lovejoy Station, Ga., Columbia. Tenn., Novem- 
ber 5, Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864 and 
Nashville, Tenn., December 15-16, 1864. After 
Hood's defeat at Nashville, the Twenty-Third and 
a part of the Fourth Army Corps under Gen. 
Thomas were transferred to Washington, D. C, and 
from there went to Ft. Fisher and Ft. Anderson, 



and Mary Grace of INIillbrook, Pa. This union 
added four more daughters to Mr. Hoy's family, 

the children of his wife bj' a former marriage 

Gertrude E., Emily M. Mary A., and Sarah A. 
Lang. 

In 18G9 Mr. Hoy was elected Justice of the 
Peace which ofllce he has held continuously to the 
present time, and also the office of Sujiervisor of his 
township during his residence there of seventeen 
years. While residing in Ohio he was in the 
Sheriff's office four years, and in 1874 he took an ac- 
tive part in the organization of the Grange and was 
Secretary in the Bushnell Grange for ten years. In 
politics Mr. Hoy is a Democrat, but although his 
township is strongly Hepublican, giving from tifiv 
to seventy-five Republican majority, yet lliex' have 
never succeeded in defeating him for any office. Mr, 



802 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Hoy's children are all living, excepting George 
W., who died October 29, 1847, and are all mar- 
ried and happily settled around him, together with 
tlie children of his present wife by her former iiiis- 
band. 



WrILLlAM .STEELE. P^roni the New Eng- 
land States many men have conio to swell 
the population of Ionia County, and to 
their sturdy habits and enterprising spirit is due to 
a considerable extent her present condition and 
standing among the counties of the State. One 
of the New England farmers who is carrying on 
his work in Lyons Township, is Mr. Steele, whose 
beautiful farm consists of one hundred and twenty, 
five acres on section 21. When he took possession 
of the place there was but forty acres broken and 
he has made the improvements which it now bears. 
Everything about the estate stamps it as the home 
of a man of industrious habits, good judgment and 
orderl}' ways, and every passing stranger looks upon 
it with admiration. Tiie farm house is a two-story 
dwelling of good architectural design in a setting 
of trees and fertile fields that add to its beauty. 

Mr. Steele was born in the Green Mountain State 
September 26, 1826, and is the eighth child born to 
Osgood and Eunice (Nelson) Steele. Both parents 
were born in the Green Mountain State and there 
their wedded life began. After some years Mr. 
Steele laid aside the implements of his trade — that 
of a stonemason, and bought a farm in Orleans 
County, N. Y., upon which he lived until 1841. 
He then came to this Stale, established his home in 
Jackson County and spent the rest of his years on 
a farm there. He and his wife had twelve children 
— four daughters and eight sons. 

Our subject was a child four years old when he 
accompanied his parents to New York, in which 
State he grew to manhood. Prior to his fifteenth 
year lie pursued the usual course of study, alter- 
nating his attendance at school with various home 
duties suited to his years and strength. He then 
tdok up the battle of life for himself and until he 
was twenty-four years old, he worked by the month 
as a farm hand. He then learned the mason's trade, 



at which be was eraploj-ed in New York until 1863, 
when he came West and located where he now 
lives. 

The marriage of Mr. Steele and Miss Poll}' 
Woods was solemnized at the bride's home in 
Orleans County, N. Y., May 28, 1848. She was 
born in that county', June 30, 1828, and was the 
third of the eight children making up the family 
of Jeptha and Eliza (Beckman) Woods. Her fa- 
ther was born in New York and lier mother in 
Vermont. The former breathed his last in his 
native State, but the latter departed this life at 
Muir, this State. Mr. and Mrs. Steele have had 
two sons — William Fred, who died in 1884, and 
Frank W., who married Elva Lorless, a native of 
Canada, and lives at homo with his parents. 

Although neither had the opportunity for a 
liberal education in youth, Mr. and Mrs. Steele 
take an interest in that which is improving to the 
mind and are well versed in topics of general 
interest. They believe in using the means which 
the}' have, for reasonable pleasures and benefits, 
and they have made several trips to California, 
one in December, 1880, when they visited San 
Francisco, Sacramento and other well-known cities. 
They have many pleasant recollections of their 
journeys and of the acquaintances they made, and 
their memories are filled with pictures of beautiful 
scener}'. Mr. Steele was at one time a Democrat, 
but now votes for the best man regardless of 
political affiliation. 



S^^ORMAN J. DOLl'lI, manager of the shin- 
I ]// §'^ niills nt Gladwin, Mich., was born at 
jlsM) Cherry Valley, Ohio, November 26, 1865. 
He is a son of L. H. and Sarah (Akins) Dolph, and 
came with them when three years old to Montcalm 
Count}'. Here he attended the Pierson school.s, 
and later pursued liis studies in the Cedar Lake 
and Stanton High Schools. He had to suspend his 
studies on account of ill-health, and as he had from 
a child displayed a natural love for mechanics he 
soon entered into lumber manufacturing. He also 
took charge of his father's store at Dolph's Mills. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



803 



In 1886 this young man, being then only 
twenty-one years ohl, obtained of iiis father the 
use for a yeart)f his mills, and in that one year he 
niaile ^2,000. He then entered into a partnership 
with Hyde Bros. He bought one of his father's 
mills and removed it to Gladwin. Here he bought 
a tract of land and engaged in the manufacture of 
shingles and lumber under the firm name of X. J. 
Dolph ife Co. He had the mill in nice running 
order and three mouths later sold his share for 
.i<5,0()0 to F. Js'eff, of MclJride. He now became 
the manager of the establishment, which place he 
still holds at a salary of $1,200. He has been a 
successful dealer in pine lan<ls and real estate, and 
is a member of a syndicate that owns some twenty- 
four hundred acres of pine land north of Uuhitli, 
Minn. He intends moving there this spring to 
take charge of the manufacture of lumber and 
shingles. 

In August, 1888, the subject of this brief sketch 
was married at McHride to Luelia Neff, daughter 
of Louis and Lena Neff, of McBride. She is a 
native of Ionia County. Mr. Dolph has been 
Township Treasurer of Gladwin for two terms. 
He is connected with the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows at Gladwin, .and lilie all his family is 
a stanch Republican. 



--f4l 



li^^HOMAS J. BANDFIELl). Untiring energy 
fff^^ and great executive ability must necessarily 
^<^' be the endowments of one who would suc- 
cessfully manage a large business, and we find these 
are the qualifications of Mr. Bandfield,wlio is a man- 
ufacturer residing in Forllaiid, Ionia County. Suc- 
cess seems to mark his every effort and from the gulf 
to the seas, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, his wares 
may be found. His samples ma^- be seen at No. 
.■i02-30l Wabash Avenue, and he also has men in 
the field representing him. He makes a specialty 
of the manufacture of library and extension tables, 
which are sent in car-load lots all over the United 
StAtes. 

Mr. Bandfield is of English descent, and traces 



his ancestry back to substantial and aristocratic 
families. He was born in Somerset, England, No- 
vember ao, 184;'), and is the son of Charles and 
Jane (IJugg) Bandlield, natives of England. Charles 
Bandfield was a grocer in the town of Chard, Eng- 
land. He followed this business a number of years, 
and had been a steward of the I'itt estate. (The 
history of this family is traceable to the time of 
William the Conqueror.) To the i)arents of our 
subject were born several children, who were named 
as follows: Elizabeth E., living in England ; Thomas 
J., our subject; Edith E., who died at the age of 
thirt3-three years at Chard, England; and John, 
the last tidings from whom were from Behrings 
Sea. The last named son was emiiloyed by the 
Western Fur Compan\' of San Francisco, who 
wrote about ten years ago to his parents that he 
had returned in safety to that city. The letter 
spoke highly of his services and said that they 
wishetl to employ him continuously. 

Thomas J. Bandlield was reared to his present 
trade, that of a cabinet-maker, and was apprenticed 
at the age of fourteen 3'ears to William Warren for 
seven years. I'pon attaining his majority he went 
to London where he followed his trade until May, 
1870, when he came to America, locating in Port- 
land, Mich. A half-brother, George Bandfield had 
preceded him thither, and located, inducing his 
brother to stop for a visit. The destination of 
our subject was Oregon. He, however, stopped 
here for a time and went to work for D. M. New- 
land. 

At this time overtures were made to him to lo- 
cate in Grand Hapids, but he was on the other 
hafid persuatled by his relative to open a stock of 
goods in Portland. Six months afterwards he was 
burned out, losing about half of his possessions. 
With a wonderful fund of perseverance, not being 
discouraged, be bought a lot and erected a build- 
ing, where he has since continued to transact 
business. 

In 1887 oui- subject bought the old wt)olen mill 

pro|)erty and converted it into a furniture factor3s 

where he makes a specialty' of the manufacturing 

I of library and extension tables. He made between 

I three thousand five hundred and four thousand 

I tables during 1890, and his trade is growing ex- 



804 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tensivel}', as his goods advertise tliemselves as 
rapidly as lliey are exiiibited. His trade is among 
tlie best liouscs in tlie country; this has been alto- 
getiier owing to liis own perseverance and intimate 
linowledge of the business in which he is engaged. 
His designs are elegant and original. 

Mr. T. J. Bandfield married Annis While, .Sep- 
tember 23, 1873, at Albion, Mich. She is a 
daughter of Reuben White, of Jackson, Mich. 
Four children: Edna J., Harrold Gillespie, Arthur 
W. and Edith L., have been born and all are living 
at home. Our subject performs earnestly what- 
ever comes before him and is much interested in 
any society to which he may belong. He is a mem- 
ber of the Free and Accepted Masons, and takes 
an active interest in tlie Ancient Order of United 
Workmen. He is a conscientious Christian and a 
member of the Episcopal Church, and in politics 
he is a Republican. Being energetic and devoted 
to his business he is successful, and his is one of 
the leading industries of Portland. He was the 
prime mover in organizing the Portland Electric 
Light and Power Company, of which he is tlie 
President. 



f^^ ENRY HOLLAND, a well-to-do farmer of 
Ferris Township, Montcalm County, and 
his good wife are both from Merrie England, 
which was their ancestral home. He has a 
beautiful home upon his farm of one hundred acres 
situated on section 12, and feels that in this new 
country he has met with success which he never 
could have found across the sea. Both his father 
and mother were natives of Kent County, England, 
where our subject was also born and lived until he 
was six years of age. AVhen his mother's father 
first came to America he located on a farm in 
Geauga County, Ohio. From there the mother 
brought the family to Walworth Count}', Wis., 
where she married a second time and fro-ii which 
home she was called to the other world. The 
ten children of whom our subject was one of the 
youngest all grew up to manhood and womanhood. 
This boy was born October 21, 1839. The family 
galled from Soutbliampton, England in a sailing 



vessel, upon which they were over six weeks on 
the ocean. They landed in Quebec and came right 
on to Ohio, where the children were brought upon 
the farm, getting their education in log school- 
houses and writing their lessons upon slab desks. 

In 1854 this youth went to Fond du Lac County, 
Wis. and worked out on a farm and in the woods, 
until 1857, when he returned to Ohio for the girl 
whom he loved. He was married in Chardon, 
.September 10, 1858, to an English girl, Cornelia 
Dines, whose father also belonged to one of the 
families of Kent County, t^ngland, and who came 
to New York State in the early days, engaging in 
work and earning money to send for his wife and 
child. His wife bore the maiden name of Amy 
Way field; she died April 23, 1891, in Chagrin 
Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Dines were the parents of seven 
children, their daughter Mrs. Holland being born 
in Fulton, Oswego County, N. Y., January 23, 1840. 
Her early life was passed, and her education ob- 
tained mostly In Ohio. 

IMr. Holland bought a small farm in 1861, but 
he sold it and came to Michigan, where he bought 
forty acres. He came with only $3 in his pocket. 
Locating a spot for the home, he built a log shake, 
and put in a puncheon floor, an<l proceeded to clear 
the farm. He had to go to lunia and Muir to mar- 
ket; either of those towns being a three days' 
trip with an ox-team. He has been very successful 
in farming and has from time to time added to his 
acreage until he now has one hundred aei'es, all im- 
proved, although he has given forty acres to his 
son. In 1880 he had a great misfortune in the loss 
b}' fire of his barn and granary, at a sacrifice of 
$1,500. He immediately rebuilt, erecting at the 
same time also a new residence. His windmill, 
orchards, good fences and substantial barns, bis 
dairy and bees all attest a prosperous and well- 
appointed farm. He raises large amounts of grain 
and hay, keeps from ten to fifteen cows, mostly of 
Jersey grade, and his hogs are of the McGee breed. 
His three sons reside in this township — William 
and John having farms of their own, which their 
father assisted them in gaining, and Morris still 
remaining at home with his father. They brought 
u[> a girl who has been to them as a daughter — 
Cora Loveland, now Mrs. Vance, who resides near 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



805 



them. For j-ears Mr. Holland has been a School 
Director and also Drainage Commissioner. He 
belongs to the Patrons of liiilustry, is an ardent 
Republican and has been so almost from the organ- 
ization of that party. His lirst vole was cast for 
Abraham Lincoln. He li.as often been a delegate 
to county conventions. 

— - > ■ >^iN< - ^ — — 

V i ^r - T RANK L. MOON, one of the younger far- 
|r±i^ mers of Olisco Township, Ionia Count}', 
(1^ was born on section 17, where be has since 

resided, the date of that event being March 12, 
1850. He is a son of .lames Moon, who was born 
in New York and came thence to Jackson County, 
this State, wiien a lad some fourteen years old. 
Some years later he came to Ionia County where 
he has continued to make his home. In Lapeer 
County, in 1847, he married Lydia M. Russell, 
daughter of Josiah and Betsey (Hastings) Russell, 
who wore natives of the Empire State. Their chil- 
dren are Adclbert, who lives in Los Angeles, Cal.; 
D.iyton T., who is farming in North Dakota; Alton 
.1., who lives on the farm with bis father; and 
Frank L., whose further history is given below. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
James and Susanab Moon, botli of whom were born 
in the Empire State. In 1837 the}' came to Ionia 
County and located on State land in Otisco Town- 
ship, living on their eighty-acre farm duriirg the 
balance of their lives. Mr. Moon died in 1869 and 
his widow in 1871. 

The early years of Frank Moon were spent in 
the manner customary to farniers' son.s, in an alter- 
ation of study, play and work, and when grown to 
manhood he ])ossesse<l a fund of practical knowl- 
edge backed by habits of industry and thrift. His 
early training and his taste led him to follow in bis 
father's footsteps as a tiller of tiie soil, and he is 
now operating eighty acres of land which be pur- 
chased in 1882. His property is productive, and 
has been furnished with suitable buiblings and the 
minor improvements belonging to a well-regulated 
home. 

Mr. Moon won for his wife Miss Sarah L. Rich- 



mond, whose parents, James C. and .Susan L. ( Lucas) 
Richmond, came to Michigan in an early day and 
took up land in Keene Townsiiip, Ionia County. 
They reared a family of nine children, namely: 
Orson D., Fred J., Sarah L., Frank P., Abiier L., 
Melvin E., Emerson B., Robert I), and Mary E. 
The oldest daughter was married to Mr. Moon 
April 17, 1872. To her have been born two chil- 
dren, a son who died in very early infancy, and 
Circle J., who lived to be but eight months old. 

The office of Supervisor of Otisco Township is 
held by Mr. Moon, who is doing good work in his 
official capacity. He is a believer in and a sup- 
porter of the principles of the Republican party. 
He is a Master Mason and is also a member of 
Grattan Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M., in which he 
has been Senior Warden. 



^^EORGE C. YOUNGMAN, Supervisor of 
i| (=t Caton Township, Montcalm Count}', and a 
^^^ farmer on section 29, was born on the farm 
where he now resides, June 8, 185G, the first white 
child to 1)C born in this township. He is a son of 
Samuel P. and Sarah J. (Dowse) Youngman. For 
a sketch of their lives see the biography of their 
other son Samuel J. Our subject was the youngest 
child of the family. He now owns a farm of two 
hundred and forty acres all in a high stiite of cid- 
tivation, and be has acquired bis property by hard 
work and unaideil effort. He has a good frame 
house and the best of improvements upon bis farm, 
including well-built and commodious barns. He 
has followed farming all his life, although with his 
brother somewhat engaged in the lumbering anil 
logging business. He has held various township 
and school otflccs and has been Supervisor for the 
last two years. He is a Mason, having taken the 
third degree. 

Mr. Youngman is a believer in Christianity .•nnl 
a regular attendant upon the Methodist Episco[)al 
Church, to which he freely gives of bis means, 
although he is not a member. His marriage, Octo- 
ber 21, 1874, united him with Julia H. Kilborn, of 
Cato. She was born in Plattsville, Canada, June 



806 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



21, 1858, and is a daughter of David and Lavinia 
(Bowers') Kilborn, natives of Canada now residing 
in Cato. For Mis. Youngman's ancestry tlie reader 
may consult tlie sl^etch of her father, Mr. Kilborn, 
which appears in tliis volume. Mr. an<l Mrs. 
Youngman are the parents of four children — Frank- 
lin L., Sarah L., Bennie and Bessie. The third 
child in order of liirth died in infancy. 

_^ **o>@^;;>^^-o*o- -,— . 

<l|7 EVl F. BURDICK. In the death of the 
I (^ late Mr. Burdick, Ionia County lost a worthy 
jll—v^ citizen, and the agricultural community an 
enterprising member. During his residence in the 
county he reclaimed a large tract of land from an 
almost primitive condition, brought it under thor- 
ough cultivation, and supplied it with such im- 
provements that it is now one of the most comfort- 
able homes in Ionia Township. It consists of one 
hundred and ninety -seven acres on section 1, where 
one hundred and sixty acres are under the plow. 
The present residence of the widow is a substantial 
brick dwelling built by Mr. Burdick about 1880, 
and costing $3,000. It is the third house that has 
stood upon the place and the second that was built 
by our subject. Not only is the residence well de- 
signed for the comfort of its inmates, but it is fur- 
nished in good taste, and is surrounded by every 
needful farm building, and the orchards, gardens 
and lawn that make a proper background for a 
farmhouse. 

Mr. Burdick was a son of Robison and Esther 
(Fox) Burdick, natives of New York, and occu- 
l)anls of a small farm in Livingston County, His 
birthplace was Seneca County, and his natal day 
March 22, 1814. He was one in a family of four- 
teen children, six of whom survive. His education 
was but limited, but au abundant supply of good 
common sense and a proper use of the products of 
the press made him an intelligent men. He began 
his llfework, farming, empty-handed as to cash, 
and during his entire life vfas a hard-working and 
persevering man. After his marriage be rented two 
hundred and sixty-five acres in Livingston County, 
N. y., for five years, then bought sixty acres which 



he soon sold, determined to seek his fortune in the 
West. 

In May. 1847, Mr. and Mrs. Burdick arrived in 
this State, and were soon settled upon a partly-im- 
proved tract of land, whereon a log house stood, 
and a fine barn for those days. The trees were 
girdled and plowing had been done, and from this 
beginning the fine farm of to-da3' has grown. In 
his efforts to build up a good home, Mr. Burdick 
was aided in every way possible by a faithful wife, 
who had united her fortunes with his December 7, 
1840. As 3ears passed, the home was brightened 
by the birth of five children, four of whom survive 
to cheer their mother by their love and devotion. 
These are Frances E., whose home is in North 
Plains Township, she having married Ge6rge M. 
Brown; M. Josephine, wife of A. W. Case, and 
mother of three children, living in Ionia City; Nellie 
M., wife of Hiram M. Brown, who has one child, and 
lives in North Plains Township; Medora B., who 
lives on the homestead where the wishes of her 
mother are carried out by her husband, C. F. 
Kirby. Mr. Kirby is a young man of excellent 
qualities and a good understanding of agricultural 
work. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Burdick are 
well educated, and three of them have been school 
teachers. Their father sent thera to schools he 
thought better than those of the home neighbor- 
hood, Mrs. Brown having attended at Kalamazoo, 
and Mrs. Kirby spending five^ears at Ionia and one 
at Lansing. 

Mrs. Burdick bore the maiden name of Polly 
Stone, and belongs to a family well known and 
highly reputed in the county. She was born in 
Livingston County, N. Y., October 3, 1820, to Or- 
rin and Betsey (Cowell) Stone, and is the second 
child of the second marriage. Her father and her 
grandfather were natives of Guilford, Conn., and 
her mother was born in Albanj', N. Y. Mr. Stone 
was a liberal supporter of church work and careful 
and conscientious in his habits. He agreed with 
tlie Presbyterians in his belief, but never united 
with the church. His wife, mother of Mrs. Bur- 
dick, was a Baptist. They lived u()on a farm in the 
Empire State, from the time it was a raw Govern- 
ment claim until it became a well-tilled and valu- 
able piece of property. Mr. Stone left two hun- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



807 



(Ireii acres of land, large herds of cattle and other 
stock, and ^1,700 in the bank. He was twice mar- 
ried, his wives being sisters. By the first union 
there were two children, Darins and Clarissa, both 
now deceased. The second marriage was blest with 
four children: Hetsej- (now deceased), Mrs. Bur- 
dick. John and Mrs. Chase. The father died on 
October 17, 184.i, and the mother May 15, 1842. 
Upon the tombstone of Grandfather Stone in Al- 
bany County, N. Y., is inscribed, ''The law of kind- 
ness was written on his heart" — a sentence that 
characterizes his life. 

Mr. Burdick was a life-long Republican. He 
never used either tobacco or liquor, and was a man 
of most exeniplary habits, charitable in his deeds, 
and friendly in disposition. He had a strong tem- 
per, but learned to control it, and few of those who 
met him during the last years of his life would have 
believed that in his youth it was almost ungovern- 
able. He was a member of the Christian Church, 
a Deacon in the organization, and took a great in- 
terest in religious matters. His death took place 
.January 15, 1888, when he was sevenly-four years 
old, and he was laid to rest in North Plains ceme- 
tery. His widow is a conscientious Christian, and 
has long been identified with the religious bod}' of 
which her husband was a member. Although quite 
advanced in years, she enjoys excellent health and 
superintends her fine estate. Like other members 
of her father's family, she is highly esteemed for 
her good qualities of mind and heart, and her use- 
fulness in the community. 



^^, HARLES xNORTHWAY. Among the repre- 
(l(^L sentativc farmers of the (Jrand River Valley 
^1^' who have been deemed worthy of a place 
in this Ai.HUM is Mr. North way, whose home is in 
Keene Township, Ionia County. He has long been 
living on section 4, and now has a fine farm of over 
one hundred acres, which has been reclaimed from 
the forest by himself and is a standing monument 
to the industry and thrift of his nature. He plowed 
the first furrow and split the first rail on his farm, 
and while making the initial improvements endured 



the usual hardships of those who undertake pioneer 
work. When he had crops to sell he drew wheat 
to Grand Rapids with ox-teams and receiving from 
forty to fifty -six cents per bushel often took half 
of the amount in store trade, as money was not 
freely circulated. 

Mr. Norlhway is a native of Delaware County, 
N. v., is a son of Augustus and Margaret (Hough- 
taling) Northwa^', and was born September 4, 1824. 
His father was a soldier in the War of 1812. In 
the spring of 1831 the family went to Trumbull 
County, Ohio, where they were early settlers an<l 
where our subject grew to manhood. He li.as been 
a life-long farmer and thoroughly understands his 
calling. His educational advantages wore limited, 
but he has made such use of the opportunities that 
were afforded him in school and out as to have 
become quite well informed on all topics of general 
interest. In the spring of 1848 he made his way 
to Ionia Countjf and for a number of years he re- 
sided in Otisco Township. He removed to his 
present location in the spring of 1857, when the 
country was much less populous than at present 
and he was considered quite a pioneer. Various 
improvements were from time to time made upon 
the property and in 1S7() a well-built and attract- 
ive residence was put up. 

The parental family was a large one and its surviv- 
ing members are: Rufus lives in Missouri; Charles; 
Pliilira, wife of Calvin Smith, is living in Otisco 
Township; Hiram, who resides in Fremont Center, 
Newaygo County; Candace.wife of the Rev. Kdwin 
Wright, of the Baptist Church; Drusilla, wife of 
Dr. Chester Ford, of Cedar Springs; Albert, a res- 
ident of Otisco Township; Clara, wife of Albert 
S|)encer, of Minneapolis, Minn.; John, whose home 
is in Otisco Township. 

Charles Northway and Mary A. Hutchinson 
were united in marriage January 24, 1856. To 
them was born a son — George. Mr. Northway 
made a second marriage December 12, 18Gl,liis 
bride being Mrs. KlixaV)eth Hayes, widow of Hugh 
Hayes, formerly of Ionia Citj*. She had one daugh- 
ter, Jenny, now the wife of Kliud Knapp. Her 
union with Mr. Norlhway has been blessed by the 
birth of three children, daughters, named Mary A., 
Bernice and Fannv. The eldest is the wife of Lewis 



808 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Tuttle and the second married George Daniels. 
The present Mrs. Northway is a daughter of Rob- 
ert and Agnes Allen, formerly of Ionia County. 
She is an intelligent lady, is an excellent house- 
keeper and takes an active part in social affairs of 
the neighborhood. 

Mr. Northway is a Republican but takes no part 
in political affairs other than to keep posted regard- 
ing the issues before tiie people and deposit his 
ballot ill the interest of what he considers true 
principles of Government. He served as School 
Treasurer but has spent his time chiefly in attend- 
ing to his personal affairs and joining with his 
neighbors in the social movements for the general 
good. He is a supporter of church and schools 
and is a man of honesty and moral habits. Sturdy 
and enterprising lie does well what he has do, and 
his fine rural home in which hospitality is liis- 
pensed with a lavish hand by his good wife, indi- 
cates their desire for culture and genuine comfort. 



if]RA N. WORCESTER, a prominent agricul- 
I turlst, residing on section 17, Easton Town- 
til, ship, Ionia Count}', is a native of Otisco Town- 
ship, this county. He was born January 17, 1852, 
and is a son of Daniel N. and Nancy (Taylor) 
Worcester. His father was a native of England, 
and his mother of Ontario, Canada. The Worces- 
ter family trace their ancestry back to the •'May- 
flower" and the Plymouth Rock. 

Daniel N. Worcester, the father of our subject, 
emigrated to Ionia Count}' and settled in Otisco 
Townsiiip, in the woods. Here he cleared up a 
farm, and became one of the pioneers of the town- 
ship. His good wife passed away in May, 1856, 
and he followed her in August of the same year. 
Of their tiiree children, our subject alone survives. 
Being thus left an orphan at four years of age, he 
was taken with liis sister Emma N., by his aunt and 
uncle Wilber, to Monroe County, N. Y., where he 
was reared and educated in the common schools of 
that county. In 1872 he returned to Michigan, 
and remained a short time. He was married Octo- 
ber 3, 1872, to Anna M. Stone, a native of Ontario, 



Canada, who was born February 19, 1848. Her 
parents Charles and Jane (Workman) Stone, were 
natives of Canada of English descent. Her father 
is deceased, and her mother now resides in Lake 
County, Mich., with her eldest daughter, Mrs. 
Norma Sam is. Mrs. Worcester came to Michigan 
with her parents when only twelve 3'cars of age, and 
after five j'ears' residence in St. Clair County, she 
came to Otisco Township, Ionia County, and lived 
there many years. Mrs. Stone and her good lius- 
band had eight children, of whom seven are living: 
Minerva, Catherine, George, Charles, Anna M., 
John and Richard. Mary died when two years of 
age. The family were brought up in the Baptist 
Church, in which Mr. Stone was a Deacon. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Worcester have been born two 
children: Lewis F., born May 28, 1874; and Flor- 
ence M., August 21, 187G. Tiiey came West about 
a year after marriage, and settled on the farm where 
they now reside, and where they own eighty acres 
of fine, arable land. He is a Democrat in politics, 
and is public-spirited and enterprising. That he 
has prospered is abundantly attested by his good 
farm and comfortable home. He believes in keep- 
ing abreast with the advancement of the age, and 
favors all forward movements. In business circles 
he enjoys the fullest confidence, and among the 
many prominent families of Ionia County, none are 
more worth}' than the Worcesters to be placed in 
this volume. 

-^^ 

ORSON J. ELDRED, a prominent merchant of 
Clarksville, was boun in Steuben County, N. 
Y., April 5, 1856, and came with his parents 
to Michigan when a little lad of eight years. He 
resideil with his parents on the farm until he was 
twenty-two years of age. His parents were Ebeiie- 
zer and Hannah (Spears) Eldred. The father a 
native of Vermont, is a farmer and is now carrying 
on a farm in Barry County, Mich., to which he came 
about 1864, and where he has since resided. His 
wife was a native of New York. To this worthy 
couple were born three children, two of whom are 
are now living— our subject and Florence, wife of 
Lansing Smith who resides in Barry Count}', Mich. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



809 



The subject of this sketch soon after reacliinjj liis 
inajorit}' looked about for a liel|)iiiate to join lianils 
Willi liiin in tiie work of life. His choice fell upon 
Carrie C. Dosler, of Prairieville, Harry County. 
Mich., and the wedding day was January 31, 1878. 
He engaged' in work on a neighbor's farm for one 
season, after which he began work for himself on 
shares for a Mrs. Oilkey but his natural bent of 
mind was not in the line of farming. He chose 
mercantile pursuits, and in 188G he entered into 
business at Dowling, Harry County. Here he re- 
mained for three years', in partnership with his 
brother-in-law. At the eml of this time he sold 
out his interest to his partner and in March, 1889, 
he came to Clarksvillc and opene<l up a stock of 
general merchandise, a part of which he purchased 
from N. K. Jepson, who had been doing business 
at that stand. Ho carries one of the largest stocks 
of general merchandise in Clarksville. He is a 
prominent Democrat and an influential man among 
his neighbors. He and his good wife arc univer- 
sally respected and their prosperity is a matter of 
interest to all their neighbors. They arc the pa- 
rents of one child — Roy J. 



EDWARD MURRAY who resides on the 
northern part of section 34, Berlin Town- 
ship, Ionia County, is the son of Kleazer 
Murray, born March 12, 1809, at Pompey, N. Y. He 
came to Michigan in 1825, establishing himself in 
Farmington Townshi|), Oakland County. He was 
the son of Reuben Murray, a farmer and merchant 
of New York State. The mother of our subject, 
.lulia Ann (Doty) Murray, was born in 1809 in 
Troy, N. Y., the daughter of Elislia and Rachael 
(Allen) Doty. Mrs. Doty's father, .James Allen, was 
a revolutionary soldier and was taken prisoner by 
the British in the last battle of that war anil was 
not released until seveu years later. 

The mother of our subject came to Michigan in 
182C with her parents and married .Mr. Murray, 
July 17, 1831. The young couple settled upon a 
new farm on section 16, of Farmington Township, 
Oakland County, where for five years they lived 



working hard clearing and cultivating the land. 
They then sold and moved into Bloomfleld 
Township where they resided for two years. In 
NoTeraber, 184.5, they came to Ionia County, 
and settled on section 34, of Berlin Township. 
I'pon this raw farm they proceeded to build a log 
shanty. The nails used in its construction weiglicd 
altogether one pound and it was topped off with 
poles. The heavy timber on this farm was cleared 
off anil improvements put in. Through poverty 
and hard times incidental to a pioneer's life, this 
hard working couple brought up their large family 
of little ones. The father of our subject died May 
23, 1880, and his wife survives him although now 
past her four-score years, is active and bright, and 
she makes her home with her son, Kd ward, our sub- 
ject. She was the mother of six children all of them 
DOW living and was with her husband a member of 
the Baptist Church. He was a strong Re|)ul)lican 
in politics. 

The gentleman whose name heads this biograi)h- 
ical sketch was born March 6, 1832, in Oakland 
County, this State. He received but a scanty edu- 
cation at the district schools, for from the time he 
was twelve years old, when he came to Ionia County, 
he was sorely needed by his father as a help on the 
farm. When eleven years of age he helped about 
the plowing and was active in clearing off the timber 
and logging the home farm. He also woiked out 
for others by the month, doing the same kind of 
work. He remained at home with his parents 
turning his labor in for their benefit. Edward 
Murray married, February 1.'), 1869, Emily P.Aus- 
tin, a daughter of Mrs. Maria Crawford by a former 
marriage. This Mrs. Murray was born March 4, 
1852 in Ohio and after marriage came with her 
husband to the farm. They had no chililren. Our 
subject remained a widower for twenty-two years, 
taking care of his parents and the farm, and putting 
on most of the present improvements. He again 
married .March 8, 1888. In this union ho was joined 
with Kli/.a Ann (Dibble) Patterson, who was born 
in Steuben County, N. Y. October 18, 1835. This 
was her sccoml marriage, and she has five children 
by her former marriage, two of thrm now living. 
Mr. and Mrs. .Murr.ay have no children of their own. 
Three different times during the war the subject of 



810 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



our sketch volunteered into the army, but on ac- 
count of bis health was not accepted. His sisters 
are: Emily P. now Mrs. Josepti Morrison; Minerva 
A., now Mrs. "William Milligan ; Julia Ann, now 
Mrs. L. Tanner; Susan, Mrs. Conklin:and Alma A. 
Mr. Murray is a Republican in politics but on ac- 
count of failing healtli is not active outside of his 
own home and farm. He raises grain and stock, 
trading considerably in the latter. 






^8=^ - 



^p^RANT M. MORSE. In the career of this 
III j_, honorable man we read a useful life, and 
^^Jl although in his boyhood days he quietly 
perfortnfid the duties of farm life to which he was 
reared he was also surely laying the foundation of 
a substantial and efficient character. In his busi- 
ness transactions he is affable and kind and by 
strict integrity and faithfulness has won and holds 
the esteem of all with whom he associates. 

The birthplace of Grant M. Morse is Portland, 
Ionia County, November 18, 18.54. He was the only 
son of Darius and Betsey M. (Perry) Morse, natives 
of Michigan. The Morse's came to this State from 
Ontario County, N. Y., in about 1824. Thomas J., 
grandfather of our subject, was then an early set- 
tler of Washtenaw County and located on what is 
called Morse's Plains. His father, I^eonard, in turn 
came a year earlier than his son. The family orig- 
inally were of Holland descent, although tiie}' came 
directlj' from England to America. They are all 
pursuing the avocation of a farmer. The Perry's 
were also early settlers, coming to Michigan in 
182G. Darius J. came to Ionia County in 1853 and 
bought a farm five miles north of Portland on sec- 
tion 8. On this farm he lived until 1875 when he 
engaged in the mercantile business at Collins. His 
wife died May 1, 1871. In 1884 became to Port- 
land where he lived with his son until the time of 
his death, in October, 1890. 

Mr. Morse was reaied to farm life until nineteen 
years of age and attended school in the district and 
also in the agricidtural college at Lansing. He was 
with his father in the mercantile business at Col- 
lins five years, then came to Portland where he en- 



gaged in the general grocery business with C. S. 
■\Yoleott as partner two years. He soon bought his 
partner's interest and continued in business six 
years. In 1888 he sold out and since that time has 
been engaged in his present business, that of life 
and fire insurance. He was elected Justice of the 
Peace in 1890 and performed the duties faithfully 
and conscientiously. 

July 9, 1879, Mr. Morse was married to Sarah 
E. Perry, of Washtenaw County, this State, daugh- 
ter of Joseph H. Perry. One child, Leon G., blessed 
this union. He is a member of the Masonic order 
and has been Master of the lodge; he is now High 
Priest of Portland Chapter No. 39, and is also 
connected with the Ancient Order of United Work- 
men of Portland and is now their Grand Lodge 
Representative. He is a Republican in politics 
and was Township Superintendent of Schools three 
terms, was Treasurer of Portland in 1888-89, is a 
member of the Board of Trustees of the village of 
Portland. He is active in politics and attends 
county and State conventions, takes part in all their 
deliberations and is much esteemed as an efficient 
member of their associations. 



R. GREEN. Ionia, Ionia County, is the 
home of this gentleman, who is doublj' en- 
titled to rank among the professional men 
of the city, as he has studied both law and 
medicine and has been duly certificated in each. 
He was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1831, 
and spent his youth on a farm, attending the pub- 
lic schools. His parents were Christian and Sarah 
(Martin) Green, the former from Penns3ivania 
and the latter from Maryland. The father died in 
the Empire Stale in 1864, some years after the 
mother passed away, she having died during the 
infancy of our subject. 

In what was known as Genesee College and which 
afterwiird developed into the S3-racuse University, 
young Green pursued the higher branches of study 
and having decided to turn his attention to medi- 
cine, he took up therapeutics in institutions in Ann 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



811 



Arbor, tliis State, and Buflfalo, N. Y. In due time 
lie was honored with ilie degree of Doctor of Med- 
icine and began tiie practice of the science in Ionia. 
During the war he became surgeon of the Twenty- 
first Regiment, but on account of ill-health was 
compelled to resign and was afterward appointed 
United States Marshal by President Johnson. 
While discharging the duties of that oflice he stud- 
ied law and was admitted in 1870 to the bar. 
From that time until within a few j'ears past he 
practiced law. 

In 1861 Mr. Green was married to Miss Cor- 
delia Norton, a native of Livingston Count\-, N. Y., 
and to them have been born two children — Cath- 
erine and Frederick 15. Mr. and Mrs. Green be- 
long to the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Green 
is a Knight Templar and for a long time was com- 
mander of a Grand Array Post. lie has been a 
member of the .School Board. 

ENRY TREMAYNE, M. I). As a private 
citizen, the excellent education of Dr. 
Tremayne, his gentlemanly manners and 
the interest he takes in all matters of prog- 
ress, together with a character that is honorable 
and upright, give him prominence. As a physician 
he has been very successful, being ever on the alert 
to add to his already fine store of professional 
learning, and to increase his skill by careful studj* 
of symptoms and equally careful attention to cer- 
tain lines of remedial work. Ilis career as a phy- 
sician in Ionia County has been marked by 
professional zeal and popularity. He stands well 
with other members of the profession in the 
county and is the tiusted family physician in many 
of the best homes in his community. 

Dr. Tremayne was born in the county of Leeds, 
Canada, August 16, 183U. He is the scjn of the 
Rev. Francis and Elizabeth (Treraain) Tremayne, 
natives of England, whence they came first to New 
York Stale and afterwards to Canada. The Kev. 
Francis Trcm.aync w.-is a clergyman of the Episc(j- 
pal Church, and for many years fulfilled the ollices 
of the ministry, lie died in Canada, February 27, 



ISC."?, at the age of seventj'-six years, and his be- 
reaved wife followed him four days later to the 
spirit land at the age of sevent3--eight years. 

Our subject was reared to the pursuit of farming 
and when young serveil as clerk in a general store 
in Canada, also managed a store independently for 
awhile. He was a student of the Medical Depart- 
ment of the University at Toronto where be grad- 
uated in 1865. He then came directly to Ionia 
County, and settled in what is now known as Tre- 
mayne Corners, which was named for hira. Later 
hu spent two years at Porllaml, and settled in Ionia 
in 1876. In June of 1862 he was united in wed- 
lock with Jane Johnson, and their marriage has 
been blessed by the birth of two children, namely: 
Emma, who is the "wife of Amos Welch, and Harry 
IL, a traveling salesman who makes his headquar- 
ters in New York. Dr. Trema^'ue is a member of 
the Knights of the Maccabees, and also of the 
Masonic Order having attained the council degrees. 
He is a consistent member of the E[)iscopal Church 
and in politics votes with the Democracy. 

The medical profession in Ionia is represented 
by a number of men of widely extended knowl- 
edge of tiie principles of therapeutics, skill in their 
use and practical application, and a reputation for 
success in their chosen field of labor. Dr. Tre- 
mayne is very prominent among these and the 
reputation which he enjoys has come to him de- 
servedly as the reward of a lifetime of patient and 
intelligent effort. As a successful practitioner he 
is widely known, and while succeeding in allevia- 
ting suffering and prolonging life, he has also 
received the merited reward of this world's goods. 



Tp\ ENONI HOLCOMB, one of the represents- 
jU^ tive pioneers of Ionia County, is with his 
i'(f^!l estimable wife enjoying the comforts of life 
'"^^fe^' on their fine farm on section 1, Easton 
Township. By the exercise of the sterling quali- 
ties of character and habits of usefulness and 
industry, Mr. Holcomb ha.s accumulated a good 
property and in securing it he recognizes that his 
com[>anion was an ellicicnt helper. The estate on 



812 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



which they live consists of one hundred and nine 
acres of land and is well improved and well stocked, 
thus fitted to be the abiding place of people of 
good taste and desire for comfort. 

Mr. Holcomb was born in Washington County. 
N. Y., December 18, 1812, and was in his twentieth 
year when with his parents he went lo Genesee 
County. Ilis father, Jesse Holcomb, was a native 
of Connecticut, and his mother, Lucy (Webb) 
Holcomb, was born in Massachusetts. A brother 
of his mother was an officer in the RcTolutionary 
army. Tiie father died in New York and the 
mother in this State, to which she followed her son. 
Our subject remained in the Empire State until 
1836 then came to what was at that time the Ter- 
ritory of Michigan, and for several years made his 
home in St. Clair County. About 1845 he removed 
to Ionia County and took up his residence on his 
present farm, which was covered with timber and 
in a wild region where no roads had been opened. 
Husband and wife liore with fortitude and uncom- 
plaining cheerfulness the trials and hardships of 
pioneer life and won the regard of their neighbors 
by their kindness, hospitality and genuine merit. 

Mrs. Holcomb, whose wedding day was Sejitem- 
ber 24, 1843, bore the maiden name of Lucy A. 
Wedge and was born in Connecticut, June 29, 
1823. She is a daughter of Moses and Mary A. 
(Draper) Wedge, the former deceased and the latter 
living in Ionia County and now in her eighty-ninth 
year. Mrs. Holcomb is one of a large family includ- 
ing ajso the following living sons and daughters: 
Sanford, Mrs. Mary A. McCoy, Oliver, Mrs. Har- 
rit E. Malone, Henry, George, and Mrs. Melissa 
Harter, all in the same county. Our subject and 
his wife have six children : Jessie I. and William 
E. living in Montcalm County; Lucy A., wife of 
Theodore Harris, whose home is in Stanton; San- 
ford, living in Mecosta County ; Melissa M., wife 
of Grant Cunningham, in Montcalm County, and 
Moses who resides in Easton Township, Ionia 
County. 

In past years Mr. Holcomb was an active, sj'm- 
pathizing friend of the schools and every pro- 
ject that promised to be for the public good. It 
has been his aim to keep posted on matters of gen- 
eral interest and to understand what was going on 



in political, social and religious circles. He is a 
Republican in politics and a member of the Baptist 
Chuich. Mrs. Holcomb belongs to the Christian 
Church. Their friends will be pleased to see this 
record of their lives, brief though it is, and many 
will be able to supply the finishing touches to the 
picture that is here drawn in outline. Honorable, 
self-sacrificing and earnest in their lives, their ex- 
ample may well be taken as a model and guide for 
the rising: generation. 



z>:^EORGE KING. For nearly a quarter of a 
III (s=^ century Mr. King has been a conspicuous 
^^^^ijl member of the farming community of Ionia 
County and particularly of that class which belongs 
to Easton Township. In the spring of the year 
1867 he settled on land he still occupies on section 
1. The fine residence he now dwells in was put up 
in 1870 and is a dwelling in which good cheer for 
mind and bodj- abounds. Around it stretch fortj' 
well-tilled acres which constitute the farm of Mr. 
King and have been the scene of his labors for 
many years. 

Mr. King is the son of Anthony and Martha 
(Holmes) King, the former a native of Rhode 
Island and the latter of New York. They made 
their home in the latter State until 1828, when 
they came to the then Territory of Michigan and 
settled in Macomb County. Their sun George was 
then a youth of eighteen 3'ears, he having been 
born in Chenango County, N. Y., December 15, 
1810. He had received a rudimentary education 
in the district schools of his native State, his atten- 
dance being confined principally to the winter 
months. He has been engaged in various occupa- 
tions but in his later years has given his attention 
entirely to farming. 

In 1850 Mr. King crossed the plains to Califor- 
nia on foot, taking one hundred days for the trip. 
He reached Nevada City and at once went into the 
gold-fields where for three j'ears he followed min- 
ing with a fair degree of success. He then returned 
to this State via Central America and New York 
City. In 1859 he again crossed the plains, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



8l3 



about eighty days after learing home came out on 
the Feather River, where for a year he wielded llie 
miner's i)ick and siiovel. He tiien went to Nevada 
and for two years followed the stonemason's trade 
there. In 1867 he had settled on his present farm, 
coming hither from Kent County where he had 
been for several years. 

In 1838 Mr. King was married to Miss Mary A. 
Lester. They had one daughter — Elizabetli who is 
now (Jeccased. In 184.5 Mr. King was married a 
second time, his bride being Phebe A. Fuller who 
was born in Ontario Count}', N. Y., August 4, 
1822. She is a daughter of Daniel and Anna 
)Anies) Fuller, who were natives of Connecticut, 
and her father was a soldier in the War of 1812. 
Her brotliers and sisters now living arc: Sewell, in 
Grand Kapids; Brazilla, Mark and George L. in 
Ottawa Count}'; Caroline, now Mrs. Wannaraaker, 
in Canada. By his second marriage Mr. King has 
has a son — Brayton D., who is a civil engineer and 
lives in Chicago, 111. 

'I'he principles of the Republican party find a 
firm supporter in Mr. King. Mrs. King w.ns formerly 
identified with the Daughters of Temperance and 
has always taken an active interest in temperance 
work. Both he and liiswife are chissed among the 
lionored residents of the vicinity. 



lEORGK S. HYDF>, manufacturer and whole- 
saler of lumber and shingles, is a i)oi)u- 
lar business man in McBride. He has trav- 
eled a great deal and has thns become well informed 
in regard to many parts of the country. He is at 
once affable, genial and entertaining, making 
friends wherever he goes anil is at the same lime a 
thorough gentkunan and a man of strict honor. Ho 
is a man of fine physique being well built, erect, 
and his very handshake is that of friendship. His 
homeisa large and commodious dwelling, furn- 
nishcd in a style agreeable to his taste and charm- 
ingly arianged by Mrs. Hyde, who is a lady of 
nn)re than ordinary culture and refinement. 

The father of our subject was Luman C. Hyde, 
born in Middlebury, \'l. His grandfather, Joshua, 



•Jr., went to that State from Connecticut when a 
young lad. The groat-grandfather, the Hon. Joshua 
Hyde, a native of Connecticut, was one of the 
early settlers of Middlebury, Vt., where he entered 
Government land and improved a farm from the 
wilderness, becoming a well-to-do and respected 
citizen. He was a Selectman of Middlebury and 
was the first Representative from Vermont to the 
Stale Legislature at Montpelier. The family is of 
Knglish descent as the parents of that gentleman 
came from England. 

The father of our subject became the possessor 
of the old homestead which his father and grand- 
father had improved on the old Burlington and 
Rutland Stage Road, and there he engaged in gen- 
eral farminj;. In 1878 he sold his property and 
came to Michigan and resided with his sons at Mc- 
Bride until his death in 1883, at the age of sixty 
four years. He was a Universalist in his religious 
belief and a man of sterling worth and responsibil- 
ity, liberal, open-hearted and public spirited. In 
politics he was first a Whig, then an Abolitionist 
and finally a Republican. 

The mother of our subject, .Marana Severance, a 
native of Middlcburg, Vt., was a daughter of Moses 
.Severance. Her father was born in Massachusetts, 
and went to Vermont with his parents when quite 
young. He was engaged in farming, but in latter 
years removed toAndover, Ohio, where he carried 
on bee culture and spent the remainder of his days. 
His daughter, the mother of our subject, is a lady 
of culture and education and was a teacher before 
her marriage. She is of a poetical turn and has 
written much that has been published in our lead- 
ing journals. She resides with our subject and Is 
now sixty-nine years of age. She is the mother of 
four children, three sons and one daughter. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Middle- 
bury, Vt.,July 16, 1851. Up to the time when he 
fourteen ye.irs old he divided his time between the 
district and graded schools and the work on the 
farm. During the next four years he went to 
school during the winter only. December 17. 
1870, he left home to come to Michigan and went 
to work in the lumber woods. He worked for four 
months at Sheridan, receiving i>26 per month. He 
was then employee! in a steam saw-mill, sortiu" 



814 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lumber for three years. He and his brother, F. D., 
used to do as large a daj-'s work as any man there, 
as they sometime piled twenty-eiajht thousand >feet 
a day. He worked for two years in the mill of W. 
B. Stone, and in 1877 returned East, where he en- 
gaged in a nursery business on Long Island. But 
he was disappointed in his expectations and two 
years later returned to Michigan, coming to Mc- 
Bridc which was then just starting. 

Mr. Hyde iiad now obtained a practical knowl- 
edge of the lumber business and for eigliteen months 
he acted as inspector at the Windsor, McBride and 
Howes mills. He then took cliarge of the Hurd- 
man, Corey & Co., yard, one mile north of Edmore, 
and was Inspector for tiiree years, handling during 
that time over nineteen million feet of lumber. He 
now built a pleasant home in Edmore and made his 
residence there, serving Just Bros., for eighteen 
months as Inspector. 

The subject of this sketch was now prepared to 
go into business for himself, and in March, 1884, 
he formed a partnership with his brother, F. D., as 
Hyde Bros., and started the wholesale manufac- 
turing of lumber and shingles at McBride, in which 
tliey have been very successful. After two years 
he removed to McBride and has himself attended 
to the business on the road, doing the traveling for 
the firm. In March, 1890, tlie brothers dissolved 
partnersiiip and our subject carries it on alone, de- 
voting himself largely to wholesaling the lumber 
from other mills, and handles the cut of from ten 
to fifteen mills. He has an interest in the mills at 
Gladwyn and Millbrook, and owns property in 
both Osceola and Isabella Counties. He is also a 
partner in the general merchandise fli'm of Carpen- 
ter, Toole & Co., at McBride. He owns real estate 
both here and at Edmore and Sheridan, and is a 
shareholder in the Robson Opera House at Edmore. 

Mr. Hyde was married in Stanton, November 19, 
1888, to Mrs. Minnie Covel, a daughter of John 
Roop, of Ohio. Her first husband Capt. J. F. Covel, 
was a gallant soldier and a fine shot, commanding 
Company I, First United States Sharpshooters. A 
wound received during the war hastened the close 
of his life, which ended in March, 188.3. He was a 
man of liberal education, a graduate of the State 
Agricultural College at Lansing, a leading lawyer 



of the county, residing at Stanton, and for a num- 
ber of 3-ears filled the office of County Superinten- 
dent of Schools. Mrs. Hyde is a graduate of the 
the Ladies' Seminarj' at Oskaloosa, Iowa, and fol- 
lowed for some j'ears the profession of teaching. 
She is a Congregationalist in her church connec- 
tions. Mr. Hyde is liberal in his religious views 
and a stanch Republican in politics. He is a mem- 
ber of the Knights of the Grip and also of the 
Union Association of Retail Lumber Dealers of 
Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. 

— ^— ^— ^— 

f/_^ARVEY LEE VAN BENSCHOTEN. Some 
^ time during the middle of the sixteenth 
century, when Philip II. was endeavoring 
to establish the Spanish Inquisition in the 
Netherlands, backed by the army of Spain under 
the command of the terrible Duke of Alva, and 
supported in every way by the Roman Catholic 
Hierarchy, two Holland noblemen by the name of 
A'^an Benschoten, renounced their allegiance to the 
ruling sovereign and entered the service of Will- 
iam, of Orange, known to history as William, the 
Silent. For thus espousing the sacred cause of 
political and religious liberty and patriotically re- 
sisting the machinations of this despotism, they 
incurred the displeasure of the Pope, and as a 
result were excommunicated. Their property was 
decreed confiscated and an order was issued thut 
they should be banished from the realm. 

As this event occurred previous to the time 
when William of Orange had made a success of 
his efforts, the sentence was easy of execution. 
Consequentl}' these two noblemen hastily converted 
their property into gold and secretly took passage 
for the New AVorld. On their way to this coun- 
try the ship on which they sailed foundered and 
all on board perished save a few, among whom 
were the two noblemen. They floated on some tim- 
bers and drifted to an island near by, whence they 
were soon rescued by a Dutch trading-vessel and 
carried to a small trading-station that has been 
successively known as Manhattan, New Amster- 
dam and New York City. Their gold went down 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



815 



in the vessel, but they soon regained their fortunes 
by enjraging extensively in the fur trade. One 
of the ancestors of this family, Nicholas ^■an IJen- 
scbotcn, of Amsterdam, invented the thimble. 

During the time of the Dutch Governor, Peter 
Stuyvestant, the Van Henschoten family was one 
of the most prominent Knickerbocker families in 
New York. Washington Irving in his humorous 
book "The Knickerbocker History of Nev^ York," 
in describing the gathering of the old Dutch fam- 
ilies to give battle to the Swedes, thus speaks of 
them : "Then came the Van Benschotens, of Nyack 
and Kakiat, who were the first that did ever kick 
with the left foot; they were gallant bushwackers 
and hunters of coons by moonlight." 

From one of these families sprang Harvey Lee 
Van Henschoten, the subject of this sketch. His 
great-grandfather, Aaron, was born in New York 
City before the Revolutionary War, and removed 
into Sullivan County, that State, where he raised 
a large famil}', among whom was Cornelius, the 
grandfather of Harvey. Cornelius was a tanner 
and currier by trade and acquired a great reputa- 
tion in that line. The family removed to Ohio 
in the fall of 1816, and among the large family of 
Cornelius was the son, George D., the f.ither of 
Harvey, who was a farmer, and who is still liv- 
ing and resides in the township of Sebewa, Ionia 
County, Mich. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town- 
ship just named, January 27, 1863. He spent the 
first fourteen years of his life in this township, 
attending a country school and helping in the 
farm work. He then spent six years in the Port- 
land public schools and one year in the Michigan 
Agricultural College, and was graduated from the 
Portland High School in the summer of 1883. In 
the fall of the same year be entered the Normal 
College at Valparaiso, Ind., where he remained one 
year, taking a special course. He then returned 
home and taught school for two years, gaining an 
enviable reputation as a teacher. 

The young man now commenced the study of 
law in the offlce of Clarence Cole at Portland, 
and after three months there entered the depart- 
raant of law at Michigan University, from which 
he was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of 



Laws in June, 1888. At this time he wits admitted 
to practice in the Washtenaw County Bar. lie 
formed a partnership, which lasted for a few 
months, with Charles W. Thomson, of Port San- 
ilac, Mich., and after this entered into a partner- 
ship with Mr. Bennett, which lasted until May, 
1890, since which time Mr. ^'an Henschoten has 
been practicing alone. 

At the commencement exercises of the I'nion 
Christian College he was awarded the degree of 
M. S. on a Thesis on the subject of "Our Coun- 
try's Duty to Humanity." He was married Novem- 
ber 15, 1«88, to Mary (Collins) Staley, of Collins, 
Mich., a descendant of two old and prominent 
New York families. A son was born February 
17, 1890, and bears the name of Maurice Thomp- 
son, being named after the popular novelist and 
poet. Our subject has been prominently identified 
with the history of the Democratic party in the 
Fifth District of Michigan for the past four years, 
but has never aspired to an}' olfice but once, when 
he was elected School Inspector of Sebewa bj' a 
large majority. 



•^^ 



^^ 



m 



<iY^AMES .MILNE, one of the old residents of 
Portland, Ionia County, was born in London, 
England, November 4, 1820. He is a son 
of John and Hannah (Collins) Milne, n.t- 
tives of Scotland and England respectively. John, 
when a lad, was taken to London, England where 
he grew to manhood and followed the trade of a 
baker. In 1833 he came to America, being ship- 
wrecked on the coast of Newfoundland and losing 
many things of value which they were bringing 
with them to their new home. 

Mr. Milne and his son John finally reached Ionia 
County, Mich., which was then a wilderness, making 
their journc}' part of the way by Indian trail. The 
Milne tract joins the corporation of Portland on 
the north. They bad to visit the land office at 
White Pigeon in order to enter their land, and 
afterward returned to Detroit, to purchase teams, 
tools, etc. 

The party which set out from Detroit for the 



816 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



laud which tliey had pre-empted was composed of 
Mr. Milne and his son John, Mr. King, Mr. Shep- 
aril, Mr. Friend, Mr. Inksman and Selah Arms. 
Mr. Inksraan died from exposure, as they were 
overtaken by winter while on their way, and was 
buried without ceremony and without a collin. 
Recently his bones have been exhumed and caused 
considerable excitement, until Mr. Milne's expla- 
nation made the matter clear to the community. 
They reached their destination in mid-winter and 
pitched their tent on the banks of the Looking 
Glass River. Here they remained until spring, 
completely worn out. Mr. Milne and son having 
come direct from the metropolis of the world and 
being unused to the hardships and labors of pio- 
neer life, suffered much from exposure and the 
difficulties of the way. 

The party finally obtained the help of some 
Indians in erecting a house which was the second 
cabin ever constructed in Ionia County. They 
cleared about ten acres on whicii they raised pota- 
toes and corn so they were prepared for the next 
winter. In the fall of 1834 the wife and seven 
children of Mr. Milne joined him in the new home. 
(Jn the canal boat while making their journey to 
Buffalo, one of the children was attacked with the 
smallpox and the mother and oldest daughter 
remained behind with him while the other children 
were sent on in care of a friend. Those left behind 
followed about three weeks later. Here the family 
lived about fifteen j-ears in this log house and then 
removed somewhat reluctantly into a more comfort- 
able and commodious frame building which they 
iiad erected. Only thrte of that familj' survive — 
our subject, Mrs. Boyne and one who is living in 
London. 

To the father of this f.Tmily belongs the credit 
of being the second settler of what is now Ionia 
Count}'. He had to go to Detroit for all supplies 
and even to send or receive a letter, and traveling 
was done with ox-tearas, two weeks being a short 
lime in whicli to make the trip. The first crop of 
wheat raised by them was trodden out by oxen and 
takop to Ionia to be ground, going by the Grand 
River in Indian canoes, a trip of one week. 

Our subject was married to Helen Merchant in 
1854 and she died five years later. His present 



wife, Mary Morn became Mrs. Milne May 24, 1864. 
To them was born one son, John Milne, who 
was born in Colorado. Mr. Milne has been a Re- 
publican ever since the organization of that party 
and from that time to this has voted for every 
Presidential candidate nominated by the party. He 
has in his possession the original deed signed by 
Andrew Jackson, bearing date of 1833. 



ARVEY W. DODGE, who is now engaged 
in the grocery business in Saranac, has lived 
in Ionia County since 1850, when, a youth 
of sixteen years, he accompanied his parents 
hither. He has seen many changes in this region 
and has done ijiuch for the advancement and im- 
provement thereof, especially of the town in which 
he is now living. This was a village containing 
but eight or nine houses when he first set eyes upon 
it, and all but two of the brick stores that now 
adorn its streets were built under contracts he 
made. 

Mr. Dodge was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., 
July 24, 1840, and is a son of William R. and Mary 
S. (Noble) Dodge. His parents were born in New 
York, the one being of German and the other of 
English descent. The father was a mason and fol- 
lowed his trade the greater part of his life, but is 
now living in retirement in Saranac. He is now 
seventy-seven and his wife seventy-two j'ears old ; 
both belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Our subject was reared in Wyoming County, N. 
Y., and received a common school education there. 
When he accompanied his parents to this State he 
found emploj'ment on a farm and continued to 
labor as a farm hand two years. He then began 
work at the mason's trade, which he thoroughly 
mastered and at which he worked summers until 
1888. During the winter months he worked in a 
sawmill. At the date mentioned he went to Lake 
Odessa and for ten months ran a hotel there, then 
returned to Saranac and remodeled a hotel here 
and carried it on about five months. The building 
was then destroyed by fire and in the fall of 1890 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



817 



he embarked in the grocery trade and still carries 
it on with good results. 

Mr. Dodge was married to Miss Mary J. Camp- 
bell of Lowell, November 6, 1860, and two chil- 
dren have bfen born of the union. Carrie, the first- 
born, is deceased, but Melvin still gladdens the 
the home by his love. Mrs. Dodge is a consistent 
member of the Methodist Flpiscopal Church. Mr. 
Dodge is a member of the Masonic Hlue Lodge in 
i^aranac and of the society of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen. His political connection is with 
the Prohibition party. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dodge 
command the respect of their associates and num- 
ber many sincere friends among them. 

^OSKPII M. HATHAWAY, M. D., a well- 
known dentist of lunia, was born in ()ak- 
land County, Mich., March 26, 1840. He 
is the son of George W. and Sarah (Voor- 
hies) Hathaway, natives of New York, where they 
pursued farnyiig. The father died iu Oakland 
County in 186'J. leaving his widow who still sur- 
vives. Eight children were born to them, six of 
whom are living, namely: Joseph M.. .lames B., 
of Orion, Mich.; Adelaide, wife of George Bird, of 
Pontiac; Frances, wife of William Corey, of Ma- 
son; Ella J., wife of Henry G. Corey, of Ionia; 
Madden, a dental surgeon at Orion. 

The subject of this sketch was brought up to the 
pursuit of agriculture, but when the war l)roke out 
during the year he gained his majority, he left the 
farm for the field of battle, enlisting .as a private in 
August, 1801. in Company G. F'irst Michigan Cav- 
alry. He was in service for three j-ears and was 
largely engaged in scouting, receiving his honorable 
discharge in .September, 1864. 

The young soldier came to Ionia in that year 
and commenced the practice of dentistry with a 
brother. In 1866 he" went to Flint, Mich., but af- 
ter a year being taken sick, sold out his business 
there and retired to the farm. In 1871, he re- 
sumed the practice of dentistry in .Shelbina, Mo., 
but being urged by his brother to return to Ionia, 
he did so in 1872. and has since practiced in this 



city. His marriage took place here on Christmas 
Day, 1869, and his briile was Miss Minnie Phillips. 
Two children have come to brighten this home,, 
Nellie May and Claude, both of whom are at home. 
He is a member of the (irand Army of the Repub- 
lic and of the Royal Arcanum, and in politics is a 
Republican. His wife is an active member of the 
Discii>les Church. 



=1^ 



fjL^ON. WILLARD HAWLEY'. The public 
iTji'- services and private life of this recently de- 
i^^^ parted member of the Michigan Legisla- 
(^) ture, entitle him to honorable mention in 
this Albim. He was born in Grantford. OuUirio, 
December 28, 1832, and was one of a family of six- 
teen children. His early life w.as spent in the vi- 
cinity of his birthplace, but in 1S.'>4 he came to 
Michigan with his father and the rest of the family. 
They settled in Keene Township. Ionia County, 
where he had retained his residence up to the time of 
his death, which occurred at Lansing April 7, 1891, 
and resulted from erysipelas and heart disease, su- 
perinduced by an attack of the grippe. 

The marriage of Willard Hawlcy with Miss Caro- 
line Marble, of Keene Townsbii), occurred in No- 
vember, 18.'>5. His bereaved widow with six 
children are left to mourn his loss. The newly 
married couple settled on a farm in Keene Town- 
ship, which they made their permanent home, and 
changed it from merely a wild state to one of the 
|)leasantest homes in the county. Togetlier they 
worked for the upbuilding of church and society 
and for the cause of humanity-, and now when one 
has put aside the life work, the home is indeed 
desolate. In the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
which he had been a member /or many years, 
Mr. Hawley was highly valued. His heart and 
purse went together, and it was largely by his aid 
that a class had been supported in Keene Town- 
ship. He W.1S very deeply interested in all matters 
which pertained to the welfare of his neighbors and 
their moral, religious and social prosperity. 

In politics Mr. Hawley was a Republican of the 
most pronounced kind. When that party was or- 



818 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ganized under the oaks of Jackson, Mich., its prin- 
ciples gained liis allegiance and in 1856 he cast his 
vole for Fremont. He has held various positions 
of honor and trust in the gift of the people. He 
was three times elected Supervisor, had been 
Justice of the Peace and twice elected to the Leg- 
islature. In ail these he was ever faithful to his 
trust and in the Legislature bis acts were always 
conscientious and party issues were lost sight of 
when the interest of the people was involved. 

The business houses of Saranac, where the Hon. 
Mr. Ilawley's funeral was held, were draped ' in 
mourning, as was also the Baptist Church where 
the obsequies were attended. The Rev. A. P. 
Moors, an old friend of the deceased, had charge of 
the ceremonies, in which he was assisted by the 
Rev. J. W. Arney, of Saranac and the Rev. Mr. 
Townsend, of Keene. About forty members of 
the Legislature, Judge Morse, of the State Supreme 
Court, and Attorney-General Ellis were present. 
As the prosession wended its way in from the 
home it was met at the bridge by a delegation of 
the business men of the village, and at the railroad 
by the members of the Legislature, who followed 
the remains to the chtirch. On the return these 
gentlemen stood with opened ranks and uncovered 
heads as the mournful cortege passed, thus giving 
the last farewell to a colleague whom they had all 
learned to respect. 



PE LOSS GIBSON, a representative farmer of 
Keene Township, residing on section 11, is a 
native of Genesee County, N. Y., and was 
born July 24, 1804. He is a son of Archibald K. 
and Sylvia (Gibbs) Gibson. When about two 
years old he removed with his parents to Otsego 
County, N. Y., and was there reared to manhood 
and has been a lifelong farmer. He was married 
November 1, 1827, to Louisa Adkins, a native of 
Otsego County, N. Y. 

Five children have been sent to bless the home 
of this worthy couple, nanoely: Mary J., who be- 
came Mrs. Henry, and is now a wi<low; Ruth A., 
the wife of S. M. Stebbins; Celesta, the wife of 



Jabez Hull; and William W. In 18.39 he emi- 
grated with his family to Michigan and located for 
a'short time in Eaton County and came to Ionia 
County in 1841, making his residence in Keene 
Township. He has served his township faithfully, 
both as Treasurer and Highway Commissioner and 
is a man who is truly respected by all who know 
him. 

, ^^^ 1^ V ^^(< ? '*'l «. cl' 

jENJAMIN FRANKLIN HART, one of 

^, the oldest business men of Vestaburgh, 
Montcalm County, is a prominent and pros- 
perous citizen who is universally respected 
and esteemed for his liberal open-hearted disposi- 
tion and upright character. He was born near 
Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, March 4, 1845. He 
owns one hundred and sixty acres of fine arable 
land, upon section 33, Richland Township, adjoin- 
ing Vestaburgh, and one hundred and sixty acres 
in Ferris Township, and has been for some time 
engaged in manufacturing and wholesaling shingles 
as well as in general merchandise in Vestaburgh. 
His father, Isaac, was born in Preble County, Ohio, 
where his grandfather, John, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania was one of the pioneers. lie was a promi- 
nent man in all social matters and a minister in 
the Dunkard Church. Later, this grandfather, who 
was of German descent, removed to Wabash 
Countj-, Ind., where he resided until his death. 

The father of our subject was a farmer in Ohio, 
and removed about the year 1848 to the vicinity 
of Ligonier, Noble County, Ind., where he eng.iged 
in farming and coopering, and remained thereuntil 
1852 when he went to Elkhart County, the same 
State, and carried on his business there until 1874 
when he retired and made his home in Sturgis, 
Mich., until his death at the age of seventy-four. 
He was a Unirersalist in his religious belief. The 
mother of our subject, Elizabeth Bower, was born 
in Preble County, Ohio, and she also died in 
Sturgis. She had eleven children as follows: Jos- 
eph, who was in the Thirtieth Indiana Infantry and 
was killed at the battle of Shiloh; Sarah (Mrs. 
Beam) residing at Three Oaks this State; Phoibe 
and Isaac who both died at Sturgis ; James A. who 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



819 



resides in tliat city; Lizzie, (Mrs. Wood), of 
Toledo; our subject and Il.irvcy E. of Vestaburgli; 
Maria. (Mrs. Creager), of .Sturgis; Dulciiia, (Mrs. 
Tinley) of lirinton; and W. H. who lives in Wis- 
consin. 

The subject of this sketch was three years old 
when he traveled with his parents by team and 
wagon to Indiana, making his home in Noble 
County. He removed with them in 1852 to Klk- 
hart Count}', and spent his boyhood on the farm 
and in the district schools. He was early set to 
work on the farm and in the cooper shop, and could 
hoop a barrel when twelve years old. He remained 
at home until he was thirty-six years old, but when 
twenty-one began working in sawmills, beginning 
at the bottom and working his way up as head 
sawyer. In 1871 ho went to Duluth, Minn., in the 
employ of the Mauger & Gray Lumber Company as 
night watchman and after a year there found his 
way back to Indiana and in 1873 he came to Mich- 
igan and entered the employ of a firm at Blooming- 
dale, Van Buren County, and after two years there 
went to South Haven and worked at Ludwig'sPier 
and at Black Lakes, in all three of these places act- 
ing as head man. 

In 1877 Mr. Hart was employed as lieail sawyer 
at Stanton and in the spring of the following year 
he took a farm on the Grand River, but in the fall 
came to A'estaburgh and operated W. G. Pratt's 
mill until the following spring. During the sum- 
mer he clerked for Starkweather the merchant and 
in October, 1879, he leased a shingle mill and began 
manufacturing on contract for I'reston & Merriman 
of Ionia. He also started in the merchandise busi- 
ness at about the same date buying out Mr. Daniel 
McCreaand going into (lartnership with his brother 
W. H. Hart. In 1885 he took entire charge of the 
business. 

Mr. Hart has always paid strict attention to the 
lumber business. He moved his mill to F^erris 
Township on to a tiact of land owned by Mr. Pres- 
ton. After manufacturing fur him for three years 
the mill burned down, after which be bought that 
gentleman's land, rebuilt the mill and began the 
manufacture of shingles. He paid ^110,000 for the 
mill and the land and had no fluancial backing but 
he cleared it all. In 1890 he had used up the pine 



upon this land and was obliged to stop operations 
although he had been very successful. 

Besides the one hundred and sixty aci'es, from 
which he has cut the trees for his mill, he has an 
improve<l farm of equal size which he superin- 
tends, paying especial attention to hay raising and 
to full bloo<lcd registeroil .lersej' cattle and regis- 
tered Poland-China hogs. He also raises .some 
$tan<lard bred Il.-imbletonian and draft horses. His 
village property is valuable, his store being well 
located and doing a good business. 

The marriage of our subject took place in 
Coopersville. Mich., in 1878. His bride was Miss 
Lillian Livingston, a native of New York Slate. 
They have had three children, Winnie, Earl and 
Flossie. Mr. Hart was Town.ship Treasurer for two 
years and is now School Assessor. He belongs to 
the Free and Accepted Masons at Stanton and to 
the Knights of the Maccabees .at N'estaburgh, and 
is a true blue Republican. His wife is a member 
of the Advent Church. 



^^OHDAN A. WILLKTT, a well-known cili- 
lll ^f, z«^n of Ionia, was born August 23, 1835, in 
^ijjl Onondaga County, N. Y. His parents were 
Alfred F. and Hannah Smith Willett. For further 
detail in regard to this family of worth and social 
standing see the sketch of .1. Milan Willett in this 
volume. Our subject left home after the death of 
his father and lived with Robert Karl, the senior 
member of the firm of Earl, Clark it Co., of Ves- 
per, Onon<laga County, N. Y. He remained with 
him for seven years and while there was allowed 
to attend school about half of the time, alternating 
this with work in the store. Later he spent a year 
with Henry A. Shaw, a merchant in Otisco, N. Y.. 
serving him as clerk. 

The young man came to Michigan in isr>:') an<l 
first settled at Ionia, where he spent a year with 
the firm of Lake, Wilson ife Kenneily. After that 
he wrote for some time in the Register's office. In 
1857 he purchased a half interest in the Gothic 
mills at Lyons, which he sold out in 1858. He 
then engaged as agent for Soule. Robinson A Co., 



820 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in the sale of real estate. His marriage with Mary 
Elizabelli Yates, January 16, 1862, was an event 
of great importance in liis life. This lady is the 
(laughter of Job L. and Jane (Sessions) Yates, old 
settlers who had come to Ionia County in 1835. 

After marriage Mr. Wlllett aided in the recruit- 
ing service and in April, 1862, he went to Wash- 
ington, in expectation of being appointed Quarter- 
master of Berdan's Sharp Shooters. He was, 
however, disappointed in tl\is plan, owing to some 
changes wliich were necessarily made in the organ- 
ization of the regiment. He was however engaged 
in the employ of the Sanitary Commission as Exe- 
cutive or Administrative Agent. For a time he 
was in charge of their supplies on the store ship, 
and afterward on the siiip "Elm City," which was 
engaged in carrying sick and wounded soldiers from 
the battlefields and camp liospitals to hospitals in 
the cities. He was subsequently transferred to the 
ocean steamer "S. li. Spaulding" and continued 
thus until the demands for ships in the transporta- 
tion of troops was so great as to necessitate the 
employment of every one in that service, thus 
crippling the Sanitary Commission. In 18G3 64 
Mr. Willett resided in Washington City. 

In 1865 our subject went to the oil fields of 
Ohio and leased oil lands from which he has never 
had any income, but still holds his leases on this 
unproductive properly. After becoming discour- 
aged there he returned to Michigan where he in- 
dulged in stock speculation. In 1867 he formed a 
partnership with his father-in-law, J. S. Yates, and 
bought a stock of farming implements, hardware, 
field seeds, etc., and engaged in this line of trade, 
continuing in it for ten years, after which Mr. 
Willett took the business alone and carried it on 
until a paralytic stroke in 1885 compelled cessation 
of business. This paralysis was the result of an 
injury as Mr. Willett had been thrown from his 
buggy upon the railroad track and severely injured 
upon the head. 

Since Mr. Willett's failure in health he has not 
engaged in any regular business but has been very 
active in behalf of college and church work. A 
part of the time he has been employed as Secretary 
of the State Missionary Society of the Church of 
Christ and has been very successful in raising 



money for church and kindred purposes. Since 
March, 1860, he has been a zealous and faithful 
member of that church and in all church work is 
unusually efficient and helpful. Previous to his 
conversion he was for two years a radical infidel, 
and for a time would not even attend church. But 
through it all and since then he has been strictly 
conscientious in regard to various matters, which he 
considers worldly and dangerous, such as card 
playing, dancing and partaking of intoxicating 
liquors. He is a Republican in politics but is not 
a politician in the sense of desiring office, as he has 
consistently and persistently refused to accept any 
position. He is a pronounced Prohibitionist in 
principle and is always earnest and active in op- 
posing the liquor traffic. To him and his good 
wife have been born four sons: Herbert L. now 
pastor of the Church of Christ at Dayton, Ohio, a 
young man of good promise; Arthur F., a store 
keeper at the .-isylum; Lesiie G. a student, and Enos 
Hnle, who died October 10. 1884, while in infancy. 



* ." I ^di 



;ILLIAM H. GARDNER. Within the past 
decade this gentleman has been counted 
^■^J among the best financiers in the town of 
Edmore, Montcalm County, and has made hosts of 
friends here by his genial, kindly ways and his 
mental and moral stamina. He has now retired 
from the business he formerly followed — banking, 
and gives his attention wholly to the duties of his 
official position which includes collections, as he is 
Township Treasurer, and to an oversight of his 
investments. He occupies a tasteful residence, set 
in pleasant grounils and in a good neighborhood, 
where the family are often visited by their many 
friends. 

The father of our subject was a native of the 
Empire State and his name was the same as that of 
his son. He owned a farm in Medina County, 
Ohio, and dealt in musical instruments, being him- 
self a musician. He died when the son of whom 
we write was but two years old, leaving his widow 
with four small children to care for and guide. 
She was the daughter of Levi Branch, 5 farmer, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



821 



and was able to carry on her farm and keep her 
boys with her until tliey were nearly grown. Her 
business tact was equal to that of any man in the 
locality, as was shown by her success in controlling 
her affairs. She never niarricil again but after the 
Civil War came to this State and made her home 
in Pentwater, where she is now living. She is a 
devout member of tlie Congregational Church, of 
which her husband was a member. 

When Mr. Gardner died none of his sons was 
yet ten years old, and as time passed on they did 
the work on the farm under the guidance of the 
mother. When the first call was made for volun- 
teers after the firing upon Ft. Sumter, Clark en- 
listed in the P^iglitli Ohio Infantry and served as a 
member of the Brigade Band until the close of the 
war. lie is now in the jewelry business in Manis- 
tee, this State. Frank enlisted in August, 18(jl, in 
the Tenth Ohio Cavalry, and served during the 
war, being promoted to the rank of Seccmd Lieu- 
tenant. He is now a lumber dealer in Pentwater. 
Darwin also entered the army but not until I8fi4, 
and then he was but fourteen years old. He went 
into a hundrerl day's regiment and when the term 
had expired enlisted in the One Hundred Third 
Ohio Infantry and (continued his soldier's career 
until the close of the war, from which he came 
home broken down in health. His present resi- 
dence is in Pentwater. 

The fourth son was born in Medina County, 
Ohio, November 20, 1852, and was early set to 
work on the farm and whenever he could do so 
went to the ''little old red schoolhouse"' where the 
district school was in session. When his brothers 
went to the war he remained in charge of the 
homestead and on it he stayed until 186 7, wUen he 
sold, in order to come to this State, whither his 
brothers had come after their army life was over. 
He left Cleveland on the "Messenger," the first 
boat that went through the Straits that season, and 
having secured the position of cabin-boy spent the 
rest of tlie summer, and the next also, on board. 
He spent the winters in Pentwater, aiding his 
brothers, with whom he made bis home until he 
was twenty years of age. Prior to that time he had 
taught some and he then went to Oberlin, Ohio, 
and devoted two years to diligent studj' in the 



college there, paying his own expenses, and teach- 
ing two terms in the Slate after he left school. 

In 187fi Mr. Gardner came to Stanton, Montcalm 
Count}', and became bookkeeper for D. M. Gard- 
ner, a merchant in whose employ he spent three 
years. The spring of 1881 saw him located in 
Edmore and opening a bank, in partnership with 
A. D. F. Gardner, under the style of Gardner <fe 
Gardner. The gentlemen made a success of their 
enterprise after three or four others had tried and 
failed, and continued it until 1888, combining with 
itan insurance business. They then dissolved and 
until .September, 1889, our subject carried on the 
Kdmore Exchange Bank. That month he sold out 
to Wisner & Co., and bought the stock of dry- 
goods in the establishment known as the "Bee 
Hive," which had been carried on by Frank Dreese, 
and ran it until 1890. Since that time he has been 
attending only to his official duties and such mat- 
ters as requite his management in the disposition of 
his funds. During his active business life he did an 
extensive wholesale lumber trade, particularly in 
shingles, handling over ten million per year. 

While living in Stanton Mr. Gardner was mar- 
ried in I87'J to Miss Louisa Manville, a native of 
Mi.ssouri and the ward of Miss Augusta Chapin 
who is now pastor of a church in Oak Park, Chi- 
cago. Mrs. Gardner is a lady of unusual refine- 
ment, and accomplished, particularly in music, of 
which she made a specialty for year.'s, completing 
her studies in Detroit and becoming a vocal artist. 
She has a very fine voice, which is now delighting 
the music lovers who attend the performances of 
the McCaull Opera Company, and she already has 
an engagement made for next season with the 
Emma Juch Opera Company. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gardner have three children, named respectively 
Morris, William H., Jr.. and Florence. 

Mr. Gardner w.as a charter member and one of 
the organizers of the Home Building Association, 
and Treasurer during his entire membership. He 
was Village Trustee for years, and is now Presi- 
dent of the Village Board and a member of the 
School Board and serving his third appointment as 
Notary Public, besides attending to the duties be- 
longing to Township Treasurer. During one year 
he held the office of Township Sui>ervisor, Polili. 



822 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cally he is an active and stanch Republican, and he 
has constantlj^ been a delegate to county and State 
conventions for3'eais past and is also a member of 
the County Central Committee. He wields a de- 
cided influence in the coraraunitj- and displays an 
unusual amount of energ}' in whatever he takes in 
hand. Having been successful in securing a fair 
share of worldly goods, lie is able to gratify his 
tastes, to bestow good advantages upon liis ciiil- 
dren, and engage in every project in which his 
judgment concurs as liltely to be of bencflt. Mrs. 
Gardner is a member in good standing of the Con- 
gregational Churcli. 



yARREN HOPKINS, a resident of Portland, 
Ionia County, has had an interesting and 
somewliat eventful liistor3f. His paternal 
ancestors were of Scotch and his maternal of En- 
glish origin, and several generations of tlie Hoj)- 
kins family lived in Rliode Island, wlience tlieir 
descendants have scattered to various States, being 
largeli' represented in those of the lake region. 
Tliey were among tiie earliest colonists in North 
America, and two of the direct progenitors of our 
subject belonged to tlie Revolutionary forces, the 
one as an officer and his son as a private. Jonah 
Hopkins, grandfather of liim of whom we write, 
married Mary Tucker, and about the beginning of 
the nineteeth century removed to Otsego County, 
N. Y., where he reared seven cliiklren. He was a 
man of steady, in<Uistrious habits, and became well- 
to-do, owning six hundred acres of good land. In 
his old age by endorsing notes he lost iiis property. 
He was a member of tlie Baptist Church. 

William Hutchins, of Vermont, maternal grand- 
father of Warren Hopkins, was in his teens when 
the Revolution began, but he entered the service 
as waiter to his father, wlio was an officer in tlie 
Patriot army. He soon entered the ranks as a sol- 
dier, and fought from the age of fourteen until the 
close of the war. He married Miss Lucena Allen, 
a relative of Gen. Ethan Allen, and they reared 
seven children. One of his sons having come West 



was a delegate to the convention that formed the first 
constitution of Michigan, and afterward was elected 
to the State Senate. Grandfather Hutchins re- 
moved to New York not long after his marriage, and 
died in Ohio at the age of hundred and one years. 
He was a man of pure and temperate habits, was 
energetic and industrious, and cleared up with his 
own iiands three new farms. His courage and firm- 
ness were unquestioned, j'ct lie was peaceable and 
gentle. 

Alvason Hopkins, father of our subject, was born 
in Foster, Providence County, H. I., January 28, 
1791, and was a lad some nine years old when his 
parents removed to Otsego County, N. Y. He re- 
mained at home working on his father's farm after 
he was of age, with the understanding that he 
should receive due recompense for his lime and 
labor, but no part of the farm was deeded to him, 
and when the crash came and the father lost his 
property, Alvason was left penniless. His spirit 
was so broken by this calamity, coming as it did 
when he had a young family to support, that he lost 
courage and ambition and never thereafter made 
any determined effort to retrieve his fortunes. Al- 
though possessed of good natural ability, and with 
no bad habits, but steady, temperate and honest, 
he was content to make a bare living, and remained 
poor the rest of his lifetime. After several changes 
of residence in New York he came to this State in 
1839, and Ionia County was his home until he 
was called hence in 1872. 

The marriage of Alvason Hopkins, Sr., and Pru- 
dence Hutchins took place in the spring of 1812. 
The bride was born in Otsego Count}-, N. Y., 
March 13, 1797, and was the daughter of William 
Hutchins, who has already been mentioned. She 
was a woman of superior intelligence and possessed 
great energy and force of character, but was withal 
a model of womanliness, gentle, kind, loving, gen- 
erous and true. She never lost her hope or cour- 
age, but as long as she w.as able struggled hard to 
better the condition of the family and educate her 
children. She made a public profession of relig- 
ion when eleven years old, uniting with the Jleth- 
odist Episcopal Church, but after coming to 
Michigan she united with the Free Will Baptists. 
She entered into rest October 16, 1861. She was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



823 



tlie niotlier of seven children : Otreii, Allen. Alva- 
son, Sarali A., William B., Natluiniel and Wanen, 
Orren and Nathaniel are deceased, the latter hav- 
ing died in Andersonviile prison, July 12, 1864. 

Warren Hopkins was born in Wayne County, 
N. Y., Feliruary 20, 182',). During tlie summer of 
IS'.V.i he attended school a few weeks, learning his 
letters and how to read easy lessons. From that 
lime until 1 839 his schooling did not exceed ten 
months, hut when the family came West he could 
read well and write fairly. He had no further op- 
portunity to attenil school until the winter of 
1840-41, when by walking nearly two miles 
through snow knee deep in an uutraveled road, he 
studied in the district school eight weeks. Near the 
middle of tlie session he began the study of Arith- 
metic, and by the close had learned the fundamen- 
tal rules, mastered reduction and common fractions. 
After that he attended school some six or eight 
months, making his entire school life no more than 
twenty months at a district school. 

When but nine or ten years old Mr. Hopkins 
determined, if possible, to gel an education, and so 
went to school whenever he could, and when he 
could not studied at home. As he grew older he 
frequcntl}" took a book with him to his work in the 
fields, and by extra efforts made time in which to 
study them there. While in California, from 1852 
to 1859, he spent r.niny days and evenings in con- 
ning works on algebra, natural philosophy, astron- 
omy, geology, physiology' and chemistry, and 
although he did not gain a thorough knowledge of 
those sciences he did learn much of them. His 
main object in going AVe.st was to try and obtain 
means with which to care for his parents, and at 
the same time pay his way through school. His 
disappointment at his failure has to some extent 
saddened his life, yet he does not regret the choice 
he made when his parents' comfort lay in one scale 
and a liberal education in the other. By the con- 
stant reading of books, newspapers and m.agazines 
he has stored his mind with much useful and gen- 
eral information. 

Fron) the time Mr. Hopkins was seven years old 
he was requirctl to take a part in any work that 
was suitable for him to perform, but he was never 
required to do that wliich was too hard for one of 



his age, or to undidy tax his strength by an unrea- 
sonal)le amount. Though small for his age he was 
strong and active, took great pleasure in physical 
sports, and to these facts and his strictly' temperate 
habits he attributes his extreme good health and 
strength even to the age of threescore years. He 
has never been too sick to take care of himself, and 
has never had a doctor called for him on account 
of sickness. 

After working at farming more or less Mr. Hop- 
kins, in the winter of 1851-52, took a school, but 
after teaching a few weeks gave it up an<l started 
for California. He w.as accompanied by his brother- 
in-law, William W. Fitch; and Patrick Lawless, an 
old pioneer of Portland Township. They hired a 
conveyance to Detroit, crossed the river and trav- 
eled by stage to Niagara Falls. Canada was 
sparsely settled but there was a grog shop ever}- 
two or three miles along the stage road, and at 
nearly every one the drivers would stop, going in 
ostensibly to warm themselves .is the weather was 
very cold. They would remain inside until the 
passengers would leave the coaches and go in for 
a drink, when they would immediately start <jn 
again, thus giving ground for the belief that they 
had maile arrangements with the saloonkeepers to 
bring them as much custom as possible and share 
in the profit.s. Mr. Hopkins, though not a total 
abstainer was opposed to tippling, and being con- 
stitutionally stubborn and .sufliciently warm blooded 
to stand the cold, absolutcl}' refused to leave the 
coach or drink. 

Owing to the delay occasioned by these many 
stoppages, though the party traveled night and day, 
they were one week going from Detroit to Niagara 
Falls. When they reached New York they found 
that through tickets on the steamship line had been 
bought up for three months ahead, so great was 
the rush to the Coast. They must take tickets 
to the isthmus and take their cha)ices of getting on 
from there, or take passage on a sailing vessel 
around Cape Horn. The "Greyhound," a clipjier- 
built ship, was about to sail, and Mr. Hopkins 
favored securing passage in her but was overruled 
by his comrades. The party en)l)arke<I for Pan- 
ama, and waited there three weeks for a boat to 
.San Francisco, then taking passage on the "Cor- 



824 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



nelia," a poor and slow craft manned by Holland- 
ers, who were such timorous sailors that with the 
most favorable winds they made but four or five 
miles an hour. It was soon found that neither 
provisions nor water would last until Aeapulco was 
reached, and the passengers took charge of the 
affairs, with the exception of the sailing and raan- 
awement of the vessel itself, and placed those on 
board on one-third rations of provisions and a pint 
of water per day. 

At. Aeapulco our subject and Mr. Fitch went on 
shore and managed to pass the guard and secrete 
themselves on board a Pacific mail steamer en route 
for San Francisco. They had not the money to 
pay their passage even had the boat not already' 
been crowded, but after port was left far behind 
they sought the captain and offered him what funds 
they had — some 130 and the watch of Mr. Hopkins 
— and expressed their willingness to work for the 
balance due. Their frankness secured them immu- 
nity from tiie fate of the forty others who were 
found in hiding when the boat was searched, and 
who did the work of the regular hands the rest of 
voyage. Upon reaching their port Mr. Hopkins 
and his comrade had $5.25 between them, wliile 
their funds had they sailed on the "Greyhound" 
would have been $125 each, and tliey were ciia- 
grined to see that vessel enter the harbor but twelve 
hours behind tiiem. They worked their way to Sac 
ramento and started on foot for the mines at Plug- 
town, in Eldorado County. There they found 
John and Robert Toan, of Portland, who had gone 
West by the overland route in 1850. 

Mr. Hopkins could have found work at good 
wages, or have pre-empted a quarter section of 
choice land within two miles of Sacramento, and 
he was convinced tiiat by the latter course he 
would be sure of a fortune in the course of years, 
but it would then be too late to return and attend 
the university. He therefore determined to lake 
iiis chances at mining, and for seven years he 
worked as hard as ever man did. All seemed 
without avail to win a fortune, although he did not 
drink, gamble, or spend money foolishly. Once or 
twice he came very near striking a rich gold lead, 
and sometimes made money for a lime, oidy to 
lose it in another venture. He could always get good 



wages, and was even importuned by one man for 
whom he had worked more than for any other, to 
take a position as teamster at $25 per month more 
than he gave others. He said he could well afford 
this as Mr. Hopkins took such good care of a team 
that he would leave it in better condition at the end 
of the season than at the beginning, and yet get a 
fifth more work from it than the other teams gave. 

Mr. Hopkins occasionally sent home a moderate 
amount of money, and finally learning that his be- 
loved mother was rapidly failing in health he 
returned to Michigan, reaching home February 21, 
1859, the day after the thirtieth anniversary of his 
birth. He found his mother very ill with inflama- 
tion of the lungs, but she recovered and survived 
for a few years. He brought home a moderate 
amount of money, sufficient to have given him a 
little chance here, but finding his parents and also 
his sister and her family in much more destitute 
circumstances than he had supposed, he used it to 
make them more comfortable. The mother owned 
a small farm of twenty-five acres and on this he 
went to work, and succeeded in making a living 
for them all. 

June 10, 1860, Mr. Hopkins was married to Miss 
Mary A. Green, daughter of Samuel and Belinda 
Green, of Portland Township. She was born in 
Lyons Township, January 17, 1839, and was one 
in a family of twelve children, all of whom lived 
to maturity. The first child born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Hopkins was Otis Bingham, whose natal day was 
April 21,1862; and the second, Mary Alice, was 
born January 19, 1865. The wife and mother died 
January 29, of the latter year, and was laid to rest 
by the side of the mother-in-law, to whom she had 
been a daughter in affection and devotion. Mrs. 
Mary Hopkins was a noble woman, who acted well 
her part in every relationship in life, and faithfully 
performed every duty that devolved upon her. 
Although never identified with any church her life 
was a prayerful and exemplar}' one. The son was 
stricken with malignant scarletina, and died Jan- 
uary 23, 1866. Though less than four years of 
age he had won the admiring love of all who knew 
him for his brave, generous and manly spirit. 
Without being in the least precocious he was active, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



825 



intelligent and courageous, and is still s|)oken of 
in terms of praise. 

Mr. Hopkins followed pliotograpliy a few months 
but tiie work did not agree with him and he again 
returned to farming, but in the spring of 1870, 
coming to the conclusion that the labor was too hard 
for a man with but one leg — he had lost one during 
war — he looked about for another occupation. 
Gen. Humphrey, then Auditor General of the Stale, 
offered him a clerkship for three months at a sal- 
ary of i|.10 per month, and ho gladly accepted. His 
services were retained from Jlay 1 until October, 
wlien he was told that he would be jiermanently en- 
gaged if the people of his old neighborhood desired. 
Making this fact known to a few friends Mr. Hop- 
kins received testimonials amply suflicient to secure 
the position, although they were not used, as prior 
to their arrival at Lansing the Auditor General 
looked over his work and decided in his favor from 
that alone. He remained in the oflice \intil Novem- 
ber 20, 1882, and ere long was in receipt of 
^1,000 per annum, the largest salary the Auditor 
General was then allowed to pay. Mr. Hopkins 
did considerable outside business, buying and selling 
land, conveyancing, locating Government land for 
settlers, and acting as Claim Agent. 

Mr. Hopkins traded Lis Ionia County land for 
properly in Lansing, but lost considerable, as city 
property soon fell from forty to fifty per cent. In 
the spring of 1882 his health beginning to fail he 
decidcfJ to leave the ollice, and finding one hun- 
dred and thirty acres of (ioverment land vacant in 
an old settled part of the .State — the southern part 
of St. Clair County — he took it as a homestead, 
and resigning his clerkship moved to the tract in 
December. He retained the property until April, 
1890, when it was sold. When he left Lansing he 
had a house and lot there which he deeiled to his 
daughter after lier marri.age. She had been united 
to Frank Campbell, of St. Clair County, November 
11, 1885. In the spring of 181)0 she traded her 
Lansing property for a beautiful home of six acres 
in the village of Jonesville, Hillsdale County, where 
she now lives. She has one living child, a son, 
born September 14, 1K89. After selling his St. 
Clair property Mr. Hopkins spent the summer with 



his daughter, and in the fall located in the village 
of Portland. 

After the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. 
Hopkins felt it his duty to help to defend the free 
institutions bequeathed to him and his countrymen 
by the soldiers of the Revolution, among whom bad 
been his own forefathers, both paternal and mater- 
nal. He enlisted September 20, 1862, as private in 
Company E, Sixth Michigan Cavalry. The regi- 
ment left the State early in December, and on 
reaching Washington went into camp near that city 
to be trained in military tactics and the manual of 
arms. Almost the first news Uiey heard was of 
Burnside's defeat at P'redericksburg, which for a 
time lowered their spirits. Mr. Hopkins, who had 
known manj- Southern men, appreciated their brav- 
ery and intrepidity, and realizing also the un- 
daunted courage of the people of the North, felt 
that the struggle would be a severe one, although 
he never doubted that the right would prevail. 

In the spring of 1863 the regiment was sent to 
do picket duty along Difficult Creek, in Virginia, 
and thence took part in the Gettysburg campaign. 
A few days before the noted batlle Gen. Custer 
was given command of the brigade which consisted 
of the First, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Michigan 
Cavalry. The Sixth first met the enemy at Han- 
over, Pa., the day before the battle of Gcttysl)urg 
began. Just after noon when marching from Lit- 
tlestown it had turned from the road and was 
passing in column of fours through a wheatfield 
when it came upon Fitz Hugh Lee's brigade with a 
section of artillery in position. The artillery at 
once opened on the head of the column with shell, 
and as it would have been more than foolish for a 
raw regiment to engage a brigade of veterans. Col. 
Gray ordered a halt and tlien gave the command 
'•fours right about." 

Mr. Hopkins had seriously distrusted his own 
courage, and feared that he would instinctively 
seek his own safet3' when the regiment went into 
action, but he was greatly surprised to find that he 
was not frightened out of his wits, but understood 
and was ready to obey the word of command. He 
saw that many of the men wheeled their horses 
square about, and having a hot temper he was 
much provoked and lost confidence in his com- 



826 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



rades. Before the day ended, however, he learned 
that they were as brave men as ever drew sabres 
in their country's cause. Retiring before the en- 
emy they reached Hanover and were ordered to 
dismount and fight on foot with their Spencer rifles. 
Mr. Hopifins did not i^now whether they were do- 
ing well or ill until nightfall, when a major from a 
veteran New York regiment rode in front of the 
line, and halting in front of the company said: 
'•You Western men make the best soldiers in the 
world. You are a new regiment and this is j-our 
first engagement, yet there has never been better 
lighting done since the war began than you have 
done to-day." 

The brigade did good service in the battle of 
Gettysburg and followed Lee to the Potomac, 
having many engagements with detachments of his 
army, capturing many prisoners, and otherwise 
doing the enemy great damage. September 14, 
1863, the brigade was engaged at Culpeper Court 
House and followed the enemy to and drove them 
across the Rapidan. On the 16th a small body of 
the enemy succeeded in re crossing the river a lit- 
tle above Somerville Ford, and in a skirmish with 
them Mr. Hopkins was severely wounded in the 
left foot and leg and ISken prisoner. The rebels 
being driven back through the ford, two stalwart 
soldiers picked our subject up and carried him. 
Being unable to take him to the hospital without 
coming under the guns of the Union sharpshooters 
they kept him with them until after dark. Mr. 
Hopkins was treated with extreme kindness by his 
captors, some even risking their lives in going to a 
spring to get fresh water for him to drink and to 
bathe his painful wound. With several of the men 
Mr. Hopkins has since corresponded, and to them 
he has become warmly attached. After dark he 
was taken back two miles to a field hospital, and 
the ensuing morning the leg was amputated at the 
knee joint by Surgeon Hardy, of the Sixth North 
Carolina Infantry. When put into an ambulance 
to be taken to a Confederate hospital. Surgeon 
Hardy seeing that he had no blanket gave him a 
new Confederate one of fine quality. 

During the five days in which Mr. Hopkins lay 
in the hospital at Orange Court House he fared 
fully as well as any Confederate soldier there, and 



was treated with the utmost kindness and respect. 
September 22 he was taken in an ambulance car to 
Richmond and placed in the Libby Prison Hospital, 
where he remained seven days and had no cause to 
complain of his treatment. The Confederate sur- 
geon carefully dressed his wound and he was given 
enough to eat, and as good as he had had while in 
the Confederate hospital at Orange Court House. 
September 29 he was paroled, taken to City Point 
and put on board the flag-of-truce boat, "City of 
New York." 

Mr. Hopkins was taken to Annapolis and placed 
in the Naval School Hospital, and the kindness he 
received at the hands of the ladies on board the 
boat, and those connected with the hospital, leads 
him to say: "God bless women always, for we 
poor devils of men would be but a sorry lot were 
it not for the saving influence of their presence 
among us." He was transferred to St. Mary's 
Hospital at Detroit, and applying for a discharge 
received it April 4, 1864. The next day he went 
home and received a joyous welcome from his wife 
and chidren and aged father. His little son when 
told that this was his papa, would look sharply at 
him and then at the picture hanging on the wall as 
though puzzled to understand how it could be. He 
seemed at once to comprehend his father's disabled 
condition and seemed anxious to help and wait 
upon him whenever he could. Mr. Hopkins farmed 
during the season, finding that lie could plant and 
hoe in the garden and do some farm work by using 
only one crutch. He would plow with a steady 
team, hopping behind the plow in the furrow, but 
ere long he left the place to enter upon a life which 
has been already spoken of. 

The second marriage of Mr. Hojjkins took place 
November 18, 1866, his bride being Miss Amelia 
A. Safford, daughter of Hiram V. and Minerva 
Safford, who had settled in Portland Township in 
1842. There Mr. Safford died May 17, 1888. The 
family consisted of seven children. Mrs. Hopkins 
being the eldest. She became the mother of three 
children, but all died in infancy. 

Soon after his discharge from the army Mr. 
Hopkins began writing for newspapers, and he has 
continued this work to the present time, not en- 
gaged as a regular correspondent but sending occa- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



827 



sional articles to a dozen or more papers and 
journals piiMisiicd in this and other States. He has 
written considenilile on tcniper.anoe, political and 
other questions of the daj', aiway.s advocating tem- 
perance [irinciples and a prohil)itory law. lie be- 
came a teetotaler in 1872, when he joined the order 
of Good Templars with which he is still identified. 
In politics he is a Republican, but holds country 
before party and advocates no policy simply be- 
cause it is that of the Republican party. Knowing 
the Southern people to be brave, ami believing 
thera to be conscientious and honorable, and at the 
present time loyal, he has labored and written to 
help bring about genuine peace, friendship and 
goodwill between the two sections of the country. 
The religious belief of Mr. Hopkins is best ex- 
pressed in his own words: ''I was brought up by 
a Christian mother, who taught me to believe the 
Bible to be the word of God written by divinely 
inspired men. Up to the time I was nineteen or 
twenty years old I believed whatever my mother 
taught me, but after that thought it my dut^' and 
privilege to think for myself, and am now a Deist. 
I do not believe in Revelation, but believe in one 
God, eteriiiil in duration, infinite in all his attributes 
— among which are wisdom, power, love, mercy, 
truth and justice — and who is the author of man's 
being. I do not believe God is a cruel, vindictive 
tyrant, but a merciful, loving Heavenly Father. I 
believe in the immortality of the human soul. Be- 
lieving God to be intinite in love, wisdom and 
power, and that love to be infinite must necessarily 
embrace all mankind, and that it is repugnant to 
reason to suppose that a being of infinite love 
would will that any being loved should suffer 
through all eternit}-, or a being possessed of infi- 
nite wisdom an<l power would suffer his own will 
to be thwarted, I believe (Joii will in His own 
good time and in His own w.ay lead all souls to sec 
the right way, and follow it to perfect peace and 
happiness. I believe it to be the duty and the 
highest privilege of man to love and worship his 
Creator, and to yield cheerful obedience to His 
laws so far as he can know and under-^tand them. 
That in serving mankind, in faithfully performing 
one's dut}' in every position in which one may be 
placed — as son, brother, fricn<I, husband, father, I 



citizen and member of society — in striving to bet- 
ter the condition of man and to elevate him mor- 
ally, intellectually and physically ; in being kind, 
not only to his fellow-men but to the lower animals 
(all l)eing God's creatures), and at the same time 
loving God, acknowledging His authority, and 
feeling grateful to Him for His blessings, consti- 
tutes the whole duty of man, and is serving Tiod in 
the only way acceptable to Him. That cruelty or 
unmercifulness to man or heast is notonly low and 
savage, but is a crime that degrades one almost to 
a leve! with the vilest brute. That an act of kind- 
ness to man or even to a beast, if prompted by- 
love, kindness of heart and a merciful disposition, 
brings one nearer to his God than does all the 
so-called religious ceremonies one could perform in 
a lifetime." 

PAVID .1. BROWN, proprietor of the Lake 
View Mills, Montcalm County, was born 
in Spring Township, Crawford County, 
Pa., November 27, 18:37. He is a son of Joseph 
and Polly (Haggard) Brown, natives of New York, 
the former born May 1, 1801, and the latter April 
10, 180G. The father died at the old home in 
Pennsylvania and hi.s wife still resides there. He 
was a farmer all his life and had a beautiful farm 
and was comfortably and ple.isantly situated. He 
was a Republican in politics. 

The subject of this sketch w.os the fourth child 
of his parents. He had his early training and edu- 
cation on his father's farm in Pennsylvania, and 
when seventeen years t>ld began doing for him- 
self in Erie County, Pa. There he married and 
worked on a farm and at the carpenter's trade 
until 187;?, when he came to Lake View, Mich., 
and followed carpentering and the trade of a mill- 
wright for three years. After this he went to 
Langston, Montcalm County, and built a gristmill, 
which he carried on for three years. After this 
he came back to Lake View and bought his pres- 
ent nouring-mill which he still operates. Ilcowns 
some farming lands, but gives most of his atten- 
tion to milling. He starti'd in life ciiipty-lianded. 



828 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



He married before he was seventeen j'ears old, 
and after settling with the parson he found him- 
self the possessor of a hlooming bride and $1.25. 

Mr. Brown is a strong Republican and was an 
earnest supporter of the administration during the 
war. In October, 1861, he joined the army as a 
private in Company C, One Hundred and Eleventli 
Pennsylvania Infantry. He served about two years 
in the Array of the Potomac when he was dis- 
charged, owing to physical disability. After re- 
gaining his health he re-entered the service as a 
private in Company M, Two Hundred and Second 
Pennsylvania Infantry, and served with the Army 
of the Potomac until the close of the war. He 
served in many Imrd-fonght battles and was never 
wounded or taken prisoner, but has had poor 
heallli ever since coming from the army. He was 
fin.ally mustered out of service at Washington, 
D. C, and received his final discharge at Pitts- 
burg, Pa., in June, 1865. He belongs to the 
Knights of the Maccabees. 

Our subject's marriage took place October 29, 
1854. He was then united with Miss Sarah J. 
Eddy, of Erie County, Pa., a native of New York 
State, where she was born October 26, 1840, and 
a daughter of Elizur and Sophia Eddy. Mr. and 
Mrs. Brown are the parents of two children — 
George A., of Lake View, who married Stella 
Perry, of this village, and who is the father of 
three children — Roy, Ray and Vivian. Ida, the 
j'oungest born, is the wife of 6. W. Burr, of Sag- 
inaw, Mich., who is doing a large business on the 
instalment plan. 



HARLES P. SOMERS. A prominent place 
among the business men of Ionia County is 
that occupied by the gentleman above- 
named, who is a dealer in agricultural implements 
and hardware in the village of Pewamo. He is a 
member of the firm of Klee & Co., which is doing 
a fine trade and is a potent factor in the financial 
life of the place. Mr. Somers lias met with some 
misfortune but his undaunted spirit was not quelled, 
and he was soon re-established and pursuing his 



course with renewed energy. His chief character- 
istics are a straightforward zeal and persistence 
that carry to a finish his business enterprises and 
gain the commendation of his associates. 

Mr. Somers is a native of Dutchess County, 
N. Y., the date of his birth being October 16, 
1844. His parents were Frederic and Roba (Marcy) 
Somers, and his father was a general laborer and 
farmer. He came to this State in 1876, and spent 
the remainder of his days with his son, dying in 
1887. The mother had passed away in 1876. She 
was of English descent and Mr. Somers was of 
German lineage. The}' had a family of seven 
children, all yet living except one — Peter, a brake- 
man on the New York & Harlem Railroad, who 
stepped from his train to speak to a friend and 
stumbled over some gi'avel that he did not see (it 
being in the evening), and was thrown under the 
cars and killed. The survivors are: George, of 
New York; Lois, a resident of Pewamo; Mrs. 
Caroline Marcy, of New York; Andrew J., who 
lives in Kearney, Neb.; Mrs. Lenora Vosburg, of 
Lime Rock, Conn.; and our subject. 

Mr. Somers, of whom we write, received his 
education in the district schools and prepared 
himself for life still further by taking a commer- 
cial course of study in Albion, this State. He had 
come West when a young man of twenty-one and 
located at I'ewamo. Here he engaged as clerk in 
the general store of S. W. Webber, in whose em- 
ploy he remained some time, and continued his 
clerical labors for different firms five 3'ears. He 
tlien bought out the first hardware store in the 
place and embarked in business for himself. In 
1885 Mr. Somers lost his store and part of iiis 
stock by fire, the loss being about i!l,000, but as 
soon as suitable arrangements could be made he 
opened up in another location. The establishment 
in which he is interested is the only one of the 
kind in the town. 

Prosperity has crowned Mr. Somers' efforts and 
he has a fine home in tlie village and a small farm 
within the corporation. His home is presided 
over by a lady of intelligence and capability who 
was known in her maidenhood as Miss Alma Bis- 
sell, and at the time of her marriage, in' 1869, was 
residing in Pewamo. The congenial home has been 



POUTKAIT AM) lUOCUAlMIlt'AL ALBUM. 



829 



m 



blessed by the birth of six ciiildreii, nnincd respeel- 
ivel^': Nellie, who died Mnit-li 21, 1891, ageil 
eighteen years, six months, twenty -one days; Cora, 
Louie, .Tay, Bessie and Maud. Mr. Soraers is a 
Republican, and has bern honored by election tt) 
the oIKce of Township Treasurer three terms. He 
is identified with the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen. 



A. DkIIAKT. one of the wcll-knovvii citi- 
zens of Huslinell Township, Montcalm 
County, was born in Uichniond, N. Y., 
November 12, 1841. lie was a son of Nathaniel 
and Maria (Simonson) Dellart, both of New York, 
lie spent his carl_v life at home with his parents 
until he reached his twentieth year. His father 
was by occupation a skiff builder. At the age of 
thirteen, the boy having attended, the common 
schools in New York, came to Michigan in 1855, 
and after this he again attended scliool for a few 
months. 

Our subject reached Montcalm County in 185'i, 
and made his first home, which has proved to be 
his permanent one, in Bushnell Townslii|). He 
began farming and cleared a place upon which to 
plant a crop and continued in this work until 
1864, when he entered the army, enlisting Septem- 
ber 3 in Company C, Thirteenth Michigan In- 
fantry. He was in the Army of the Cumberland 
and was under Sherman during all his long march 
to the sea. He took part in the engagement at 
Averysboro, March IG, 18G5, and at licntonville, 
in the same State, on the lOlli of the same month. 
He was with the Reserve at Black River, and after- 
ward at Raleigh. After this he went to Richmond 
and was present at Washington at the (I rami Re- 
view. He received his <lischargc .lunc 8, 1805, 
and was mustercil out at Detroit, and ictnrned to 
Bushnell Township and again eny;aged in farming. 
The subject of this sketch was united in mar- 
riage December 24, 18C3, with Margery C. .lenks, 
of Montcalm County. Seven children have blessed 
tliis union, namely: Horace W., Cilbert F., Mil- 
ton A., Ora Vernon, Raymond C, Klva and Ann. 



His wife died February 28, 1879. He was again 
married on the 29th of June, 1879. The lady who 
now united her fortunes with our subject bore 
the maiden name of Mary M. McComb, and was 
a resident of Evergreen Township. She has two 
children — Harvey S., born January 19, 1882; and 
Hassle K., July 19, 1883. Both children are living 
and in health. 

Mr. Dellart followed farming until 1875, when 
he wag appointed Postmaster of Vickeryvillc, and 
then entered into a store of general merchandise 
at the same place, where he continued for twelve 
years, after which he sold out his interest. His 
son, Milton A., conducts the business at present, 
as his father now devotes himself entirely to farm- 
ing. Mr. Dellart is a thorough Rei)ublican and 
takes a lively interest in political questions, hav- 
ing canvassed the town on several occasions in the 
interest of the party. Although offered various 
township oflices he has persistently refused them, 
as he does not wish to hold ollice. He has been 
particularly active in a literary society which was 
organized here, and is a popular speaker on vari- 
ous subjects which arc open for discussion. 



1?_, ON. J. U". KOIUNSON is carrying on a 
ll J large business in ^'eslaburg, Montcalm 
^^^ County. He is engaged not only in mer- 
(^) chandising and manufacturing, but also has 
a wholesale business in lumber and shingles, and 
devotes some attention to llie sale of real-estate. 
His father and grandfather Watson and Thomas 
Robinson were both natives of Yorkshire, England, 
the grandfather being a manufacturer of wof)lens 
in the city of Leeds. He aflerwanl came to Can- 
ada and eng.iged in farming near IVterboro, where 
he died. 

The father of our subject was seven years old 
when he accompanied his parents to America. He 
received a good eilucation and became a minister 
in the Wesleyan .Methodist Church, ami during the 
Canadian Rebellion he acted as an ollicer. He re- 
moved to Wooilstock and early in the '50s came to 
the United States and settled in KansfLS. He was 



830 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a strong anti-slarery man and very outspoken. He 
found it prudent to come East again in order to es- 
cape the lynching, which the outlaw.shad promised. 
He settled in Sanilac County, Mich., on a farm, and 
later went to Bad Axe, Huron County, where he 
owns a nicely improved farm, and where he has 
filled the offices of Supervisor and Justice of the 
Peace. 

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name 
was Elizabeth Livick, was born in Cumberland, En- 
gland. Her father, John Livick was a soldier in 
the Finglish army, who came to America upon his 
retirement from the service when she was a child. 
Our subject is the youngest child of these worth}' 
parents, and was born September 11, 1854. When 
he was seven years old he went to live with his sis- 
ter at East Saginaw, here he attended public school 
and High School, until he was fourteen years of 
age when tliey removed to the country near Mer- 
rill. When eighteen years old he began working 
in a sawmill, and soon learned to Qle and saw. 
Upon reaching his majority our subject began 
teaching school. He was in the Jonesficld school 
for three years, and at the same time was Town- 
ship Clerk, Supervisor and Township Superinten- 
dent of Schools. This latter position he held for 
three years. During this time he had bought land. 
In 1879 he sold one of his farms, coming to Vesta- 
burg, and investing the monej' in a store here. He 
bought out William A. Starkweather, and has since 
that time been in general merchandise. He is the 
oldest merchant liere, and one of the most success- 
ful. At the same time he began dealing in shingles, 
and two years later he entered upon the manufac- 
ture of shingles at Fish Creek in Ferris Township. 
Since then he has owned and operated different 
mills, dealing largely in shingles and lumber. He 
also deals in timber land, and owns a tract near 
Aberdeen, AVash., where he has a fine residence. He 
owns over fourteen hundred and ninety acres of 
land in Montcalm and Isabella Counties, having two 
hundred and ninety acres adjacent to Vestaburg, 
one hundred of which are finely improved and on 
which general farming is carried on. 

On October 26, 1878, Mr. Robinson entered into 
a life union, which has proved in every way con- 
genial and harmonious with Anna Bryant, who was 



born in Canada, of Scotch parentage. Her father, 
Capt. George Bryant, was a sea and lake captain. 
This lad}' is well educated, and for a number of 
years was a teacher. Three children have been born 
to them — AVatson B., John L. and Willan. Mr. 
Robinson was Supervisor of Richland for four 
years, his term beginning in 1880. In 1877 he was 
elected to the State Legislature on the Democratic 
ticket. In this campaign he ran largely ahead of 
his ticket, overcoming a majority on the other side 
of over three hundred. During his term of service 
in the Legislature, he served on various important 
committees. He is independent in politics. 

DWIN A. MURPHY, the subject of this 
brief sketch, is one of Ionia County's bright- 
est and most highly respected young citi- 
zens. Ills birth was celebrated at the village of 
Lj'ons, Mich., as the second son of Edward and 
Mary Murphy, when the guns of Ft. Sumter were 
rousing the nation to war. Born of honest and 
hard-working parents, who early moved with their 
sons to a forest home, young Murphj- was sur- 
rounded b}' all the influences that pave the way to a 
thoughtful and successful life. At the age of eight 
years, he with ax in hand assisted his father in 
clearing away the forest of a one hundred and 
twenty-acre farm. During the winter months he 
attended the district school until 1877, when he en- 
tered the State Normal School to prepare himself 
for teaching, and in 1878 began a course in the 
Agricultural College, from which institution he 
was graduated with honors in 1882, receiving the 
degree of Bachelor of Science. Since that time ho 
has been actively engaged in school work, and iias 
become one of the leading educators in the county. 
He now holds the position of Superintendent of the 
Muir public schools, and Chairman of the County 
Board of School Examiners, to which position he 
has once been appointed and three times elected, 
and has recently been elected as the County 
Superintendent of Schools. His work in the school 
room is of the highest order, and his active and 
genial disposition inspires teachers and pupils where- 



PORTRAIT AND BrOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



831 



ever he goes. He is pleasant and sociable to his 
fellow-citizens without distinction, and is always 
free to furllicr their best interests. As a speaker 
lie is lliient .-ind forcible, and has shown himself to 
be a talented writer. He is a prominent member 
of the Masonic and Knights of Pythius fraterni- 
ties. 

Mr. Murphy is much interested in agricultural 
pursuits, and is an admirer of fine live stock, and 
during the summer vacation finds recreation from 
his school labors upon his picturesque Riverside 
stock farm. 



eHARLES NORTHWAY is numbered among 
the progressive and prosperous pioneers of 
the Grand River A'alley and is thoroughly 
deserving of a pl.ice in this Ai.uum. He is now re- 
siding on section 4, Keene Township, where he has 
made his home since the spring of 18C7, although 
for a longer period a resident of Ionia County. He 
was born in Delaware Count}', N. Y.. September 4i 
1824, his parents being Augustus and Margaret 
(Houghtaling) Northway. His father was a sol- 
dier in the War of 1812. The parental family was 
large and the following survive: Rufus, Charles, 
Mrs. Calvin Smith, Mrs. Candace Wright, Mrs. 
Chester Ford, Albert, Mrs. Albert Spencer and 
John. They are variously located in this .State, 
Missouri and Minnesota, and are carrying on useful 
careers. 

In 1831 our subject with his parents removed to 
Trumbull County, Ohio, where they were early- 
settlers, and where Mr. Northway attained to 
man's estate. From his early years he has been 
engaged in farming, and has borne a part in the 
wearisome work necessary to clear and develop 
unbroken land, as well as the lighter labor of car- 
rying on an improved tract. His educational priv- 
ileges were limited, but he is practically well 
informed and has a good understanding of the 
important branches. He came to Ionia County in 
the spring of 1848, and made his home in Otisco 
Township until l^e took possession of his present 
farm. He had practically no means and the land 
was in its primitive condition, not a furrow hav- 



ing been turned thereon, nor n stick of timber 
removed. He split the first rail, and indeed made 
nearly' every one now used in his farm fences. He 
has over one hundtcd acres cleared and developed 
and supiilied with good buildings, including a 
modern farm house put up in 187G. 

Among the early experiences of Mr. Northway 
ni.iy be mentioned hauling wheat to Grand Rapids 
with an ox-team and receiving from forty to sixty 
cents per bushel for his load, half being given in 
cash and half traded out. He probably did as 
much hard work as any man in the township, an<l 
his estate is a standing monument to his industry 
and sturdy enterprise. While promoting his per- 
sonal interests h? did not forget that others were 
to be considered, but was ever ready to take a part 
in enterprises that would improve the condition of 
the people whether in the line of their menial, 
moral or material advancement. A man of ster- 
ling integrity his woni has long been considered as 
good as his bond. He has served as .School Treas- 
urer of his district, and while not a church mem- 
ber lias given financial supi)ort and countenance to 
religious societies. 

.lanuary 24, 18o(i, Mr. Northway was married to 
Miss Mary A. Hutchinson, who bore him one son, 
George. His second marriage took place Decem- 
ber 12, 1859, and his bride on this occasion was 
Mrs. Elizabeth Hayes, widow of Hugh Hayes, 
formerly of the city of Ionia. This union has 
been blessed by the birth of three children: Mary 
A., wife of Lewis Tuttle; Berenice, wife of George 
Daniels; and Fanny. Mrs. Northway had one 
child by her first husband — Jenny, now the wife of 
Eliud Knapp. Mrs. Northway is a daughter of 
Robert and Agnes Allen, and is an intelligent, hos- 
pitable and kindly woman who finds great enjoy- 
ment in bestowing upon others a share in the 
comforts which crown her days. 



•^ AMES H. RUEL. Although this gentleman 
is not yet thirty years old he has climbecl 
to an enviable position on the financial 
ladder and bears a prominent part in the 
affairs of Pewamo. Ionia County, and the country 



832 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



roundabout. He is Cashier and Manager of the 
Webber & Riiel Bank, a flourishing institution that 
stands on a solid basis and lias the confidence of 
the people as being controlled by men of honor 
and substance. Mr. Ruol has a bright mind, a 
good education, and considerable experience in 
business life in various lines, and shows acumen 
and tact as a financier. 

Mr. Ruel tr.ices his lineage to Scotland, whence 
Ills father, George Ruel, came when twenty years 
of age. He was born on a farm near Glasgow, 
on the 16th of June, 1827, and after he had crossed 
the Atlantic located in Canada. At Gault he mar- 
ried Miss Helen Biggar, who was likewise a native 
of "Auld Scotia," and to them came six sons and 
daughters, all living, as is the mother, her home 
being in Fowlerville, Mich. The children are: 
Jeannette, wife of Mark Palmer, a train conductor, 
living in Waukesha, Wis.; Annie, wife of the Rev. 
G. E. Paddock, in Minneapolis, 'Minn.; previous to 
her marriage she was a missionary to Utah. George 
W., a resident of Seattle, Wash.; Mattie, wife of 
the Rev. W. H. Prentice, whose home is in Crom- 
well, Ind.; and Nellie, now Mrs. S. D. Williams, 
of Ann Arbor, who was formerly Superintendent 
of Public Instruction in Livingston County, and 
is a competent lav/yer. 

George Ruel served an apprenticeship of five 
years at the merchant tailor's business in Edin- 
burgh, Scotland, and was a successful prosecutor 
of the same. He remained in Canada six years, 
during h'df of that period holding an important 
offlce under the Government. In 1855 he left 
the Dominion and came to this State, settling in 
Washtenaw County. He had a fine clothing store 
and employed several men, actively carrying on 
business fourteen years. From Ann Arbor he re- 
moved to Chelsea, where he kept a similar estab- 
tablishment three and one-half years, and whence 
he went to Fowlerville, Livingston Countj', there 
to remain permanently. He did business there 
thirteen years, then left his family and went to 
Aberdeen, S. Dak., and established a merchant 
tailoring store and took up three hundred and 
twenty acres of land here. He made some im- 
provements during the three years of his sojourn. 
He was a self-made man, whose strength of mind 



and character gave him prominence in the commu- 
nity. He was one of the first to enlist in the 
Civil War and he spent four years in the service 
of tlie country-, and received a wound in the left 
leg, from which he suffered somewhat until death. 
He held various positions of trust and was an 
active and official member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, of which his widow is a devoted 
member. He died August 25, 1885. 

The subject of these paragraphs wras born in 
Washtenaw County, June 22, 1862, and having 
good advantages acquired a thorough business 
education. He worked on a farm about a year, 
receiving $8 per month, and then started to learn 
the printer's trade, and for the labors of a twelve- 
month he got his board and 150. He next entered 
the employ of D. R. Glenn & Co., general mer- 
chants at Fowlerville, and from them went to 
E. D. Drew, another general dealer, working for 
each firm about a year. In 1882 Mr. Ruel learned 
telegraphy, and until 1886 he was employed by 
the Detroit, Lansing & Northern Railroad as Sta- 
tion Agent and operator at Fowlerville and 
Brighton Beach. Following this he was at Lyons 
and other points, and then bought the interest of 
L. L. Trask in the banking-house of Webber & 
Trask, in Pewamo, and located here. 

Mr. Ruel has been President of the village two 
terms, and is now Township Treasurer. As a 
public servant he is capable and painstaking, and 
his honesty is not called in question. Beside his 
bank stock he has a comfortable dwelling and 
one hundred acres of laud, and an interest in 
other out-lying propert}'. His home is under the 
care of a competent housekeeper and pleasant 
companion, who became his wife in 1885. Prior 
to that time she w.as known as Miss Alice J. Ams- 
den, she being a daughter of Capt. A. A. Amsden, 
a gentleman most highl3' esteemed by all who 
know him, residing in Lyons, Ionia County. Mrs. 
Ruel is not only fully capable of the man.ageuient 
of her home, but is also a sweet singer, an excel- 
lent pianist, and is of marked ability as an elo- 
cutionist, being a devoted lover of these arts. She 
has since her marriage continued her study of 
them, believing in one's making use of such 
talents as they may possess, and that the wife 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUJL 



833 



should not, when possible, allow the duties of 
home, and never those of society, to so infringe 
upon her time, but that some attention may be 
givcd to the cultivation of the mind, thereby en- 
abling her more to assist the one nlio Ims chosen 
her for his companion. Mr. Ruel is a Mason and 
Odd Fellow and casts his vote with the Democratic 
party. 



',frjy)ENJAMIN F. SCMULTZ. Tiio father of 
|Li^> the subject of this sketch lias large manu- 
I^V) ill facturing interests, and no one can scan the 
^^^ pages of liis life without at once determin- 
ing the fact that he must be a man of wonderful 
executive abilities. This gentleman manages the 
extensive luilling business of liis father. This 
necessarily calls into action all the industry, per- 
severance and ingenuity with which the Creator 
has endowed hira. 

Our subject was born at Ann Arl)or, Mich., 
November 15, 1861, and is the son of J. F. and 
Christina (Shafer) Schultz, who are natives of 
German^'. J. F. Schultz, the father of our subject, 
came with his parents from Germany at tlie early 
age of seven years. In 1839 they located at Ann 
Arbor, where his father followed the trade of 
coopering. Mrs. J. F. Schultz came to Michi- 
gan with her parents when she was fourteen years 
of age. The family settled at IIowcll. To the 
parents of our subject twelve children were born, 
nine of whom are living. Mr. Schultz is engaged 
in the manufacture of barrels and staves at Lansing. 
Our subject lived in Ann Arbor until six years of 
age, when his parents removed to Belleville, and 
two years later to Lansing. Here he attended a 
school which was called Bartlett's Business Col- 
lege, where he took a thorough course of educa- 
tion. He then engaged with his father in carrying 
on a general store at Coral, Montcalm County, 
this Stale, where his father once owned a n)i!l and 
Store. The son soon bought out this store and 
managed it two years, remaining there seven years. 
He afterward engaged in the stave business, which 
|ie still continues, and also has interests at Vesta- 



burg, Montcalm County. In this place he man- 
ages two mills although he resides at Portland, to 
which he came in 1887. Mr. Schultz, the father 
of our subject, owns a mill and some lands at this 
place and his son is the purchasing agent of five 
mills, which are located respectively at Belding, 
Middlcton, Vestaburg and Portland. 

The subject of this sketch took for his wife Eva 
M. Hopkins. She is a daughter of Marcus D. 
Hoiikins, of Detroit, Mich. The marriage took 
place at the home of the bride December 24, 1881. 
One child, Elsie Gertrude, blessed this happy 
union. Mr. Schultz is a member of the Masonic 
Order, Chapter Degree, Royal Arcanum. He is a 
Republican in politics and is earnest in his polit- 
ical preferences. His father was Mayor of Lansing 
and has been prominent in the politics of this 
place. Although Mr. .Schultz may not have gained 
high places in political ranks he has probably 
served his country elTlciently by attending strictly 
to his large business details with energy and fidelity. 



■^|M1!R()SE G. SMITH, a first-class farmer, 
has one of the well-improved and well- 
regulated estates of Ionia County. His 
property consists of two hundred and 
eighty acres on section 19, Ronald Township, which 
includes the homestead on which his father located 
during the 'oOs. The buildings on the land include 
a substantial, two-story farm house, good barns, 
granaries and sheds, and Mr. Smith is carrying on 
general farming in such a way as to secure a good 
income. He is descendefl from old New York 
families and was born in Cayuga County, that 
Stale, June 21, 18U. His parents were Daniel G. 
and Lucetta (Sperry) Smith, both of whom were 
born in the same county as the son. Very soon 
after their marriage they came to this State, and 
for some eight years made their home in Clinton 
County. They then carae to the farm now owned 
by their son .Vmbrose. They had five children, our 
subject being the eldest. 

The subject of this biograjjbical notice was an 
infant about twelve months old when brought to 



834 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



this State, and at the age of eight years he re- 
liiineil to New York, wliere he spent four years at 
school. lie tlien came hacli to his homo and toolc 
up iiis work with his father on tlie homestead he is 
now operating. He did not establish a home of his 
own until after he was of age, but in 1869 was 
married to Evangelia Dixou, who was born in 
Detroit August 31, 1848. She was bereft of her 
mother's love and care when but an infant, and for 
a time was eared for by her mother's sister. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have five children, whose 
respective names are: Herbert L., Bertlia L., Ma- 
llei, Carrie and Lucetta. The eldest daughter is 
now Mrs. Grover. The younger daughters are at 
home, and the son is pursuing his studies in Ionia. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are among the highl3--respected 
members of the community, both being earnest, 
humble Christians and excellent neighbors. Thej' 
hold membership in the Christian Church, and Mr. 
Smith holds the oflice of Deacon. 



|EV. HENRY MARSH, pastor of the Con- 
gregational Ciiurch in Edmore, is the pio- 
!i \\\ neer minister of that denomination here. 
^^Hc came in May, 1880, the year after a class 
was organized with five members, and during the 
decade that has passed has built up a good con- 
gregation, organized a society at Six Lakes, and at 
the same time prosecuted the work that has re- 
sulted in securing to Edmore a good house of wor- 
ship. During the first year of his residence here 
he also had oversight of the Millbrook charge, and 
the second j'ear had Lake View. Since that time 
Edmore and the vicinity has been under his care, 
but as this neighborhood has increased in popula- 
tion his work has been confined within a smaller 
circuit. 

Mr. Marsh was born in Eckford, Calhoun County, 
September 17, 1842, and w.as reared on a farm 
there. He attended the district schools and when 
eighteen years old began a preparatory course, con- 
tinuing his studies at odd times until 1865, when 
he entered the senior preparatory class, and com- 
pleted his preparation for college. The next year 



he began his work in the classical course, and after 
four years of study was graduated with the degree 
of Bachelor of Arts. He then spent one year in 
New Haven, Conn., studying theology in the Yale 
Seminar}'. Prior to this he had given a short time 
to teaching, and he now took up the work of in- 
struction at Olivet, this State, making Latin, mathe- 
matics and the natural sciences a specialty. 

After teaching a year Mr. Marsh became a stu- 
dent in the school of Theolog}' at OI)erlin, Ohio, 
and in 1873 was honored with the degree of Bache- 
lor of Theology. The same year that of Master of 
Arts was conferred upon him by Olivet College. 
He next took a post-graduate course at Andover 
Theological Seminary, after which, in December, 
1874, he was chosen pastor of a church in Somer- 
set, Hillsdale Count}', this State. He was ordained 
there April 23, 1875, and remained until the spring 
of 1877, when he went to Kalamo, remaining with 
the charge there three years. At the termination 
of that period he located in Edmore, being the first 
Congregational minister that had made a perman- 
ent settlement here. The little band of believers 
had no place in which to worship that they could 
call their own, and Mr. Marsh at once began to 
solicit subscriptions for a church. Ere long a house 
of worship was put up and the society felt that it 
had a name and a place in the world. 

Mr. Marsh is of English ancestry. His father 
was Joel B. l\Iarsh, a native of Ontario County, N. 
Y., and his grandfather, Isaac Marsh, was born in 
Connecticut. The father came to Marshall, Mich , 
about 1836, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. 
He subsequently bought Government land four 
miles from the cit}', built a log house and improved 
three hundred and sixteen acres. He died in 1850, 
at the early age of forty-three 3'ears, his death re- 
sulting from injuries occasioned by falling from a 
barn he was building. He was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. The mother of our subject 
bore the maiden name of Eliza Ingersoll and was 
the daughter of a miller living in Ontario County, 
N. Y. She made a second marriage, becoming the 
wife of Charles M. Bord well, a native of New York 
and a pioneer of Eckford, and they remained on 
the farm there until his death, in September, 1864. 
Some months later the widow sold the farm and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIJUM. 



885 



removed to Olivet in order to give her children 
better cdiicalional opportunities. In 1889 slie 
went to California and is now living in Los An- 
geles with a son; she is soventy-throe jonrs uf age. 
Her religious nienibersliip is in tin- Congregational 
Church at Olivet. 

At the bride's home in Vernidutville, Kalou 
County, September 17, 1S7-1, the Kev. Mr. .Marsh 
was married to Miss Anna M. Benedict, daughter 
of the Rev. N. W. Benedict. This lady was born 
May 1, 1844, and completed her educational train-, 
ing at Olivet College, from which she was gradu- 
ated in 1865. Few indeed have had better oppor- 
tunities than she or have broader culture. She is 
not only thoroughly educated, but she possesses 
a fluency of speech that enables her to use her 
knowledge as many cannot. She was a teacher in 
her Alma Mater for six years, and has ever taken 
great interest in school work. In the field of labor 
of her husband she has been of great assistance to 
him, organizing tlie Ladies' Societj' and acting as 
Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and by her 
sympathy and tact doing much to hold the congre- 
gation together in bonds of love and attracting to 
it people from all circles. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh 
have two daughters, named respectivelj', Mary and 
Kdna. These misses are being carefully guided 
and thoroughly schooled in that which will develop 
their better natures and mental [lowers. 

The father of Mrs. Marsh was born in Connecti- 
cut and was graduated from Williams College in 
Massachusetts, and Auburn Theological Seminary. 
He entered the ministry of the Presbyterian 
Church, but in 1843, having come to Vermontville, 
this State, he took charge of a Congregational 
society, over which he was pastor seven years. 
For ten years he carried on the Vermontville 
Academy and he organized the Presbyterian 
Churches at t)neida and SunfiehL He removed to 
Olivet in onler to give his children better e<liica- 
lional facilities, and for six years was Secretary 
and Treasurer of the college. He then returned 
to Vermontville, which he made his permanent 
home, dying there in October, 187.5, aged sixty- 
eight years. For years prior to that gad event he 
acted as home missionary and in the annals of the 
church his work is recorded as that of one of its 



most cfflcicnt members. He owned a farm of one 

hundred and sixty acres, upon which he employed 
students who wished to make their own waj', thus 
furnishing them means by which to pay their col- 
lege cxpen.ses. His wife w.as Almira Bennett, a 
native of Massachusetts and a woman of rare quali- 
ties of mind and heart. She lived to a good old 
age, dying in 18110. Her father was Mason Ben- 
nett, who was born in the Bay State, lived for a 
few years in Batavia, N. V.. and then removed to 
Janesville, Wis., where he was a merchant until 
his death. 

Mr. Marsh has always manifested a deep interest 
in the educational advancement of the people and 
for six years he has been School Trustee. A man 
of broad ami liberal mind, thorough schooling, 
and studious, thoughtful nature, he is well versed 
in matters of general interest, as well as more 
scholarly. In manners he is pleasant and affable, 
while his character is above reproach. For years 
he was identified wllh the Re|)ublican party, with 
the [)vinciple8 of which he is still in sympathy, al- 
though he has recently identified himself with the 
Prohibition element, believing that thus he can 
make his temperance work most effectual. 



ARION L. SMITH, a well-known horse- 
breeder of Ionia County, makes his home 
in the county seat, where he has other bus- 
iness interests besides that of his stables. 
He has a love for horses ami a natural aptitude for 
knowledge concerning them, which le<l him after 
many years spent in other work, to give his atten- 
tion largely' to handling them. The horse that has 
made his stable prominent among other similar 
places is "Pilot Montgomery," one of the most 
noted sires in the country. Mr. Smith owns a 
number of other horses of the famous strain. He 
has earned the name of a square-dealing horseman 
and one who has thorougii knowledge of the charac- 
teristics of equines and the peculiarities that dis- 
tinguish the breeds. 

Mr. Smith was born in Pennsylvania in 1844 
anil is a son of the late Lewis D. Smitli, who died 



836 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in Ionia in 1888. The father was a prominent 
citizen, who held many offices of trust and always 
to his credit. The widowed mother of our subject 
is still living. The son was reared on a farm and 
at an early age entered a banking house in Ionia, 
where he remained until, on the retirement of his 
father, who had been Postmaster eight years, he was 
appointed to the position. He was in charge of 
the ollice four years, then his brother founded the 
tiim of Smith & Smith, booksellers and stationers, 
which is still carrying on business and is one of 
the most flourishinij in central Michigan. 

Our subject next turned his special attention to 
the duties of a landlord and for several years ran a 
liotel. The bent of his nature was at last followed 
and he entered upon his present occupation. Mr. 
Smith has been twice married, first in 1873 and for 
the second time in 1876. He has three children, 
named respectively, Burt M., Ada F. and Blanche. 
In politics Mr. Smith is a stalwart Republican. 



\1^)EV. ALFRED CORNELL, for many years 
IHT pastor of the Baptist Churcli at Ionia, was 
!E\ born in Madison County, N. Y., July 7, 
*' 1813. He is a son of Alfred and Nancy 
(Caldwell) Cornell, natives of Rhode Island, whence 
they came to Oneida County, N. Y., and journeyed 
to Michigan 1833, a few months after tiie Dexter 
settlement was made. The Dexters arrived here 
the last of May and Mr. Cornell, a cousin of Mr. 
Dexter, reached here November 9, of the same year. 
Tliere were no near neighbors and not a house in 
louia excejjt the four occupied by Samuel Dexter, 
Erastus Yeomans, Darius AVindsor and Edwin 
Giles; and on the other side was one house occu- 
pied by Oliver Arnold. 

Alfred was twenty years of age at the time of 
his first coming to Michigan, and the next year 
went to Grand Rapids, finding but two houses on 
the way tliere, and those occupied by traders. 
While at the Rapids he found but one family, that 
of Joel Guild. In getting to and from trading 
points Mr. Cornell encountered many ditficullies. 
At the age of tweqty-three he married Amanda, 



daughter of Judge Yoemans, the wedding taking 
place in December, 1836. She became the mother 
of six children, all of whom have passed away and 
she herself died in Ohio, February' 20, 1862. 

In 1841 Mr. Cornell went to Colby Universit.3', 
at Hannlton,*N. Y., to study for the ministry and 
remained there for three 3ears. He graduated in 
1844 and was settled as pastor over the church at 
Macedon, Wayne Count}', N. Y. After remaining 
there for two years the Ionia people pleaded that 
Ije should become the pastor of the Baptist Church 
here, to which he consented. After seventeen 
years' service in Ionia lie responded to a call to a 
church in Norwalk, Ohio, and went there in Janu- 
ary, 1861, remaining there for three years. After 
going to Norwalk he was tendered the Chaplaincy 
of the Twenty-First Michigan Infantr}'. 

Mr. Cornell returned to Ionia County in April, 
1866, and preached here for two years. After this 
he resigned and went to Smyrna, this county, 
where he was stationed for three years, and then 
went to Portland for five and one-half years. He 
was elected Chaplain of the Michigan House of 
Correction in 1877, and held this position for four 
years until his health failed, on account of which 
he resigned. He spent some two years in Polo and 
some time in Carson Cit}' after which lie returned 
to Ionia and has since lived a retired life. His sec- 
ond marriage was with Katie Mason and occurred 
January 23, 1863, in Ripley, N. Y. 



. > .- :>o ^-t 



r^ 



-»-rt^' 



j^ RS. ANN E. WHITE. For thirty years 
this lady has been living in Ionia County, 
and she and her family have been and are 
connected in various waj'S with the affairs 
of this part of the commonwealth. She is carrying 
on a farm on section 35, Lyons Township, and is 
successfully operating a valuable piece of propert}-. 
She has one hundred acres of land so well improved 
as to command a good price, and stocked with 
first-class machinery, good flocks and herds, and 
with its barns and granaries holding a gOodly sup- 
plv of grain and fodder. Her residence is a square. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



337 



two-story frame house, well furnished and abound- 
ing in >{wocl ciieer for mind and body. Mrs. Wliite 
is !i well-iuad lady, who has added to her original 
education, and ke|it herself well informed regnrd- 
ing general topics and matters of common interest. 
Slie |iossesses good business ability and pleasant, 
agreeable manners, with a character of genuine 
worth. 

Mrs. White was born in Tompkins County, 
N. Y., July 21, 1827. Her father, Eldad Jackson, 
was born in Delaware County, N. Y., in March, 
1790, and reared in Meredith Township. He mar- 
ried Olive Lawrence, who was a native of the same 
neighborhood as himself, and whose good qualities 
were thoroughly known to him. Their last years 
were spent in Newfield, N. Y., where the wife died 
in 1835, and the father in 18(J.'S, the latter being 
seventy-three years old. He was a Colonel in the 
War of 1812, and two of his brothers were oflicers 
during the same conflict. Of the eleven children 
born to her parents Mrs. White and three brothers 
are the only survivors. She was reared in lier 
native place and acquired her schooling there. 

The flrst marriage of our sul)ject was solemnized 
April 4, 18C1, when she was wed to Henry Rartow. 
This genlleman was born and reared in the Empire 
State, and acquired a liberal education. His name 
is well known in Ionia Count}', of wliich he was 
Probate Judge, and from which he was sent to the 
Legislature, serving during the time of the revision 
of the .State Constitution. He came West in 183G, 
and wa* therefore one of the earliest settlers in 
Ionia County. He was ever a liberal contributor 
to laudable enterprises and was active in church 
work, being a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church. 
He died December 25, 18(i2, leaving a niemory that 
is held in honor by all who knew him. His political 
allegiance was given to the Republican party. The 
result of his union with our subject was the birth 
of a daughter, Carrie, who makes her home with 
her mother. She was born January 18, 1862. Mr. 
IJartow by a previous marriage was the father of 
a son, Benjamin H., who is a well-known lawyer in 
Porllanil, this Stale. 

The gentleman who became the second husband 
of our subject was John L. White, who was born 
in Steuben County, N. Y., in 1832, but was reared 



in this State, to which he was brought when but 
four years old. During the Civil War he was in 
the service of his country four years. He first 
eidistcd in Company F, Thirteenth Michigan In- 
fantry, and at the expiration of a three years' term 
he signed the muster roll of Company A, Kighth 
Michigan Infantry. He was discharged after the 
war closed, receiving his papers at the city of At- 
lanta, (ia. Hardship and exposure had affected his 
health, and he was never again as strong as he had 
been before entering the army. He was identified 
with the Grand Army Post at Portland. The date 
of his decease was April 1, 1885. Mrs. White has 
an adopted son, Martin L., who is now in his twen- 
tieth year. He was taken b^- his foster mother when 
three weeks old, and has been the object of tenfler 
care. Although a German by birth and parentage 
he is not able to speak his mother tongue, but 
knows only the language of his foster mother. He 
is still with her and renders her much aid in carry- 
ing on her business. 

-J^^ 

OHN O. WILLIAMS belongs to a family of 
honorable and patriotic record, both the 
father and grandfather having served their 
country in the army, anil his brother, the 
Hon. K. R. Williams, being one of the most influen- 
tial mpn in Ionia County. The sul)ject of this 
sketch, who so worthily represents this fine family 
has a good farm on section IG, North Plains Town- 
»hip, Ionia County. He is the son of John A. and 
Patience (Jenks) Williams, and was born in Ashta- 
bula County, Ohio, March 1C>, 182'j. Further 
notice of the ancestry and family history of Mr. 
Williams will be found in the sketch of his brother, 
the Hon. E. R. Williams, in another part of this 
volume. 

John O. is the eldest child of his falliur's family, 
and was only two years of age when he came to 
Michigan. His first schooling was in Oakland 
County, Bloomfield Township. When he reached 
his majority he began work for himself. His mar- 
riage took place in New York Slate in 1857. His 
bride was Marian Abbey, born in New York, Au- 



838 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



gust 23, 1830. Her parents, Reuben and Marian 
(Iloag) Abbey, spent their lives in New York 
State. Mr. and Mrs. Williams made their first 
home where they now reside, but this home was 
witliin log walls and covered by a roof only 20x28 
feet. This humble edifice still remains upon the 
place, a pleasant reminder of the happy days of 
early married life. An ox-te.im and a plow con- 
stituted his outfit. His farm was thickly cov- 
ered with heavy timber. He has now two hundred 
and twelve acres of well-improved land, and a fine 
brick house which he built in 1882 at a cost of 
$3,400. To this beautiful residence the friends of 
this pleasant household are cordially welcomed, 
and in their family circle their neighbors are often 
ga;thered for social greeting. Their three sons all 
reside in the county: Charles E., Frank O. and 
Albert J. Mr. Williams first vote was cast in 1840. 
He is a Democrat in his principles, and has always 
voted that ticket. Although he does not seek 
public honors he has willingly filled several posi- 
tions of responsibility. For twenty years lie has 
been on the Township School Board, and has been 
Highway Commissioner for some time. 



MLLIAM ALDEKMAN. Michig.-wi owes 
much to those men who, after fighting their 
way through the hardships of pioneer life, 
and putting themselves and their families in com- 
fortable circumstances have used their means to 
erect buildings which are a credit to their county. 
Those who have thus wisely placed improvements 
and buildings either [jublic and private on the 
farms or in the growing villages, have largely for- 
warded the interests of tlieir locality, and have thus 
attracted thither settlers of enterprise and wealth. 
Among those who have thus aided in the upbuild- 
ings of Ionia County, is the subject of this sketch. 
He first built up his own place, his present residence, 
a fine two-story house, costing $3,500 and he 
has spent altogether in buildings npon his farm 
gqmg |5,000. He has built almost as tpany houses 



and barns as any man in the county. He has also 
done much for Gratiot County, having expended 
within the last two years over 12,000 in buildings 
on his land in that county. 

The subject of this life history, who resides on 
section 5, Lyons Township, Ionia County, was born 
in Ancastor, Canada, November 13, 1825. His fa- 
ther, Bucklin Alderman, a mason by trade, was born 
in Connecticut in August, 1799. He was reared 
and received hi? education in New York. His wife 
was in girlhood Marj' Sterling, of New York, born 
in Onondaga County, in November, 1801. Their 
marriage took place in that county in 1818, after 
which they went to Canada. Here Iilr. Alderman 
engaged in the mercantile business and afterward 
pursued the same line of work in Detroit, Mich., 
where he emigrated in 1836. His death took place 
in Detroit, May 27, 1838, and his good wife sur- 
vived him, and in 1883 com|)leted her four-score 
years and one. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bucklin Alderman were the worthy 
parents of nine children, most of whom have passed 
away from earth. Their sou, William, was twelve 
j-ears old when he came to Michigan. His first 
schooling was in Canada, and he had good advan- 
tages in Detroit. After the death of his father the 
family removed to Highland, Oakland County. 
Here the boy took charge of the farm and remained 
with bis mother, although he worked for awhile in 
a store in Milford. One year and a half was spent 
in Rochester, N. Y., clerking in a store. He then 
returned to Highland, and took charge of his moth 
er's farm. Later he entered the general merchan- 
dise business at Milford, in which he continued for 
thiee years. The first marriage of William Alder- 
man took place on the 27th of January, 1851. 
His bride was Emily Green, a native of New York. 
They went at once to live on the old homestead, 
and remained there for one j'ear. He then traded 
eighty of his one hundred and sixty acres for a car- 
riage factory at Milford, and ran that business in 
connection with his farm work. He did well in 
this business and after about six months was able 
to buy back the land he had sold and somewhat 
later he sold out the carriage factory. 

Mr. Alderman traded his farm in 1860 for a 
•I stock of goods in Lyons, whither he removed and 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGUAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



839 



carried on mercantile business until 1864. He then 
exchanged a half- interest in the store for a farm on 
section ;?6, I.yons Township. After this he made 
a sale of the other half of the store, and went to re- 
side on ft fariii in North Plains Township, where 
he had bought cighty-ihrce acres. He owned at 
one lime two hundred acres of land in North Plains 
Township. He sold out this land and bought in 
Danby Township; be then bought eighty-seven 
acres in North Plains Townshii), and finally located 
where he now resides. 

The second matrimonial union of our subject 
w.as celebrated .luly 9, 1865. Me was then united 
to Mrs. Emily U. Ilinsdell, widow of Moses 15. 
Plinsdell. She was born in Lafayette Township, 
Onond.aga County, N. Y., April 1, 1826, and was 
the only daughter of Isaac and Eunice (Rust) Kee- 
ler. The first marriage of lAIr. Alderman gave him 
two daughters: Ella G., Mrs. Frank E. Ward; and 
Emily, Mrs. Giles Craindall. The subject of this 
sketch at one time owned nine hundred and eighty 
acres in Michigan, but he has disposed of much of 
this and now has only four hundred and eighteen 
and one-half acres. He built his present two-story 
residence some few years ago, and it is considered 
one of the best farmhouses in the county. He is a 
Republican in politics, and belongs to the Masonic 
lodge. No. 37, at Lyons. At one time he engaged 
in the lumber business in the pine lands in Mont- 
calm County, and in five weeks' time made ^7,.")00 
on one transaction. 



'^|OHN M. BREINING, a retired farmer and 
old settler of Michigan, now resides on 
twelve acres of finely improved land with- 
in the city limits of PMmore, Montcalm 
County. His parents, .Tacob and Barbara (Reide- 
miller) Breining, both natives of Wurteniberg, (Ger- 
many, came to America in 1836 and located in 
Freedom Townshii), Washtenaw County, Mich. 
The father was a cooper by trade, and followed that 
line of work in the old country, but here he took a 
farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the forest 
and proceeded to clear it of timber. Both parents 



resided on this farm, living honest, conscientious 
lives, and being members of the Lutheran Church 
until they were called from earth. 

The subject of this sketch was the eldest of eight 
children, and was born in Geilsten. Wurteraberg, 
Germany, in 1829. He was seven years old wlien 
they left the old homo, and undertook the passage 
from Havre to New York. They were upon the 
ocean thirty-three days. In 18.54 be began to work 
for himself and bought sixty acres in Lodi Town- 
ship, Washtenaw County. Having cultivated this 
land for a few years, he sold it and removed to 
Adrian, where he farmed until 1865, when he went 
to Douglas County, III. In the year 1868 he 
removed to Omaha, Neb., working on a farm and 
in a gristmill until 1877. In February of that year 
he carae to Ingiiam County, this Slate, and worked 
near Okemos, and then bought an improved ten 
acres adjoining the Agricultural College, and liid 
teaming for the college. In 1887 he look a con- 
tract to carry the mail for four years between the 
college and Lansing, but sold out this contract in 
1890, and iu October 15th of that year came to Ed- 
more and bought the Whittlesey place, a well im- 
I)roved place having good buildings upon it. Here 
lie carries on general farming on a small scale. 

Mr. Breining's first wife was also a native of 
Wurtemberg. They were married in October, 1859, 
iu Washtenaw County, where Mrs. Breining dijd 
after having become the mother of three children 
— .lacob, James and Mary. The present Mrs. Brein- 
ing is the daughter of Jacob Koch, who was a farmer 
of Wurtemberg, German^', whence be came to 
America in 1854 an<l located in Frcdonia, N. Y. 
Here, as above stated, his daughter Regina, was 
united to the subject of this sketch. Mr. Koch died 
in Lodi Township -at a very advanced age. His 
wife died in Freedom Township. They were mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church, and were the parents 
of six children, of whom the wife of our subject 
was the fourth in order of birth. She was born in 
Kirkentellinsfurth, (Jermany, January 20, 1837. 
After her emigration with her parents to this coun- 
try, she supported herself in New York City. She 
is the mother of nine children, six of whom are liv- 
ing: Lena, Frederick, Katie, Ella, Minnie and 
George. They are devout members of the Luth- 



840 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



eran Church, and Mr. Breining is a Democrat in 
principle, and casts his vote with the party. He 
is universally respected for his integrity, and for- 
wards any movement that will enhance the pros- 
perity of the township. 



j^ AVID KELLEY, M. D., is a well-known 
'•' physician and surgeon located at Lyons, 
Ionia County, and closely connected with 
all that goes to aid in its development and 
the elevation of its residents. He is a native of 
Tompkins County, N. Y., where he was born in 
1816, and is the only child of John and Nancy 
(Baile^') Kelley, who were born in Wales and New 
York respectively. The father was a ship carpen- 
ter and caulker, which occupation he followed 
some thirty years. In 1840 he removed to Michi- 
gan and made Adri.an his home, and there he pur- 
sued his trade until smitten by the illness which 
caused his death in 1852. 

The boyhood of Dr. Kelley was spent in his na- 
tive county at the town of Newfield, and there he 
began the study of medicine, for which he had a 
decided predilection. He took his first course of 
lectures at Geneva (N. Y.) College, and afterward 
went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was granted a 
diploma after the season of 1844-45. He at once 
opened an office in La Porte, Ohio, and from there 
went to Adrian, Mich., coming to Lyons from the 
latter. He brought a stock of goods with him and 
opened a drug-store, managing it while carrying on 
professional work until 1861 when he sold out, 
feeling that other duties called him. 

The attempts upon the life of the nation roused 
Dr. Kelley to a fervor of patriotism that led him 
to join others in raising a full regiment, eleven 
hundred men, in Will County, 111., and he went 
South as Captain of a company. During his army 
experience he was in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia 
and Louisiana. The first heavy engagement in 
which he participated was Stone River, where for 
three days he was under fire. He then rode after 
Bragg eight hundred miles and altogether saw much 



of the varied phases of a campaign. After thirty 
months of service he resigned his commission on 
account of a disease that afflicted him. He wag 
cared for in the camp and for a time given up to 
die by his attending physician, but he recovered, 
although never fully, but is subject to recurrences 
of the attack to this day. 

Upon his return to the North Dr. Kelley re- 
sumed his practice and the drug business in Lyons, 
and here he has remained, adding to his reputation 
and extending his possessions. He has one of the 
finest business buildings in the place, a brick struct- 
ure 24x86 feet with two stories and cellar. In this 
building he now carries a stock of groceries, no- 
tions and wall paper, as well as drugs. He has also 
built the handsomest residence in town, the material 
being variegated sandstone, and the grounds sur- 
rounded by an iron fence; it occupies a command- 
ing situation, whence a fine view of the surrounding 
country is had. Dr. Kelley has owned considerable 
land and several houses in the village, and at Carson 
City he has a third interest in a block that contains 
two stores and a bank. One of the stores is run 
by him and his son-in-law, George W. Cadwell, they 
having purchased the stock of drugs and general 
goods in 1889. The establishment is under the 
personal oversight of Mr. Cadwell. 

In 1837 Dr. Kelley was united in marriage with 
Miss Elizabeth Horton,who departed this life June 
11, 1890. She was a daughter of Joseph Horton 
and was of English lineage. She belonged to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and was universally 
respected by her acquaintances for her fine charac- 
ter, kind-heartedness and womanly acquirements. 
She was the mother of two children — John A. and 
Frances E., wife of G. W. Cadwell. The son was 
formerly engaged in the drug business with his 
father, and as a Union soldier he served from the 
beginning of the war until the close. He was in 
twenty-seven battles and was wounded four times, 
the last occasion being at Stone River, when a ball 
entered the shoulder and passed through the lung 
and down to the middle of the back. It was re- 
moved by his father. The young man was a Lieu- 
tenant and then a Captain. He died in Lyons in 
1877, leaving a widow, formerly ISIiss Margaret S. 
Henderson, daughter of Judge Henderson, of Illi- 



I'OKTRAIT AND 1!I()(; KAl'HICAL ALHUM. 



84 1 



nois, and three children — Hugh D., Bessie M. and 

Nellie J. 

Mr. Cadwell, son-in-inw of Dr. Ki'lley, is .1 na- 
tive of New York and carae West when twelve 
years old. Me has been engaged in mercantile 
pursuits most of liis mature years, and for nine 
years was thus occupied in Portland. Ionia County. 
He went to Carson City in 1888 as csishier of the 
Carson City Bank, but ere many months had 
joined Dr. Kelle^' in their present enterprise. He 
is a man of good business qualifications and excel- 
lent character. 

The professional reputation of Dr. Kelley is an 
enviable one, and his skill and knowledge are held 
at their proi)er valuation. A student from his early 
years, he has not lieen content with the wisdom 
that won him his di|)loma, but h.as read and inves- 
tigated from lime to time and increased his store 
of technical knowledge and ability to di.agnose and 
treat diseases. He is known far and near, respected 
and loved, and numbered among the most worthj' 
citizens, who are active in promoting the prosper- 
ity of the town and elevating the status of its peo- 
ple. He belongs to tbc Masonic order and the Sons 
of Temperance, and always votes the Republican 
ticket. 

r>)ILLIAM BELL. M. D. The village of 
Smyrna, Ionia County, is the home of no 
more intelligent man than Dr. Bell, who is 
carrying on a ver}' successful practice here. The 
profession in which he is engaged is one that taxes 
the energies of man to their utmost capacity and 
calls for a display of judgment uniiaralleled in any 
other pursuit. Whatever mistakes may be made 
in other professions can be rectified, but In this an 
error is so likely to be fatal that moiccarc Is needed 
ill coming to a decision than would otherwise be 
the case. The mftn who can carry on me<llcal work 
successfully during a term of 3'cars is certainly de- 
serving of that which he receives — the grateful 
love of his patients and their friends. 

Dr. Bell is a direct descendant of the distin- 
guished Bell family of .Scotland, and his grand- 
father was William Bell, a civil engineer of con- 



siderable note in that country. The father of the 
doctor was John Bell, who came to the United 
States at the age of twenty-one and entered the 
employ of Hoiiry Howard in Canandaigua. N. Y. 
There he married Amna T. Taylor, subsequently 
removing to Gorham, but later returning to Can- 
andaigua and settling on the beautiful lake of that 
name, at a place subsetpiently known as Bell's 
Point. There he and his wife remained until death, 
she passing away in 1878 and he two years later. 
Their family consisted of six children, named re- 
spectively, Isabella, William. .Fosepli. .Fennie. .John 
and Mar^'. 

William Bell was born May 1. 1844, in the town- 
ship of Gortiam, Ontario County-, N. Y., but s|)ent 
his boyhood on the shores of Lake Canandaigua, 
going to school and working on the farm. Being 
desirious of obtaining a higher education, he hired 
out when fourteen years old and earned monev with 
which to pay his expenses at school. He entered 
the renowned Canandaigua Academj', then under 
charge of Prof. N. T. Clark, Ph. D., an.l finally 
jolne(l the teacher's cl.iss and was graduated at the 
age of eighteen years, after wliich he began teach- 
ing for the purpose of replenishing his funds to the 
end that he might defray his expenses through 
a medical college. 

Dr. Bell was quite young when the Civil War 
began and did not enter the army for some time, 
but in December, 1863, he enlisted in Company H, 
Fourth New York Artillery, for three years or dur- 
ing the war. He went through the campaign led 
by Gen. Grant under the cry of '^011 to Ulchmond" 
and bore the flag of his regiment through Re.im's 
Station. Shortly afterward he wa.s taken sick and 
sent to the hospital; upon convalescence he was ap- 
pointed to a position In a hospital near Washing- 
ton, 1). C, where he remained until the close of 
the war. He then resumed his medical studies un- 
der Dr. J. A. Hawley of Canandaigua, N. Y., grad- 
u.ating in the spring of 1867. 

For sixteen years Dr. Bi-ll carried on a success- 
ful practice in Ills native .State, being located at 
Seneca Castle from 1871 to 1883. During the 
year 1880 he attended medical lectures in New 
York City and again received the degree of Doc- 
tor of Medicine. He came to Smyrna, this .Stale, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



upon leaving Seneca in '83 and spent the follow- 
ing winter in attendance upon a post-graduate 
course of lectures in Cliicago, 111. He was a mem- 
ber of the various medical societies in his native 
State and elsewhere, and he is a medical writer of 
considerable ability, contributing to some of the 
important journals of tlie counlr}'. As his health 
is not rugged he has felt obliged to decline import- 
ant positions which he has thrice been urged to ac- 
cept and to confine liiraself to private practice and 
study. At Detroit June 19, 1878, he was elected 
to permanent membership in the National Eclectic 
Medical Association. At a meeting of the Michi- 
gan State Eclectic Medical and Surgical Society 
held in Jackson May 18, 1887, he was elected Pres- 
ident and was re-elected for a second terra. 

Tiie wife of Dr. Bell was known in her maiden- 
hood as Miss Mary E. Hoppough and their mar- 
riage rites were solemnized in Smyrna June 29, 
1870. She sympat'iizes with him in his intellec- 
tual pursuits, looks carefully after his comfort, and 
has the kindly nature that is manifested in charit- 
able deeds wherever woman's hand is needed. Dr. 
Bell is and .ilways has been a Repul)lican in poli- 
tics. In Ills religious views he goes back to the 
pure and simple faith incalculated by the Divine 
Master himself, disregarding many of tlie dogmas 
formulated by the tlieologians. Intelligent and 
well-read, his conversation is wise and full of wit, 
while his manners are agreeable. Ids temper admir- 
able and liis appearance that of a true gentleman. 



,EV. NORMAN L. OTIS. Few, if any of 
the residents of Montcalm County arc more 
widely known and none more favorably 
than the subject of this biographical no- 
tice. For more than a score and a half of years 
liis home has been on a tract in the western part of 
Bloomer Township, although when he became a 
farmer he did not abandon tlie ministry, in which 
he had been successfully laboring. He was in the 
Methodist itineracy for a number of years, and 
traveled the Bloomer and other circuits carrying 



the gospel me.ssage over the sparsely settled dis- 
tricts. For four years he was pastor of the Con- 
gregational Church at Ithica, Gratiot County, and 
for ten years was pastor of the Congregational 
Church at Crystal, and during all this period lie 
was improving and cultivating his farm in Bloomer. 
He chopped down the first tree on his land and has 
cleared one hundred and forty acres. The prop- 
erty is laid off into fields of convenient size, and he 
has substantial barns, granaries and sheds ample to 
accommodate all his stock, machinery and crops. 
Besides his own residence there are two houses for 
bis help. 

The paternal grandfather of Mr. Otis was a 
Revolutionary soldier and was wounded while 
fighting his country's battles. He cast his first vote 
for AVashington. His maternal grandfather was 
the Rev. Abner Wright, a prominent Scotch Pres- 
bj'terian minister in Canada. His parents were 
Chester and Phebe (Wright) Otis, the former of 
whom was a farmer. They were living in Niagara 
County, N. Y., when the son was born April 12, 
1834. When he was five years of age the family 
came to this State and located in Washtenaw 
County, but after a residence of four years removed 
to Calhoun County, near Albion. There a small 
farm was cleared and there he attended school in 
winter and worked on the farm summers. 

Mr. Otis took an academical course at Albion 
College and then a theological course preparatory' 
to engaging in the ministry. He was oidained at 
the age of twenty-five years and gave his attention 
exclusively to tlie work which he chose until he was 
some thirty-four years old, when he took possession 
of his present farm and divided his time between 
tilling the soil and preaching the gospel. During 
the Civil War he was Chaplain of the Elgiith 
Michigan Cavalry about one year and did much 
as a recruiting oflicer previous to being commis- 
sioned Chaplain. He has been the means of doing 
great good in this part of the country, not only in 
preaching and teaching, but presenting a living 
example of brotherly love, generous-hearted charity 
and Christian faith. He has helped to build 
churches and parsonages, has worked arduously 
for the cause of education, and l)een a stanch ad- 
vocate of temperance. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



843 



In April, 1855, tUe Rey. Mr. Otis was married to 
Klizabuth C Morgan, a native of Al)ertleen, Scot- 
land. Wlicn she canie to America she founii her 
first home in Ashland County, Ohio, and sul)se- 
qiiently came to tiiis State and was living in Hast- 
ings at the time of her raarriago. She died in 
July, 1863. She had borne three children — Clark 
C, Frank and Frederick B., the second of whom 
died in infancy. Clark was born March 6, 1856, 
and is now pastor of the First Congregational 
Church of Springfield, III. Frederick was born 
January 7, 1863, was graduated from Olivet Col- 
lege, and was taking the theological course at Yale 
when he wsis called from time to eternity. He dic<l 
in November, 1889, of hemorrhnge of the lungs. 
He had already preached two summers with marked 
success and gave promise of much usefulness. A 
second marriage was made by the Kev. Mr. Otis in 
the winter of 1864, his bride being Miss .\nn M. 
Copp, of Portville, N. Y.,and daughter of Dr. .1. M. 
Copp. This union has been blessed by a daughter, 
(Jrace, whose natal d.iy was July 12, 1866. She was 
graduated from the State Normal School at Vpsi- 
lanti after completing a literary and scientific 
course of study, and is now teaching in the public 
schools of St. Louis, Gratiot County. 
• Elder Otis is a stanch Republican and has been 
actively engaged in the local work of the part}-, 
usually attending the county conventions as a dele- 
gate, and sometimes going to the State conventions 
in a similar capacity. He has been urged to take a 
nomination for tlie legislature but so far lias de- 
clined. He is an ardent advocate of mental cul- 
ture, combined with physical training, and a strong 
supporter of manual labor and industrial colleges 
for the poor, and is identiTied with every project 
which is instituted for the public good. He is a 
close student and omnivorous reader, taking one 
daily and eight weekly newspapers, and corresponds 
for several of those sheets. In the advancement 
of the cause of education he has been especially in- 
terested, as has been shown by his having helped 
all his own children through colleges havinga high 
standing. Among his personal characteristics is 
the social nature that makes him a happy host, and 
the benevolent spirit that causes him to help those 
who are in need, and his natural kindness of heart 



is deepened by his high moral principles and the 
desire for the salvation of mankind that led liira in 
in early life to enter the christian ministry. His 
friends are scattered far an<l wide, and many are 
Ihey who wish for Heaven's richest blessings upon 
"the farmer clergyman of West Bloomer," as he is 
familiarly known. 



E&^ 



M5KRT Ml'^AI), a farmer of Ionia County, 
owns and occupies a tract of land on sec- 
tion T.Orleans Township, where various 
arrangements have been m.ide for the com- 
fort of the residents. He was born in Cairo, N. Y., 
June 17, 18-18. and is a son of William and Sar.ih 
(Post) Mead. His father was born in Connecticut 
and his mother in or near Cairo. N. Y.. and in the 
latter place their marriage took place in 1847. Mrs. 
Mead w.as a daughter of Samuel H. an<l Selica ( Van- 
tleel) Post. The union was blest by the birth of 
eight children, named respectively, William, Albert, 
Kli/nbctli, Mary, Alice, Kdward, Wealthy and 
Charlie. Wdliam Meail accompanied his parents 
to New York when quite 3'oung and in that .State 
he made his home until 1857, when he came to 
.Michigan. He bought one hundred and ten acres 
of land in Orleans Township, Ionia Count}', but 
afterward disposed of ten acres. He was a cabi- 
net-maker by trade, but gave his attention largely 
to farming. He died .Vugust 4, 1890. His widow 
still occupies the homestead. 

Albert Mead remained with his parents, pursu- 
ing his studies and taking a greater part in the cul- 
tivation of the farm until he was twenty-two years 
of age. Ho then went into the lun)bcr woods, where 
for thirteen years he pursued the arduous life of 
the workers there. In Palo, Montcalm County, in 
1871, he was married to Wealthy Palmer, daughter 
of Joel and Lucy (Wing) Palmer, natives of New 
York. Their wedded life was brief, Mrs. Mead 
being called hence in 1873. .She left a son John, 
who is with his father. 

In Newaygo County the second marriage of Mr. 
Mead was celebrated, his bride being Miss Sarah J. 
Parker. The parents of this estimable lady are 



844 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



William and Jane (Everington) Parker, natives of 
England, who took up their residence in Newaygo 
County in 1862 and still reside there. Mr. Parker 
has been engaged in farming. His children are 
Sarah J„ William, Mary A., Joseph, George, Lucy 
and Annie. Mr. Mead votes the Democratic ticket. 
He pursues his course in life quietly, takinjf no 
part in public affairs, but giving his attention solely 
to his own interests and the simple duties of a good 
citizen. 

-^ ^ J— 



ICAJAH DOUGLASS, the oldest res- 
ident of Ferris Township, Montcalm 
County, and proprietor of one of the finest 
farms in the county, resides on his place 
of three hundred and ninety acres, which is situ- 
ated on sections II, 12, 13 and 14. His father, 
Orlin Douglass, and his grandfather Asa, were 
both natives of Vermont, the latter being a mill- 
wright who removed to Pennsylvania and after- 
ward to New York, living in both Steuben and 
Monroe Counties. He began the practice of medi- 
cine and was one of the best botanical doctors in 
the State, and finally died in Livingston County. 
His father was a Quaker from Scotland. 

The father of our subject was married in Mon- 
roe County, N. Y., and there engaged in cooper- 
ing and farming in Rush Township, but later 
removed to Ontario County. In 1855 be located in 
Virgin Township, Kent County, Mich., where he 
continued farming until he retired from active work 
and died at FalLisburgh at the age of seventy j-ears. 
He was a devoted Quaker, a strong Abolitionist 
and Republican. His wife, Mary Hunt, daughter 
of Nathan, a Massachusetts man and an early set- 
tler in Rensselaer County, N. Y., was born in that 
county and was also of Quaker training and British 
descent. She lived to be almost eighty years old 
and ended her days with her daughter in this 
county. 

The subject of this sketch was born September 
24, 1828, in Rush Township, Monroe Countj', N. Y. 
After he was eight 3'cars old he was denied the 
privilege of school except in winter. Upon reach- 
ing his majority he hired out upon a farm for two 



years and then bouglit a sawmill which he oper- 
ated for two and one-half years after which he 
worked out until the fall of 1854 and coming to 
Michigan entered three hundred and twenty acres 
of Government land in Ferris Township under the 
Graduation Act at sevent\'-five cents an acre. The 
township was one vast forest and not a settler in 
it. He located the second piece of land within its 
bounds and then went back to Fallasburgh and 
worked in the woods during the winter, hoping to 
undertake the subduing of his land in the spring, 
but he was taken sick with the fever and it was not 
until the fall of 1855 that he erected a rude log 
house with a "shake roof upon his land. 

On March 22, 1856, our subject moved into this 
humble home and began clearing his farm. He 
had to go to Ionia with an ox-team when he needed 
flour and provisions. He was considered the best 
shot in the vicinity, and as game was abundant, 
especially deer, he was easily sup|)lied with venison. 
He was active in all matters to promote the growth 
of the township and was one of the petitioners for 
its first township meeting. He has now a spacious 
and commodious dwelling, several barns and other 
large outbuildings for stock, being better supplied 
with outbuildings and wind -mills than any other 
farmer in the township. He breeds standard and 
Hambletonian horses and owns "Mazeppa Chief" a 
horse of fine proportions and well known, having 
taken first money and premiums at fairs. He 
also breeds graded Jerseys and Shropshires and 
full-blooded Poland-China hogs. 

Our subject was married on Christmas Day, 1855, 
to Louisa, daughter of Ebenezer Sherman, who 
was born in Fairport, N. Y.. and died here, leav- 
ing five children. Her eldest, Lydia J., Mrs. F. J. 
Blair, lives at Elm Hall, and was the first white 
child born in Ferris Township; Flora I., Mrs. 
Stephens, of Ferris Township; Nellie A., Mrs. 
James Elliott, died at Elm Hall; Alona M. resides 
at home and Mary died when young. 

Mr. Douglass' second marriage took place in 
Bloomer, March 3, 1872. He was then united with 
Mrs. Melviua Aldrich,a daughter of Royal Jacobs, 
a Vermont merchant and farmer who resided for a 
long while at Dryden, N. Y., and later removed to 
Fulton, 111., and afterward to Savannah and later to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



845 



Morrison. Aftci being a successful merclmnt in 
Illinois he removed to Denver, C'ol., wliere he en- 
gaged in milling and spent his last days. Mrs. 
Douglass' mother. Delight Jacobs, was a native of 
Miissncliusetts an<l died in St. Louis, Mich. Mrs. 
Douglass was born November 24, 183.1, in Dryden, 
Tompkins County. N. Y., and when three years 
old removed to Illinois where she received her 
education and married Amasa Aldrich. By that 
marriage she has throe children — Solon, Amasa and 
Emma D. 

Mr. Douglass was chosen Justice of the I'eace 
and Highw.iy Commissioner at the first election 
following the organization of the township and 
he united in marriage the first couple who were 
ever joined in the township. Two years later 
he became iSupervisor and has held that office 
for about ten years, besides being Township 
Clerk two years and Township Treasurer for sev- 
eral years. He is also Chairman of the School 
Board. He is a Free and Accepted Mason, of the 
Royal Arch Masons, and of the Patrons of Indus 
try and is a demitted member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is a member of 
the Woman's Relief Corps and Eastern Star Lodge, 
and both are active members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Elm Hall. He is a stanch 
Roi)ublican in his politics and repeatedly a delegate 
to county and State conventions and is Chairman 
of the Township Republican Committee. 

\f]AMES F. HAMMELL, a popular citizen of 
Ionia, Ionia County, was born in Brighton, 
Livingston County, 5Iich., August 13, 1859, 
and is the son of James and Mary (O'Hcarn) 
Ilammell, natives of Ireland and New York respec- 
tively. The O'Hearn family were of Irish extrac- 
tion also. In 183C James Hammell came to 
America, and proceeded directly to Michigan, 
where he still resides. His wife |)assed from earth 
March 2, 1871. 

The paren'al family includeil seven children 
whose record is as follows: IVlcr, a farmer of 
Livingston County; Patrick .1., the partner of our 



subject in the tobacco business; William, a farmer 
in Livingston County; Anna, the wife of Edward 
C. Ryan, of Jackson, Mich.; Katie, who married J. 
S. Dunn and resides in Lapeer; James F., our sub- 
ject; and Edward, at home. In his youth our sub- 
ject rceeived a fair education in the common- 
schools, and this he later utilized in teaching, 
whicli profession he followed four terms in Wash- 
tenaw and Livingston Counties. 

In 1881 Mr. Hammell engaged in the grocery 
business in Williamson and was thus employed 
three j'ears, after which he gold goods for the 
wholesale grocers, Beatty, Fitzsimons <t Co., of De- 
troit, for two years. We next find him employed 
as n traveling salesman for the Globe Tobacco' 
Com|>any for three years, and in 1888 he embarked 
in the tobacco business in Ionia. He is still en- 
gaged in this business, in which he has met with 
more than ordinary succsss. In 1890 he put out 
five hundred thousand cigars, of which the princi- 
pal brands are the 'Slim Hammell" and "Hammell's 
Little Drummer." On January 1, 1891, after suc- 
cessfully carrying on the business alone, he formed 
a partnershii) with his brother for the purpose of 
incre.asing the business and expects to keep fifty 
hands busv. 

Mr. Hammell was married August 13, 1883, to 
Miss Eleanor Williams, and to them have been 
born two children, James F., Jr., and George L. 
Mr. Hammell is a Democrat in politics, and is a 
member of various social orders. 



-^^ 



=1^ 



)>; L. BARNES. M. 1)., w.as born in Ionia, 
n/l/ Ionia County, September 3, 1802. and is 
'')f^ the son of Dr. H. B. and Marietta (Lin- 
coln) Barnes. He received a fair education in the 
common schools, and was graduated fiom the Ionia 
High School in 1880. Later he entered the Uni- 
versity' of Kentucky, and from the medical depart- 
ment of that institution was graduated with the 
class of 1884. Returning to his native place he im- 
meiliately opened an office for the practice of his 
profession, and has since continued in the success- 
ful prosecution of the same. 



846 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



On November 24, 1885, Dr. Barnes was united 
in marriage witli Nellie Hackett, the daughter of 
Peter Hackett, and tliey liave a pleasant home in 
Ionia. The Doctor is a Democrat in polities and 
lias been Health Officer of the city since 1884. He 
IS identified with the Masonic fraternity, is a 
Knight Templar, belongs to the Independent Or- 
der of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. 
Religiously he is a member of the First Baptist 
Church. He makes a specialty of the eye, being 
especially skilled in its treatment. He is a member 
of the Michigan State Medical Society, and of the 
Union Medical Society of Northern Michigan. 

Dr. H. B. Barnes, father of our subject, was born 
■in Geauga County, Ohio, August 15, 1834, and is 
the son of the Rev. Silas and Abby Barnes, natives 
of New York. The Rev. Silas Barnes was a minis- 
ter in the Baptist Church and removed to Ohio in 
1832, locating first in Jefferson and later in Char- 
don. In 1839 he came to Michigan, whence after 
preaching for ten years in Shiawassee, he returned 
to Ohio. After conscientiously and successfully 



discharging the duties of several charges there he 
died in Ashtabula County in 1877, having followed 
the ministry about fifty years. Mrs. Barnes died 
in 1886, aged eighty -six j-ears, her death also oc- 
curring in Ashtabula County, Ohio. 

Three of the eight children born to the Rev. Silas 
Barnes and his wife are living, viz.: C. P. and J. 
B., who are engaged in the jewelry business in 
Louisville, Ky. ; and Dr. H. B. The latter at the 
age of nineteen years went to Lake Superior, where 
he worked for a mining company three years. Re- 
turning to Ohio he commenced the study of medi- 
cine with McHenry & Barnes, in Napoleon. He 
studied in Ann Arbor and Louisville, and was 
graduated by the University in the latter city, in 
the medical department, in 1859. After residing 
in Saginaw County, this State, two years he lo- 
cated in Ionia, which he has since made his home. 
He married Marrietta Lincoln, July 18, 1861, aud 
three children were born to them, as follows: W. 
L., of this sketch; O. T., who is studying law in 
Ann Arbor; and Silas H., at home. 








(.^g^it^- i: ; 



Abbpy, Edwin 398 

Adanis, John JS 

Adains, John Q SO 

Adgate, William 413 

Alderman. William avs 

Aldrich, J. A 40B 

Alger, Russell A 173 

Allen, Capt. E. M 6M 

Allen, M.J S13 

Allen, Thomas J 51 1 

Allen, T. R 7(1.1 

Allured. G.H 20B 

Alvord, M. W 457 

Anderson. H.N 387 

Anderson, Lewis 212 

Andrews. William M 717 

Arms, Oeorge W 417 

Arnold, William D fiO» 

Arthur, Chester A 99 

Aufst, W.S 301 



Badger, Samuel W 788 

Boerd. Robert 473 

Bagley, John J 157 

Bailey. Herbert :t9!> 

Baird, S. H fi32 

Baldwin, Henry P 153 

Bancroft, H. W 306 

Bandfleld, T. J 803 

Banton,E. R 524 

Barber, Austin 538 

Barlow.IraW 544 

Barnard, Edward 514 

Barnard, L.J 610 

Barnard, W.8 367 

B»roes,B 602 

Bame«,W. L 845 

Barry, John 8 113 

Bates, William 8 357 

Beach, H.J 412 

Beadle, George E 549 



Begole, Josiah W KW 

Belding, Edward 457 

Bell, Hon. A. F 2V> 

Bell, William, M. I) 8(1 

Bellamy, E. S 597 

Bemis, C". L 787 

Bemis, Prof. W. W 7!l<i 

Beuedict.Hon. J. M 295 

Benodiot, L. N 6.57 

Benedict, O. M 478 

Bonnolt, Johns 7<K) 

Benlley, H. O 7(» 

Berry, K. R 647 

Billinger, Mathias :Kil 

Bingham. Kinsley 8 137 

Bippley, John 328 

Bishop, Noah 322 

Blair, Austin 145 

Blanehard. J.C 77t 

Biucm Ic , Frederick 784 

Blumberg. C. W 4.18 

Blumberg. W. H 544 

Boice, Levi A 743 

Boltc, Rev. Charles (1 315 

Bower. H. L., M. D 489 

Bowser, William R 469 

Braman. Oeorge 408 

Breining. John M 839 

Briggs.A. J 247 

Broas,Levi 508 

Brooks, William 619 

Brower. Francis S 348 

Brown. C. E 402 

Brown, DavidJ 827 

Brown, Eno^'h 567 

Bn>wn. Hiram N 297 

Brown. John M 483 

Brown, William 388 

Buchanan, James 76 

Bunlielt, L. K 806 

Burhans, W. V 470 

Butler, Betsey P 372 

Buttolph, Judson 554 



Call. A. T 

Carbough, William. 



Case, Chnunccy 195 

Chase, Frank R, 693 

Chasc.J.M 677 

Cheney, Ellsha T 282 

Cheney, H. J 368 

Clark. Frank W 600 

Clark. George F 6(9 

Clark, H.C 604 

Clark, J. H 44i 

Clark, J. H 289 

Clark. Norman 541 

Cleveland, .S. Grover 10:1 

Clizbe, W.D 432 

Coburn.H. 793 

Coe, William H 592 

Coleman. D. E 648 

Coleman , Eli A 631 

ColwelI.E. F 613 

Comden,Rev. A.J 251 

Complon. Rev. John 781 

Conner, J. 0.,M. D 386 

Ctmncr.Thom.'us 621 

Conner, Virgi 1 O 380 

Coimer, William J 468 

Conry . James M 200 

Converse, Mrs. M 769 

Coo ley, J. E 684 

Cooper, Oeorge S 745 

Cornell, Key, A 830 

Courier. J. Watson 234 

Cowan, William .S 440 

Cowles, Charles S 346 

Crane, A. A 405 

Crapo, Henry H 149 

Crawford. B. B 671 

Croswell. Chark» M 1(>1 

Crotser, L. 8., M. D 681 

Currie, Washington 517 

Curtis, M.E 765 

Curtiss, Sheldon R 427 

Cuteheon, L. F 743 



Daniels, N. R 706 

Daniels, Thomas 361 

Da.«er. Josophus .179 

Pavcnport.O. W 461 



Davis, Samuel 420 

Ve Oraw, William 729 

DeHart, W. A 829 

He Lcmg, James B 668 

IhMiiorest . C. L 231 

Densinore. C. E 492 

Dick. John 712 

Dickason, Isaac 34K 

Dikline, Daniel Ml 

Dinsmore, (ieorge 669 

Dodge, H. W 816 

Dotlson. Philip 229 

Dodge, P.S 508 

Diilph, Charles L 768 

Dolph.L. H 491 

Dolph. N. J 802 

Dorenuis, Frank E 898 

Dougliuss, (Kfirge 194 

llouKla-ss. M 844 

Drake, James B 479 

Diirkee, CM 702 

Dutt, Philip 596 



Eschliman. David 719 

Eildy , Peleg 40S 

Eitclbiiss. J. J 764 

Eldrc<t. O. J 8118 

Ellison, Jonathan 266 

Ellsworth, 8. L. 540. 

English, David H 601 

English, Jude C 687 

Er»lman,F. W 196 



Fargo, Jerome 773 

Faude, G. F 442 

Fclch, Alpheus 117 

Fellows. P. J 447 

Ferguson. Lewis H 639 

Feucrstein, Kaspar 620 

Fillmore, Millard 67 

Finch. Si las 731 

Flsk, Frank 410 



INDEX. 



Fisk, M. J (53J 

Ford.C.H ;.'"573 

Fortune. John W 232 

Foster, John J j(5 

F.Hilks, Mrs. Jane 'J37 

F"X,I>.B 5,K, 

Fox. Anthony ; . . . 397 

Fo.\, Matthew H 325 

I- "race, Henry -2.^0 

French, A. S 3,^0 

Fiirney, Moses 067 



(HO 



. Am 



^■■■^ie.lhi»l SJI 

Oamber, W. P. , M . D 477 

(lardner, Joseph 748 

Oardner, yidney 7)1; 

Gardner, Thomas 7-20 

Gardner, William H 820 

Garfield, James A 9,15 

Gates, Uavid gn-j 

Gates, Elias 432 

Gates, Z 339 

G.-.sler, A. E., M. D 310 

Gibbs, J. H 311; 

Oibbs, L. H '....ma 

Gibbs, Samuel A 6''9 

""«"".!> '.sis 

Gillord, E.P 

Gilloo.C.C .'.'.'.' „„., 

Oillmore, N. H 290 

Goble, ElielT -29^ 

Gooilwin, Levi (J 79I 

Goolthritc, Osear 3fi2 

• iould, Nathan F 307 

Gould, Keuben .3(51 

(irabill, E. F 37,; 

(Jranl, A,B.,M. D P91 

Grant, Ulysses S 87 

^Xe'-'n.D.H '..'fag 

Green, H. R jjO 

Greenhoe, A. J 37I 

Greenly, William L 121 

•■•ri.ir, Sidney (,27 

Gunn, I.saae B .377 

Gunn, J.S (j(;3 



Hai-kett. Uernaril 5r,| 

Ilai^-ht.S.. .. ' •«■• 

"•^'•-.A.J 'IZ'.'.'.'.'}i7t 

i fa le, ( 'harlcs \V 28(1 

Gall, Abner 380 

Hair, Arthur N. !....!...'.".!.. a'.i 
Hall, Benjanun. .. 75(3 

Hall, Henry J '.'.''.'.'.[.[m 

Hall, Joshua S 4-2^ 

Hall.L. E ..!.617 

Hall, Thomas 347 

Hallett, John W ..'099 

Hanunell, J. P jlj 

Handy, LuUier \\-L 



Hanks, W.H 

Harding, William.. 
Harrinjiton. J. X).... 
Harrison, Benjamin 

Harrison, William Henry 6) 

Hart.B. F sij 

Harter, Benjamin 798 

Harter, Harvey 799 

Hart well, U. e" ^o 

HartweII,Mrs. J. E 4.'i9 

Hartwell, Thomas O 588 

Harwood. Isaac 5t;o 

Hathaway, Dr. J. M 817 

Hatinger, J. J g9o 

Hawley, Hon. W 817 

Hayes, Bert 7:53 

Ha.yes, N. B 275 

Hayes, Rutherford B 91 

Haynor, Isaac B g97 

Hazelitt,J. M 4no 

Heath, V. S 701 

Hendee.O.P 530 

Hess, B. E. , M. D 286 

Heydlauir, W. F .....713 

Hodge, John N .340 

Holeomb, A. J 457 

Holcomb, Benoni 783 

Holeomb, J. S 'i.'esli 

Holland, Charles H 281 

Holland, George 573 

Holland, Henry 804 

Holmes, L. L 493 

Hoople, Alvin .501 

Hoople. E 7J8 

Hoover, Oliver fisti 

Hopkins, N. P 487 

Hopkins, Warren 822 

Hoppough, Frank 591 

Hoppough, George 199 

Hosford, George 471 

Host'ord, S. O 030 

Iloasemau, C. L 277 

Howard, William H 372 

Hoy.R. w „(„■; 

Hoyt, D. T 

Hull, H. F 

Hull, William E .317 

Humphrey, R. J., M. D 531 

Hunt, Abram (J23 

Hunter, Q. H .228 

Hutchins, Dewitt C 24D 

Hutchinson, Gen. F. S 435 

Hyde, Georges 308 



. ...491 



Jackson, Andrew 43 

Jackson, Thomas E 209 

Jacobus, Joseph S .178 



Jefferson,' Thomas 27 

Jenison, C. O., M. D 733 

Jepson, Charles 399 

Jerome, David H 105 

Jewell, Rev. David A .305 

Johosou, Andrew gj 

Johnson, Thomas 2O8 

Jones, William B T>^ 

Joslin,C.W '.[['.'.'.['..eil 

Jourdan, James 246 

Just, J. E •)•« 



Keefer, William 512 

Keller, John 271 

Kelley, D., M. D. .840 

Kellogg,R.M ...!.. ....'727 

Kelsey,E.P 75; 

Kidd, Gen. J. H ' [335 

Kilborn, David im 

Kimball, SH 390 

Kimberly, Clayton 569 

King, George 812 

Kirtland,"John, W., M. D 367 

Klotz, John W 775 

Knapp, O. J 532 

Knapp, Thomas D 412 

Knapp, Z. B 488 

Koutz,Noah D 589 



Lampkin, William 4,';7 

Lee, Chadwick A .379 

Lee, Hiram N 341 

Lepard, Daniel 20I 

Le Valley, Eri 419 

Le Valley, In F 551 

Lincoln, Abraham 79 

Little, Andrew 730 

Locke, W'. H 509 

Long, P. 691 

Loomis, Samuel 257 

Lott, Joseph 793 

Louks, Henry 799 

Loveland, Levi W 249 

Lovell, Hon. Louis S 452 

Lovewell, Wallace 735 

Lowrey,B.J 482 

Luce, Cyrus Gray 177 

Lung, C. W 571 

Luz, Christian 32s 

Lyon, R. G 710 



M 



Mackay,R. E 479 

Macomber, Allen 472 

Madison, James 31 



Marsh, Henry 8.34 

Martin, A. M., M. D .,329 

Mason, D.B "gjj 

Mason, Stephen T ..'.'.'.' '.jo', 

Mather, Amos R 714 

Mather, N. w iti 

Mathews, William ' . .302 

Mathison, George 512 

Mattison, D. J ,jgj, 

Mattison.W. H 236 

Mayes, Walter '.' '. ' " '^ 

Maynard, A. W [[ ...Z'iS 

Maynard, John J ..4.'>o 

McClelland, Robert 129 

McClelland, W. H .280 

McCormick, Alva 270 

McCrumb, M. L .' ' ,328 

Mcintosh, H. J ..267 

MeKendry, Robert .444 

McKune, William W . . 528 

McQuillin, John '..'.' ''207 

Mead, Albert 843 

Millard, Charles. .'(jfio 

Millard, Lcander '..(j7o 

Millard, Rev. D. E ...rm 

Miller, Abraham "274 

Miller, B.G .....292 

Miller, John F 7'>3 

Milligan, William .'. .7.^5 

Milne, James .xi.^ 

Minard, George H ..7(ii 

Miuard, S. T .490 

Miner, Horace F 331 

Miner, M.J ' OV) 

Mitchell, W. p ' . 7i;3 

Mouroe, James 35 

Moon, Abe L 770 

Moon, Frank L .H05 

Moon, W. H i9'> 

Moreheai], D. B 4i;s 

Morehouse, A. F ;,-,-; 

Morris, George 792 

Morrison , John E 5,52 

Mor.se, A. B ofiS 

Mor.se, Grant M 810 

Mor.se, J. D 4;,7 

Mosher, L. J 527 

Mulholl.and, D 74,; 

Murphy, Edward .5,37 

Murphy, E. A '.'.8.30 

Murray, Edward s09 

Musselmaii, John K 4,s4 

Myers, D. W .5-1, 



Nichols, A. W., M. D. . . : 779 

Nelson, Judge Francis 406 

Newman, Almeron 29J 

Newman, James E. .■ 737 

Newman, ,Iohn 6 7.38 

Newton. George A 732 

Noah, William "3^5 

Noble, J. C 577 

Nolan , Nicholas (jig 

Nolty, William ''\.>f: 



INDEX. 



North, E.W ^87 

Nort h way , Cliarles 807 

Nuiniiier, George C 278 



ol.iistea.l, M. V .wi 

Dlnistcd, L. N B»3 

Orlli, Fnil (;;<) 

Otis, Anion 022 



Valnier, Oeorge W n^ 

Parker, Mrs. Elizabeth 611 

Parsons, Andrew 133 

Patrick , Frederick 202 

Patterson, William !>7S 

Pcake, J. W 533 

Pcnnin;;ton, W. D 211 

Peoples, John 38,5 

Percival, \V. J 2fil 

Pettcrson, C. C 500 

Pettit, George 2,'i'l 

Phelps, G. F .SS3 

Phillips, G. A 757 

Phillips, Mrs. S 811 

Fii-kell, Edson 715 

Pierce, Franklin 71 

Place, William D 593 

Polk,JaniesK 5!( 

Porter, Edwin 400 

Porter, N. A 262 

Pott*, Ge<irge A 2flfi 

Powell, E. R (lot 

Powell, Joseph P SOB 

Pratt. Aaron B 320 

Pratt, Elijah '. 647 

I'lvstel. John W 7s« 

Prc-ston, B. II -Ill 

Preston , t', A . . . 226 

Price, W. H 715 

Pnibawco, Benjaiiihi 330 * 

Punly, John R 312 



Kanisey, John 507 

Ransom, Epapliroilitii-s 125 

Kathbuii, Ransom 197 

Kei-tor, Simeon <i9r> 

Reed, George A 710 



Regis, Tliomas 391! 

Itomington, William M 299 

Ren wick, John T 298 

Reynolds, D. A 692 

Rice, Corydon 272 

Rice, N. B .V20 

Rich, Abijah 520 

Rich. H.,11. Hampton 2-15 

Richards, E. A 237 

Ring, Arnion J 375 

Roach, N 74y» 

Roiusch, .lowph 550 

Robb,C.H 381 

Robbins, J. J 198 

Robertson , Duncan 480 

Robinson, Flon. J. W 829 

Roell,L..S 521 

Rosokrans, A 6<i9 

Ross, Jay 518 

Ruel, J. H 831 

Runisey, C. J am 



Saekctt , Hiram 672 

Sage, JaiiH's A 455 

Sage, William W 529 

Sagendorf , Jerome 531 

Sampson, B. B 510 

Samain William L 502 

Sanders, C. G 762 

Satterlee, O. S 456 

Sawdy , Calvin 608 

Scoville, L. A 217 

Schultz, B. F 833 

Searing, C. A 241 

Shaw,AsherC 7!)7 

Shaw, Spencer L 711 

Shires, Alford 523 

Shotwell, Levi 392 

Showerman, L. E 219 

Showerni.an, O. V 741 

SInnker, Myron 279 

Slcmons, James 3;|8 

Smith, A, a 833 

Smith, Chester, M. V 431 

Smith, L. A 785 

Smith, M. 1 835 

Smith, N. E 790 

Smith, Thimias E ,570 

Smith , Hon. V. H 225 

Smith, William P .337 

Sncathcn, I". D 222 

Slid I. George A 608 

Snell, Jacob 397 

Snyder, George W., M. D. . . .385 

Somers, Charles P 828 

Sorenson, L. P 772 

Soule, H 514) 



Soulc, L. B 7(j7 

Spragne, Alexander 336 

Sprague. Austin 269 

Spencer, W. E 289 

Staley, W. A ..2911 

Stanbro, Ransom 483 

St.innanl, Hon. A. 8 675 

SUnton, G. W 676 

Slondnian, Thomas A 696 

SIchbiiis, ( irren 260 

Stebbins, S. M .312 

Steele, William 802 

Storm. John 282 

Story, W.S 689 

Stoudt, Daniel 673 

Stowell, Samuel 259 

Strachan , George 1 653 

Strong, A. W 747 

Strong, E. F 321 

Summers, J. G 644 



Tafi, Frank 2|n 

Taylor, J. C 602 

Taylor. P. H 445 

Tay lor, Thomas 744 

Tay lor, Zaehary 63 

Tcbbel, W. R 503 

Thacher, I. E 612 

Thomas. Thomas 351 

Thoni|>son, CO 285 

Thom|>son, D. L 400 

Tibbits, J 415 

Tingley, Henry G 717 

Totlen, Dr. James 217 

Tower, O. S 758 

Tower, Cismond 768 

Tower,R.J 230 

Town, M. E 420 

Town, Simon 462 

Towiisend, Joseph .Too 

Townsend, O. C 3J0 

Townacnd, S. M 268 

Townsend, Stewanl 579 

Tntlenick, James 449 

Trema.vnc, H 811 

Tucker, George W 355 

Turubull. Adam S 578 

Tutlle, Almon 619 

Tyler, Isaac E S6S> 

Tyler, .lohn 55 



Van Bens<-holi-n, H. I,. 
Van Kurcn,Uartin 



Vance, Emerson 426 

Van Uew, V. C., M. D 658 

Van Vl,-,k r,-ter ... '>20 



\\ 



Waelw, P. A .jio 

Wallington, Riclmnl 227 

Washington, George 19 

Watcrbury , Orry . . 748 

Waters, Levi 238 

Watt, S. A 448 

Webber, Gi-orgo W ]9i 

Weekes, Augustus R Tjg 

Welch. S.K 218 

Welch, Thomas 474 

Weinp, W. M.,M. D .599 

White, Edwin 539 

While, George W 707 

While. Mrs. A. E 8:16 

White, William 319 

Whitmore, Peter 473 

Whittlesey, W. S. Qta 

Whorley, Jacob 706. 

Wickes, A. C sn 

Wickes. George P 3|g 

Wickes, James L 210 

Wilbur. S. J 7<.6 

Wilco.\, A. R 327 

Willett, Hon. A. M 7n 

Willett.G. A 819 

Williams, Hon. Albert 216 

Williams. Hon. E. R 2(15 

Williams, J. O 837 

Willi.ims, W. W 784 

Wilson, A. O 674 

Wils<»n, J. S .Ma 

Wilson, Rev. William J 561 

Winaiis, Etiwin B 181 

Wisner, Mo.ses 141 

Woodbridge, William 109 

Woodman, B. F 706 

WoiKlman. I). W x» 

Won'cster. Im N , 808 

Wright. CassT (JM 

Wright , Charles C 276 

Wright. Elienczer 297 

Wright. G.J tm 

Wurster. George 770 



Veonians, Hon. S. A 652 

Voungman. (Jeorge C 806 

VounL-inanS. J C7« 



INDEX. 




■-^-+^^&^=4-M-^- 



A.dams, John -^ 

Adams. John Q ^ 

Alger, Kussell A 1''^ 

Arthur, Chester A 98 

Bagley.John J 15« 

Baldwin, Henry V 152 

Barry, John S. H* 

Begole, Josiah W 1«« 

Bell,A.F 254 

Bellamy, E.S B» 

Benedict, J. M "•'9* 

Berry, E.R "^1 

Bingham, Kinsley S 13t> 

Blair, Austin I*'' 

Bolte, Kev. Charles 3H 

Brown Enoch ^tjfi 

Buchanan, James 74 

Cleveland, S. Grover 10-2 

Crapo, Henry H MS 

Crane, A. A 404 

Croswell, Charles M Ififl 

Felch, Alpheus 1 1 H 



Fillmore, Millard IX 

Foster, John J 344 

Fox, Mathew 344 

Gamber, W. P 476 

GarDeld, J. A 94 

Grant, U.S 86 

Greenly, William L 120 

Groff , Sydney .'.... fi26 

Hall, Joshua S 422 

Hall, Mrs. J. S 423 

Hanks, Wilhani H I'flfi 

Hayes, R.B 90 

Harrison, Benjamin lOCi 

Harrison, W. H BO 

Holcomb, A. J 4(54 

Holcomb, Mrs. A.J 465 

Hopkins, N. P 486 

Hutchinson, Gen. F. S 4:U 

Jackson, Andrew 42 

Jefferson, Thomas 2ii 

Jerome, David H 1C4 



Johnson, Andrew 82 

Jewell, Rev. D. A :)04 

Just, Josiah E 234 

Kidd, James H 334 

Lincoln, Abraham 78 

Luce, Cyrus Gray 1 76 

Madison, James 30 

Mason, Stephen 104 

McClelland, Robert 128 

Minard, George H 760 

Monroe, James 34 

Morehouse, A. F 556 

Morse, Allen B 201 

Morse, J.D 496 

Mosher, L. J. B26 

Nichols, A. W 778 

Noah, William 364 

Noble, J. C 576 

Parsons, Andrew 132 

Pierce, Franklin 70 

Polk. J. K 58 

Powell, Joseph P 394 



Pratt. Elijah 546 

Ramsey, John 506 

Ransom , Epaphroditas 124 

Rich, Hampton 244 

Bosekrans. A 666 

Rosekrans, Mrs. A 667 

Sage, James A 4&4 

Showerman, O. V 740 

Smith, Vernon H 221 

Snyder, George W 384 

Taylor.P.H 4« 

Taylor, 2^chaiy 62 

Thompson, CO... 284 

Tucker, George W 354 

Tyler, John &4 

Van Buren, Martin 46 

Washington, George IS 

Webber, George W 190 

Williams, Albert 214 

Williams, E. R 264 

Winans, Edwin B 180 

Wisner, Moses 140 

Woodbridge, William 108 




Barnard, Edward 515 

Benedict, L.N 655 

Carbough, William 585 

Coleman, Eli A 635 

Cooley, J. E 685 

Currie, Washington 515 



Durkee.C. M 703 

English, J. C 685 

Ferguson, Lewis H tX> 

Gardner, Joseph 749 

Gardner, Thomas 721 

Hall, L. E 615 



Handy, Luther 635 

Hoover, Oliver 685 

Howard, W.H 373 

Miller, John F 721 

Murphy, E 535 

North, E. W 585 



Parker, Elizabeth 615 

Ring, A. J 373 

Waterbury , Orry 749 

Whorley, Jacob 703 

Wright, Cass T 655 



I 



